In an unprecedented triumph, the UAE claimed their biggest cricket victory on home turf by toppling New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium. Igniting history, the UAE became the first associate nation to conquer the Kiwis, ranked third in the world. Even as New Zealand had graced the T20 World Cup final on this very ground during their last UAE tour, their aura was dimmed by the resolute UAE squad. With youthful vigor, the UAE took charge of the game and cruised to a sensational seven-wicket win with over four overs to spare, leaving cricket fans awestruck.
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While the UAE has played in front of larger audiences during events like the Asia Cups, World Cups, and matches against cricket-enthusiastic Nepal, this might just have been their most spirited home support ever. Although the Dubai International Stadium’s grandeur might have diluted the impact, a highly commendable turnout, well into the four figures, graced the stands. And the roars of approval were loudest for the home team. Remarkably, the cheers flowed in both directions, fostering a good-natured ambiance.
Opting to field after winning the toss for the second consecutive game, the UAE demonstrated brilliance with the ball once more. Mohammed Jawadullah took charge, setting the tempo both at the beginning of his spell and by fighting through pain to maintain their dominance. The left-arm bowler, who moonlights as an electrician in Al Ain, stepped in for Junaid Siddique, the senior fast bowler in the squad. He dismissed Tim Seifert, New Zealand’s leading scorer from the previous game, inexpensively.
Despite needing on-field treatment twice for what seemed to be a calf injury, Jawadullah persevered to complete his four-over quota, reaping impressive figures of 2-16. He formed a seamless partnership with another young left-hander, Aayan Khan, who, although not even 18 until mid-November, played his 35th international match. Operating within the powerplay and completing his spell by the ninth over, Khan secured three wickets, finishing with 3-20. This display of poise was extraordinary for a 17-year-old facing off against one of the world’s premier teams.
Even though Mark Chapman put up a fight with a top score of 63, the home team managed to contain the visitors at 142-8. Similar to the series opener, their optimism at the start of their chase was swiftly dampened. Tim Southee initiated with a wicket-maiden, skillfully dismissing Aryansh Sharma, who had shone as UAE’s standout performer just two nights earlier, with a spectacular catch at slip by Jimmy Neesham.
Muhammed Waseem and Vriitya Aravind responded adeptly, rebuilding with a 40-run partnership for the second wicket. A standout moment was Aravind’s graceful clip that sent Kyle Jamieson’s delivery soaring into the backward square leg stands. A visible sign of New Zealand’s unease, Jamieson offered a pointed glare at Aravind when dismissing him later that over. In a twist of fate, Aravind managed to guide the ball off the edge of his bat onto the top of his off-stump.
Waseem kept up the momentum, achieving his half-century in just 27 balls after being dropped on 41 by Ben Lister off Cole McConchie. His fiery 55-run innings featured four towering sixes. Though Waseem fell two deliveries after reaching his fifty, smacking a total of four sixes in his 55-run inning, the UAE’s determination was unwavering. Even without their captain, they surged ahead. Asif Khan and Basil Hameed drove them to victory with a flurry of boundary hits, accompanied by thunderous cheers from the crowd.
