In one of the most shocking upsets in recent T20I history, Bangladesh slumped to a 2-1 series defeat against the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time the Tigers have lost a T20I series to an Associate nation.

Chasing 163 in the series-decider, UAE cruised home with seven wickets in hand and five balls to spare, sealing a landmark victory.

The hosts pulled off a stunning come-from-behind win. After losing the first T20I by 27 runs, UAE bounced back in style. They chased down a 200-plus target in the second game to level the series and followed it up with a clinical performance in the decider.

They played with composure, skill, and intent on outclassing a more experienced opponent.

Earlier in the evening, Bangladesh chose to bat but collapsed in familiar fashion. Tanzid Hasan Tamim gave them a flying start with a blistering 40 off just 18 balls, but the top and middle order crumbled under pressure. At 84 for 8, they looked in deep trouble. Jaker Ali stepped up with a gritty 41 off 34 balls, while Hasan Mahmud (26* off 15) and Shoriful Islam (16* off 7) chipped in with crucial lower-order runs to take the total to 162/9.

UAE's bowlers took control from the outset.

Haider Ali led the charge with a sensational spell, grabbing 3 for 7 in four overs and dismantling Bangladesh's middle order. Matiullah Khan and Saghir Khan picked up two wickets each, while Raja Akif and Dhruv Parashar claimed one apiece to maintain relentless pressure.

Chasing 163, UAE lost their captain Muhammad Waseem early, but Muhammad Zohaib (29) and Alishan Sharafu rebuilt the innings with a steady 44-run partnership. Zohaib fell while trying to accelerate, but Sharafu held firm, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 68.

Asif Khan shifted the momentum when he joined Sharafu.

He launched a brutal assault, smashing five sixes in a fiery 41* off just 26 balls. Together, they stitched an unbroken 68-run stand for the fourth wicket and took the game away from Bangladesh. Sharafu sealed the win in style with a crisp cover drive for four.

Haider Ali's impactful spell, Sharafu's composure, and Asif Khan's explosive finish showcased a complete team effort. This series win marks a major milestone for the UAE and signals their rising stature in T20 cricket.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will feel the sting of this loss. Their inconsistent performances continue to raise questions about their direction in the shortest format-both in terms of strategy and selection.