Emon's record-breaking ton and pace trio fire Bangladesh to series lead

Parvez Hossain Emon smashed his maiden international century while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud and Mustafizur Rahman combined for a decisive pace performance as Bangladesh secured a 27-run win over the UAE in the opening T20I on Saturday.

Sent in to bat at Sharjah, Bangladesh posted 191 for seven, built almost entirely around Emon's blistering 100 off 53 balls. His innings featured nine sixes – the most by a Bangladeshi in T20Is – along with five fours. Though Bangladesh lost momentum in the second half of their innings, Emon's knock gave them more than enough to defend.

The 22-year-old left-hander reached his fifty off 28 balls with three fours and five sixes, then accelerated to his hundred in another 25. He was bowled the very next delivery, but by then he had already broken the national record for most sixes in a T20I innings.

Bangladesh had shuffled their opening combination, promoting Tanzid Hasan Tamim to partner Emon. Tamim got off to a quick start but was dismissed for 10 in the second over. Captain Litton Das made a breezy 11 before top-edging a pull. At 55 for two after the powerplay, Bangladesh seemed on course for a big score.

Emon and Towhid Hridoy stitched together a 58-run stand, but the UAE struck back with regular wickets. Mehedi Hasan (2), debutant Zakir Ali Anik (13), and Shamim Hossain (6) fell cheaply, and Bangladesh were reeling at 156 for six in the 17th over.

Emon received a dramatic lifeline when he was caught for 84 off a no-ball. He made full use of the reprieve, going on to complete his century before falling on the next legal delivery. Tanvir Islam remained unbeaten on 1, while Mohammad Jawadullah starred with the ball for UAE, taking four for 21.

UAE's reply began explosively. After a quiet first over, Mehedi Hasan was hit for 19 in the second, and Tanzim's opening over cost 14. The hosts powered to 38 without loss in three overs, with captain Mohammad Waseem leading the charge.

Hasan Mahmud made the breakthrough, removing Mohammad Zohaib for 9 in the fourth over, before Mustafizur dismissed Alishan Sharafu. Yet the UAE were still well placed at 52 for two after six overs.

Waseem and Rahul Chopra added 62 in double-quick time, as Rahul punished Hasan Mahmud for three boundaries and a six in an over. Waseem reached his fifty off 32 balls, and at 98 for two after 10 overs, the match was hanging in the balance.

Tanzim turned the game in Bangladesh's favour by bouncing out Waseem for 54 in the 11th over. The hosts began to lose momentum, though Asif Khan threatened with a blistering 42 off 21 balls.

Hasan Mahmud came back to claim two more scalps, ending with figures of three for 33. Mustafizur (two for 17) and Tanzim (two for 22) also finished strongly, while Mehedi ended with an expensive two for 55. UAE were eventually bowled out for 164 on the final ball of the innings.

It was a satisfying performance for Litton Das in his first match back as full-time T20I captain. Mustafizur, meanwhile, signed off with a sharp display before heading back to the IPL. Bangladesh now lead the series 1–0 heading into the final match.