Dew and fielding cost us, says Liton after UAE upset

Bangladesh suffered a two-wicket defeat to the UAE in the second T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The hosts chased down a daunting 205-run target to secure their first-ever win over Bangladesh in a high-scoring thriller.

UAE held their nerve in a dramatic final over to level the three-match series 1-1.

Bangladesh captain Liton Das pointed to the conditions as a major factor behind the loss.

"Any loss is hard, but we still batted well on this wicket. Wicket was pretty good, when they batted, they had the favour of dew," said Liton at the post-match presentation. "We missed a bit in the fielding and in the middle-overs bowling. When you play on this type of ground, which is small and with dew a factor, you have to calculate and plan (as bowlers)."

He also admitted his own performance and that of key bowlers needed improvement.

"What Rana did before (his final over), we were expecting more from him. You can have good days and bad days. We will sit and talk and come back. (On his innings) What I did is not up to the mark but I will try my best."

The match turned when UAE captain Muhammad Waseem took center stage with a blistering 82 off just 42 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes. His knock laid the platform, but his dismissal with 58 runs still required could have swung momentum back to Bangladesh. Instead, UAE's lower order showed composure and resilience.

From No. 7 downwards, every UAE batter cleared the ropes at least once, with Dhruv Parashar holding his nerve in the tense final over. The decisive moment came when Haider Ali struck a free hit for the winning runs off Tanzim Hasan on the penultimate ball. A misfield and a delayed throw from Towhid Hridoy allowed Haider and Matiullah Khan to complete the match-sealing two runs.

"I have no words. I am very happy we beat Bangladesh. Very happy with the performance," said a jubilant Waseem, who was named player of the match. "I was giving hope to everyone that we can chase this score because we know the conditions (here)."

Looking ahead to the decider, Waseem was optimistic: "We will go with our strength (in the third game) and hopefully we can make it 2-1."

The result sets up an exciting finale, with UAE eyeing a historic series win and Bangladesh desperate for redemption tomorrow at the same venue.