Emon smashes record century as Bangladesh post 191 against UAE

Bangladesh's opening match against the UAE in Dubai turned into a showcase of clean hitting as Parvez Hossain Emon announced himself with a blistering maiden T20I hundred — the fastest ever by a Bangladeshi in the format — to help his side post 191 for 7.

Emon's 53-ball century was packed with audacity and flair. The left-hander cleared the ropes nine times — a new national record for most sixes in a T20I — and struck five boundaries in an innings that lit up the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

With regular reshuffles in the top order, Emon was handed the chance to open alongside Tanzid Hasan Tamim, as Liton Das moved down and Soumya Sarkar missed out. The unfamiliar pair began with urgency, Tamim hitting a four and six in the first over before falling for 10.

Emon started cautiously but found his rhythm quickly, launching a third-over assault that signalled his intent. Liton, who joined him at the crease, chipped in briefly before departing for 11. At the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh stood at 55 for 2.

By the eighth over, Emon was in full flow, smashing three sixes off Sanchit Sharma to drive the score to 82. He brought up his half-century from just 28 balls — his first at international level — and continued to find the fence regularly.

Despite the loss of wickets at the other end, including Towhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Emon stayed composed. Jaker Ali Anik offered brief support before falling for 13 in the 16th over, but the momentum kept building.

Emon looked to have been dismissed for 84 before being recalled due to a no-ball. He capitalised on the reprieve by reaching his hundred — becoming the fastest Bangladeshi to do so in T20Is — and finally fell for 100, having hit nine sixes and five fours.

Bangladesh closed on 191 for 7 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Jawadullah was the pick of the UAE bowlers with four wickets.