Liton hails Emon's 'amazing' knock, urges bowlers to step up

Bangladesh captain Liton Das heaped praise on young opener Parvez Hossain Emon following Bangladesh's 27-run victory over the UAE in the first T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, but also highlighted the need for improvement in the bowling department ahead of the final match on Monday.

"The wicket looked good to bat on. I thought the way Emon played was really amazing to watch," said Liton during post-match presentation ceremony. Emon smashed a blistering 54-ball 100 — the fastest T20I century by a Bangladeshi. 

Powered by Emon's knock, the Tigers posted 191 for seven, their total bolstered by a record 13 sixes in the innings.

Despite the commanding total, Bangladesh had to weather a spirited chase from the hosts. UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem (54 off 39) and Rahul Chopra (35 off 22) kept their side in the hunt with a 62-run third-wicket stand. Later, Asif Khan threatened to snatch the game with a fiery 21-ball 42, featuring three successive sixes off Mahedi Hasan.

Reflecting on the match, Litton acknowledged the Tigers' shortcomings in the death overs and with the ball. "We have to finish well, because in the last three wickets we could not score that much. I know my bowlers, anytime they can come back. But at the same time, the UAE batters played really well. Credit goes to them for the way they batted in the middle overs," he said.

"We have to focus on our bowling as well. We have to learn this wicket and the ground, like what ball should suit this ground."

Still, there were bright spots with the ball. Hasan Mahmud claimed 3 for 33 and was instrumental in closing out the game by dismissing the dangerous Asif in the penultimate over. Mustafizur Rahman was particularly tidy, conceding just 17 runs and picking up two wickets in his four-over spell.

"Definitely the confidence. The way everyone bowled and the calmness. In the middle, it looked a bit 50-50, but the way all the bowlers bowled in the middle, it was amazing," Liton added.

The Tigers were also lifted by passionate support in the stands. "Whenever we play, our supporters come and enjoy watching the game. Their support is really amazing too."

With the win, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the final game set to be played at the same venue on Monday.