UAE put ACC Men's Premier Cup disappointment behind with series win over Malaysia

United Arab Emirates registered a seven‑wicket victory in the second T20I of the three-match series against Malaysia on September 16 at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, securing an unassailable 2‑0 lead.

Malaysia opted to bat first after winning the toss. Captain Syed Aziz was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 65 off 49 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 132.65. He walked in during the second over after opener Muhammad Haziq Aiman fell for 5.

The other opener, Nazmus Sakib, combined with Aziz for a 90‑run stand for the second wicket. Sakib made 37 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 154.16.

Apart from a brief cameo from Muhammad Akram, who struck 15 off 9 balls, Malaysia’s lower order failed to offer resistance. Their scoring rate dipped sharply after Aziz’s dismissal in the 17th over, and they finished with 156.

Right‑arm medium pacer Ibrar Ahmad was the pick of the UAE bowlers, returning figures of 4 for 13 from four overs at an economy of 3.25. Khuzaima Tanveer (2 for 25) also proved difficult to handle, while Adeeb Usmani and Muhammad Mohsin claimed one wicket each.

In reply, UAE made a brisk start as Tanish Suri and Usmani added 40 in 4.3 overs. Suri and Alishan Sharafu fell in quick succession, but the chase remained on track thanks to a 76‑run stand between Usmani and captain Harpreet Singh.

Harpreet made 32 off 23 before departing near the finish line, but Usmani (75 not out off 45) and Akshdeep Nath (3 not out) completed the chase with 14 balls remaining. The third T20I will be played on September 17. The series win comes as a breath of fresh air for UAE, who failed to qualify for the Asia Cup 2027 after a loss to Nepal in the final of the ACC Men's Premier Cup.