UAE batter Muhammad Waseem has achieved a new milestone in his career, as he surpassed the likes of Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Jos Buttler to be crowned as the fastest batter to 3000 runs in terms of balls faced.
The Asia Cup 2025 features the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Group A, alongside the three other teams: India, Pakistan, and Oman. Though the focus has mostly been on the archrivals India and Pakistan, the UAE have set their hopes for a Super-4 spot.
India defeated the UAE in the first game, as a result of which their net run rate had seen a massive decline. They are currently playing their next game against Oman and will be playing their final group-stage game against Pakistan.
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Muhammad Waseem becomes the fastest to reach 3000 T20I runs
The UAE skipper, Muhammad Waseem, is known as one of the finest batters from the country. He has amassed over 3000 runs in the shortest format of the game and brings alongside widespread franchise cricket experience.
Waseem scored another stunning half-century during the game against Oman and has reached 3000 T20 international runs. He scored these runs facing just 1947 balls, which is the fastest by any batter.
Muhammad Waseem has surpassed the likes of several former greats like Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Aaron Finch, and David Warner to reach the top of the list.
Fewest Balls to 3000 T20I runs:
1947 – Muhammad Waseem
2068 – Jos Buttler
2077 – Aaron Finch
2113 – David Warner
2149 – Rohit Sharma
The United Arab Emirates dominate in the second Asia Cup 2025 match
Featuring in the second Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman, the United Arab Emirates have looked like a more comprehensive side. The skipper, Muhammad Waseem, alongside Alishan Sharafu, the other opener, registered a stunning opening partnership.
Both the openers scored stunning innings, while the team went on to post a decent total of 172 at the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. The UAE bowlers also did a remarkable job early on, picking 5 quick wickets in no time.
Their highest wicket-taker, Junaid Siddique, and Haider Ali both picked 2 wickets each, while Muhammad Rohid also picked a wicket. At the time of writing, Oman were 5 wickets down for 86 runs.
UAE fancy their chances on Super-4 spot after Pakistan make boycott claims
After the PCB chief urged the ICC to take strict action against the match referee in the India vs Pakistan game of the Asia Cup 2025, they have made a clear statement to boycott the next match against the UAE if their demands are not met.
If Pakistan withdraw from the final game, it would mean a walkover for the UAE, as per the ACC rules. UAE, under such circumstances, would advance to the Super-4 stage without even featuring in the third group-stage game. Muhammad Waseem could hence lead the UAE alongside India into the next stage.
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