ABU DHABI // Shaiman Anwar became the first UAE player to score a century in Twenty20 internationals, as he set the platform for a series-clinching win over Papua New Guinea.
Shaiman, who is ranked No 24 in the world in the ICC charts for T20 batsmen, above the likes of AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, hit 10 fours and six sixes in his 117 not out, which he made in just 68 balls.
It was the centrepiece of the UAE innings of 180 for three, which was also the highest total the national team have managed to date in the format.
PNG, who have the New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor here this week as part of their coaching team, set off at a rapid pace in pursuit of their target, making 42 for no loss off their first 20 deliveries.
Their effort faltered, though, as they fell to a 30-run loss, with Amjad Javed and Mohammed Naveed taking three wickets each.
The match was the first of two T20 internationals in the same day on Friday. The final match of the series, in which the home team now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead, starts at 2.30pm at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
pradley@thenational.ae
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