UAE lose to Bangladesh despite fine debut from teen sensation Aayan Afzal Khan

Aayan Afzal Khan announced his arrival in international cricket with a fine debut for UAE, but the national team slipped to defeat against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.

The home team fell seven runs short of overhauling their illustrious rivals’ total of 158-5 in the first of two T20 internationals to be played in Dubai this week.

Despite the outcome, the hosts had one significant reason to be cheerful. Aayan, who was making his debut having been called up to the UAE squad aged just 16, shone brightly.

The Sharjah-based schoolboy took the wicket of Litton Das, who had scored an Asia Cup century against India the last time he played in Dubai, in the first over he sent down with his left-arm spin.

He later made 25 from 17 balls to keep UAE’s hopes alive in the run-chase, only for them to be bowled out for 151 with two balls left.

The national team had appeared to be well placed when they had Bangladesh 47-4 at the start of the eighth over, with a wicket apiece for Aayan, Sabir Ali, Zawar Farid and Karthik Meiyappan.

When Meiyappan then took a second to reduce the tourists to 77-5 the 11th, Bangladesh were struggling.

Afif Hossain, who ended unbeaten on 77, and Nurul Hasan then shared a partnership worth 81 to take their side to a defendable total.

Chirag Suri got the chase off to an optimistic start. The opener hit seven fours in a 24-ball stay worth 39 at the top of the order.

The home team’s run chase was derailed by Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who each took three wickets.

The series, which has been organised at short notice to give the two sides extra practice ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia next month, will conclude in Dubai on Tuesday evening.

While UAE and Bangladesh were playing