United Arab Emirates Edge Canada by Five Wickets After Aryansh–Sohaib Rescue Act
United Arab Emirates (UAE) produced a dramatic late surge to defeat Canada by five wickets in Delhi, chasing down 151 with three balls to spare in a tense contest.
Aryansh Sharma (74* off 48) and Sohaib Khan (51 off 28) shared a match-winning 84-run partnership after UAE had slumped to 66 for 4 in the 13th over. The pair added 84 of the remaining 85 runs required at that stage, turning the game decisively in UAE’s favour.
With eight needed off the final over, Aryansh launched a six off the first delivery before calmly rotating strike. Sohaib fell with one run still required, but Muhammad Arfan sealed the victory soon after to spark celebrations in the UAE camp.
The win marked UAE’s second triumph in the competition, following their memorable victory over Namibia in the 2022 edition.
Siddique’s Five-For Sets the Platform
Earlier, veteran seamer Junaid Siddique delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5 for 35 to restrict Canada to 150 for 7.
Siddique struck early, dismissing Dilpreet Bajwa and Yuvraj Samra in successive overs. With support from Muhammad Jawadullah, who removed Nicholas Kirton, UAE kept Canada in check during the powerplay.
He returned at the death to remove a well-set Harsh Thaker with a clever slower delivery before dismissing Shreyas Movva and Saad Bin Zafar in the final over to complete his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.
Thaker Anchors Canada
Harsh Thaker top-scored with 50 off 41 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. He shared a crucial 58-run stand with Navneet Dhaliwal for the fourth wicket. Dhaliwal contributed 34 off 28 balls but was run out in unfortunate fashion when his bat got stuck just outside the crease.
Despite Thaker’s efforts, Canada struggled to accelerate consistently against disciplined UAE bowling.
Zafar Turns the Tide Before Sohaib Counterattacks
Canada appeared firmly in control midway through the chase, thanks largely to left-arm spinner Saad Bin Zafar’s superb spell of 3 for 14.
Zafar removed UAE captain Muhammad Waseem early, then accounted for the dangerous Alishan Sharafu and Mayank Kumar. He also dismissed Harshit Kaushik to leave UAE reeling at 66 for 4.
At that stage, UAE required 56 runs from the final four overs — a daunting task under pressure.
Sohaib, however, launched a counterattack that shifted momentum dramatically. He smashed Dilon Heyliger for two sixes and a four in a 17-run over, then continued his assault against Jaskarandeep Singh and Kaleem Sana. Boundaries flowed as Sohaib raced to a 28-ball half-century, bringing the target within reach.
Aryansh provided stability at the other end, pacing his innings smartly and ensuring UAE remained in contention before finishing the job in the final over.