The United Arab Emirates secured a dramatic five-wicket victory over Canada in the 20th match of the ICC T20 World Cup, chasing down a 151-run target in the final over on Friday, 24NewsHD TV reported.
In the Group D clash at the Indian capital New Delhi, the UAE completed the chase on the fourth ball of the last over, reaching 151 for five in 19.4 overs in a pulsating finish that swung both ways.
Opener Aaryansh Sharma anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten 74 off 53 balls, steering his side home under pressure.
Sohaib Khan provided crucial support with a brisk 51 off 29 deliveries, striking four fours and four sixes to shift momentum after Canada had gained the upper hand through Saad Bin Zafar’s triple strike.
Captain Muhammad Waseem was dismissed for 4, while Alishan Sharafu managed just 5.
Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar returned figures of three wickets, while Kaleem Sana and Jaskaran Singh claimed one apiece.
With eight runs required off the final over bowled by the experienced Jaskaran Singh, Sharma launched the first delivery over deep midwicket for a towering six, punching the air in celebration.
After taking a single off the next ball, Sohaib Khan fell attempting an aggressive shot, caught at mid-on.
However, Muhammad Irfan sealed the contest with a boundary over midwicket on the following delivery to spark jubilant celebrations in the UAE camp.
Earlier, Canada posted 150 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Harsh Thaker’s fighting 50 went in vain, while Navneet Dhaliwal scored 34 and Shreyas Movva added 21.
UAE’s Junaid Siddique delivered a match-winning spell, claiming five wickets for 35 runs, the third five-wicket haul for the UAE in T20 internationals while Muhammad Jawadullah chipped in with one wicket.