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Bangladesh kick off a two-match T20I series against UAE in Sharjah, with the first game scheduled for Saturday at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The hosts enter the contest with growing confidence after recent domestic tournament success, while Bangladesh aim to rebuild their white-ball reputation after a disappointing World Cup campaign and an away series loss to India. Despite UAE’s home advantage and strong form in regional competitions, Bangladesh hold the psychological edge having never been defeated by UAE in T20Is. With both teams bringing contrasting strengths — UAE’s aggressive batting line-up and Bangladesh’s experienced bowling attack — this series promises thrilling cricket under the lights of Sharjah.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | UAE vs Bangladesh, 1st T20I |
| Date | Saturday, 17 May 2025 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE |
| Time (IST) | 7:30 PM |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
| Series | 2-Match T20I Series |
| Toss Impact | Batting First Advantage |
Team Previews
United Arab Emirates Preview
UAE have shown significant improvement in T20 cricket, especially evident from their recent triumph in the Gulf T20I Championship 2024/25, where they won four out of five matches and lifted the title. Muhammad Waseem will lead from the front as captain and opener, coming off a strong tournament where he scored 221 runs at a strike rate of 148. Asif Khan and Rahul Chopra are also in form, giving UAE a solid middle order.
In bowling, Simranjeet Singh provides control and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, while Muhammad Jawadullah and Dhruv Parashar offer pace and consistency. The team lacks experience against top-tier sides but has the potential to spring a surprise if the batters fire early.
Bangladesh Preview
After a tough run in international cricket, including a winless World Cup and a whitewash in India, Bangladesh bounced back impressively with a 3-0 clean sweep over West Indies at home. Litton Das leads the side confidently and is expected to be key in setting the tone. Top-order batters like Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, and Jaker Ali provide depth and aggression.
The bowling department is led by Mustafizur Rahman, whose mastery of variations makes him dangerous in the death overs. Youngsters like Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain bring energy and spin options, while Hasan Mahmud adds pace and bounce. If Bangladesh execute their plans consistently, they should dominate this series.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match – In Table
| Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Stronger bowling unit, more T20I experience, and a dominant head-to-head record. They’ve handled pressure better in big matches and have a balanced squad capable of adapting to Sharjah conditions. UAE may struggle against Mustafizur and Hasan Mahmud unless their top order fires. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Litton Das | WK-Batter | Bangladesh |
| Parvez Hossain Emon | Batter | Bangladesh |
| Muhammad Waseem | Batter/Captain | UAE |
| Asif Khan | Batter | UAE |
| Jaker Ali | Batter | Bangladesh |
| Mahedi Hasan | All-Rounder | Bangladesh |
| Rishad Hossain | Bowler | Bangladesh |
| Simranjeet Singh | Bowler | UAE |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bowler | Bangladesh |
| Hasan Mahmud | Bowler | Bangladesh |
| Dhruv Parashar | Bowler | UAE |
Explanation
This fantasy XI balances value and performance potential. Litton Das and Muhammad Waseem are top picks for opening fireworks. Jaker Ali and Asif Khan have shown consistent form. Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud are ideal for points in the death overs. Simranjeet Singh and Rishad Hossain can chip in with vital wickets in the middle overs. Dhruv Parashar and Mahedi Hasan offer all-round value.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – Explosive opener, high-scoring potential, and likely to bat through the innings.
- Vice-Captain: Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) – Reliable wicket-taker, excellent economy, and impactful death bowler.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy
- Alishan Sharafu (UAE) – Inconsistent performer, struggles against quality bowling.
- Towhid Hridoy (BAN) – Unsettled in the middle order, limited T20I experience.
Team Squads
UAE Squad
- Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Aryansh Sharma, Chirag Suri, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Naveed, Muhammad Usman, Rahul Chopra (wk), Sanchit Sharma, Simranjeet Singh, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Zahoor Khan
Bangladesh Squad
- Litton Das (c & wk), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Yasir Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Anamul Haque, Nurul Hasan Sohan (wk)
Probable Playing XI
| UAE | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (c) | Litton Das (c & wk) |
| Alishan Sharafu | Parvez Hossain Emon |
| Asif Khan | Tanzid Hasan |
| Rahul Chopra (wk) | Towhid Hridoy / Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Aryansh Sharma | Jaker Ali |
| Dhruv Parashar | Shamim Hossain |
| Muhammad Jawadullah | Mahedi Hasan |
| Simranjeet Singh | Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
| Sanchit Sharma | Rishad Hossain |
| Muhammad Zuhaib | Mustafizur Rahman |
| Matiullah Khan | Hasan Mahmud |
Pitch Report
The Sharjah pitch is known for being a balanced surface that supports both batters and bowlers. It offers good carry for seamers early on, while spinners usually come into play later. Dew can become a factor in the second innings, making chasing slightly more challenging. The average first-innings score here is around 151, but teams batting first often target totals above 170 to put pressure on the opposition.
Toss Prediction
Batting first is preferred at Sharjah due to the dew factor affecting the chase. Teams winning the toss are likely to opt to set a target and make use of the early powerplay.
Winner Prediction
Bangladesh are clear favorites to win the first T20I. Their superior experience, stronger bowling attack, and positive head-to-head record give them the upper hand. While UAE may put up a fight, especially with the bat, Bangladesh’s depth and match-winning abilities across departments make them the team to back.
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