Muhammad Waseem – UAE’s 360-degree batter and inspirational leader

By K.R. Nayar 
For Cricketlovers.com 

UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem is not just a hard-hitting opener but also an intelligent and inspiring leader. His role in scripting history for the UAE with a recent series win over Bangladesh has been phenomenal. While he earned the Player of the Series award for the team, he was the guiding star—instilling belief that a Test-playing nation like Bangladesh can be conquered.

 

Muhammad Waseem after scoring his half century in the first T20I match against Bangladesh  

Waseem is the UAE’s 360-degree batter. Like South Africa’s AB de Villiers—nicknamed “Mr. 360”—Waseem too deserves an honourable sobriquet. The ease with which he strikes sixes and picks deliveries to dispatch to the boundary is a treat to watch. He possesses the flair of India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and the fearlessness of Virender Sehwag in executing mighty shots with precision. Some of his classy innings in the Abu Dhabi T10 and ILT20 tournaments are proof of his ability to dominate even the most reputed bowlers in the world. All he lacks is a global stage to consistently perform at the highest level.

 

Muhammad Waseem after his second successive half century against Bangladesh in the second T20I

For spectators who enjoy aggressive batting, Waseem has always delivered whirlwind knocks.
I feel honoured to have reported on nearly all his splendid domestic performances, especially before 2021—when he completed the ICC's three-year residency requirement to play for the UAE. He lit up every cricket ground in the UAE. It was evident that this cricketer, hailing from Mian Channu in Pakistan’s Punjab province, would go on to be a valuable asset for UAE cricket.

 

I have watched in awe as he smashed the fastest fifty in Abu Dhabi T10 history on February 3, 2021. He reached the mark in just 12 balls, playing for the Northern Warriors against the Pune Devils. His knock of 56 in 13 balls literally scared the Pune Devils’ bowlers. In October 2021, he earned his UAE T20I debut against Namibia, scoring 39 runs and showcasing his medium-pace bowling by claiming two wickets. Just five days later, he announced his arrival with an unbeaten 107 off 62 balls against Ireland—an innings studded with 14 boundaries and four sixes.

 

Muhammad Waseem lifts the trophy after the series win over Bangladesh 

Record appearance for UAE in T20I

Waseem has scored three centuries and 22 half-centuries in T20 Internationals, and one century along with eight half-centuries in ODIs. In his three years representing the UAE, he has amassed 2,660 runs in 72 T20Is and 1,567 runs in 61 ODIs. His 72 T20I appearances are the most by any UAE cricketer in the format. He is also just 20 matches away from holding the record for most ODI appearances for the UAE. 

 

Waseem is 12^th highest run getter in T2oI

Waseem is ranked 12th among the highest run getters in T20I just below Glenn Maxwell who has 2664 runs frm 116 matches . Waseem is four runs short from just 72 matches. His average of 39.70 is above Rohit Sharma (32.05), who is the highest run scorer in T20I with 4231 runs from 159 matches. 

 

Muhammad Waseem lifts the trophy after winning an ICC tournament 

Waseem’s cricketing qualities are invaluable. He ranks among the most explosive opening batters in world cricket. However, he is not merely a “bang-bang” batter; in 50-over cricket, he has demonstrated the ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate. His solid stance generates immense power with a simple swing. His early sighting of the ball allows him to play with minimal footwork, and his dominant bottom hand ensures that his shots clear the ropes effortlessly.

 

Muhammad Waseem with India's Yuvraj Singh 

Waseem is equally comfortable against pace and spin. His footwork against spinners is especially impressive, and his slog sweep adds another dimension to his game, making it difficult for bowlers to contain him. He is unfazed by reputation, focusing solely on the ball.

 

Waseem’s maturity is what earned him the captaincy of the UAE. As seen in the Bangladesh series, he leads from the front and motivates younger players to raise their game. In his own words: “It gives me great pride to lead the country’s cricket team. I’m glad I have been able to contribute in crucial matches.” His journey—from a prolific domestic player to a cricketer admired by top international stars—is an inspiration for aspiring players in the region.