Alishan Sharafu: First Malayali to Hit ‘Fifty’ in T20 World Cup

Alishan Sharafu has made history as the first Malayali cricketer to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup. The 23-year-old showcased his talent by scoring 55 runs off 47 balls for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a Group D match against New Zealand. This match took place in Chennai on a Tuesday.

Sharafu’s Remarkable Achievement

Sharafu reached his half-century with a six off Matt Henry, marking a significant milestone for his career. He achieved this landmark on the 39th ball of his innings, displaying impressive batting skills. His innings ended with a stunning catch by Mark Chapman off Mitchell Santner’s bowling.

Background and Early Career

Born in Pazhayangadi, Kannur district, Sharafu started his cricket journey in Dubai at just ten years old. His achievement surpasses the previous highest score by a Malayali cricketer in T20 World Cup history, which was 43 not out by former UAE captain C P Rizwan against Namibia in 2022.

Match Overview

In this match, Sharafu usually plays as an opener but batted at No 3 following the dismissal of Aryansh Sharma, who scored 8 runs. He formed a formidable partnership with captain Muhammad Waseem, who scored 66 not out. Together, they added 107 runs to the UAE’s total, helping the team post 173 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs.

Notable Comparisons

Thiruvananthapuram’s own Sanju Samson, part of India’s title-winning team in 2024, did not have the opportunity to bat in that tournament. In the ongoing edition, he was absent from the opening match against the USA.

Future Prospects

Sharafu has previously captained the UAE U-19 team and was a key player in a historic victory over Bangladesh in a T20 match in Sharjah this past May. This win marked the Emirates cricket team’s first triumph over a Test-playing nation. Sharafu’s continued progress and performances could further elevate the profile of cricket in the UAE.