R Ashwin hails IPL for 'turning fortunes of the game' as UAE beat New Zealand in T20Is

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday defeated New Zealand in the second T20I to secure their maiden win in any format over the Kiwis. The day marked a series of significant milestones for the UAE cricket team, as they delivered an impressive performance to comfortably defeat New Zealand by seven wickets, thereby leveling the three-match series 1-1. This victory also marked a historic moment, as it was the first time New Zealand had suffered a loss in 39 matches against teams outside the Test-playing nations. 

3 things you need to know

• UAE defeated New Zealand in the 2nd T20I by 7 wickets
• This is the first time NZ lost a match against a non-Test nation
• The third and final T20I will be played on Sunday, August 20

Also Read: 'Who Will You Drop?': Ashwin Reacts To Ravi Shastri's Idea Of Playing Three-left-handers

Ashwin hails franchise leagues

India's seasoned all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, offered high praise to the United Arab Emirates cricket team following their victory over New Zealand in the second T20I on Saturday. Ashwin commended the influence of franchise cricket on the UAE team's progress, suggesting that it played a significant role in their ability to overcome a formidable opponent like New Zealand.

"UAE beating New Zealand is a big achievement and it’s also showing us what franchisee cricket has succeeded in doing. There is hope for the next generation cricketer coming from countries that aren’t mainstream test nations and that’s good news for the game. When @rashidkhan_19 broke into the IPL, Afghans weren’t a feared cricketing nation at world cups but now no one can refuse that fact. The future may well see other nations having representations at the IPL and turning the fortunes of the game in their respective countries. Well done UAE," Ashwin wrote. 

Also Read: 'Switch In Mindset': Ashwin Reacts To Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Being Rested In T20Is

Having held the Black Caps to a score of 142/8, with Aayan Afzal Khan securing an impressive 3-20 and Muhammad Jawadullah contributing with 2-16, the UAE team, led by their captain Muhammad Waseem's outstanding performance, managed to chase down the target in just 15.4 overs. This secured them a remarkable seven-wicket win with 26 balls remaining.

Image: BCCI