The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for their third appearance in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup as they kick off their Group D journey against New Zealand in Chennai. Securing their spot after finishing third in the Asia-EAP regional qualifiers, the UAE is returning to the tournament after their last participation in 2022, where they clinched their first T20 World Cup win against Namibia.
Alishan Sharafu, a right-handed batter, has been in impressive form since the 2024 T20 World Cup, amassing 1,105 runs in 37 innings with an average of 32.5 and a strike rate of 134. In an interview, Sharafu discusses his batting performance, the team’s objectives in the tournament, and the impact of captain Muhammad Waseem and coach Lalchand Rajput.
Sharafu reflects on his recent success, emphasizing the joy of contributing to the team’s victories in crucial tournaments like the Asia Cup qualifiers and the T20 World Cup qualifiers. He expresses his enthusiasm for continuing his good form and making further valuable contributions to the team’s success.
Playing in the ILT20 has provided Sharafu with valuable exposure to top-tier cricket and the opportunity to learn from world-class players. He acknowledges the significance of this experience in enhancing his skills and performance, highlighting the supportive environment and learning opportunities within the league.
