Aryansh Sharma, Sohaib Khan and Junaid Siddique shine as UAE beat Canada in dramatic finish at Arun Jaitley stadium

Junaid

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: Aryansh Sharma ( 74 not out) and Sohaib Khan (51) entertained cricket lovers with an electrifying 84-run partnership off only 43 balls and deadly bowling by ‘Player of the match’ Junaid Siddique (5/35) helped United Arab Emirates register their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a stirring comeback win over the Canada, chasing down 151 with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare.

In a contest that swung dramatically in the latter stages, UAE recovered from a precarious 66 for 4 in 12.3 overs to seal a memorable triumph, thanks to a blistering counterattack led by Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan.

Sharma remained unbeaten on 74, anchoring the innings with composure and calculated aggression. After a cautious start, he injected momentum into the chase by plundering 17 runs in the sixth over, helping UAE close the Powerplay at a steady 39 for 1. As wickets tumbled around him, Sharma stood firm, striking six fours and three sixes en route to the highest individual score by a UAE batter in the history of the tournament.

Junaid Siddique receiving ‘Player of the match’ award from Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA.

The turning point, however, came through Sohaib Khan’s explosive 51 off just 29 deliveries. Combining power with precision, he smashed four boundaries and four sixes, shifting the pressure squarely back onto the Canadian bowlers. His assault ensured UAE remained within touching distance before the final flourish.

Together, Sharma and Sohaib stitched an electrifying 84-run partnership off only 43 balls, rescuing their side from the brink of defeat. UAE hammered 56 runs in the last four overs, overwhelming a Canadian attack that had earlier dictated terms.

For Canada, skipper Saad Bin Zafar was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 14 from his four overs and briefly putting UAE on the back foot.

But it was Sohaib’s decisive 17-run burst in the 17th over that ultimately kept UAE’s hopes alive and tilted the match irreversibly in their favour, sealing a dramatic and morale-boosting victory on the global stage.

Canada: 150/7 (20)

United Arab Emirates: 151/5 (19.4).