Australia to play official T20I for the 1st time against UAE

Australia are currently playing the second Test against Pakistan in the UAE ahead of a three-game T20 series starting on October 24

For the first time in the history of international cricket, Australia will play the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an official Twenty20 clash next week. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the development on their website on Thursday.

The touring Australians were already scheduled to face the UAE as part of their tune-up for their upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. But it has now been granted full international status after both Cricket Australia and the Pakistan Cricket Board agreed to the move. On the other  hand, the UAE Cricket Official shared a Twitter post about the upcoming game on Monday:

BREAKING!!#UAE #CRICKET to PLAY #Cricket #Australia in a T20i at @AbuDhabiCricket #ZayedCricketStadium MONDAY OCTOBER 22nd

More information https://t.co/IMXtT3UVDX@cricketcomau @CAComms

— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) October 17, 2018

Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas said the match in Abu Dhabi on October 22 would give his side some much-needed game-time against a leading international team.

“Our thanks also go to Cricket Australia for approaching this opportunity so positively, and especially to the Pakistan Cricket Board for permitting this match during their home tour in the UAE with Australia. It has been an incredible effort from all parties to bring this match to fruition,” he said.

The UAE are ranked 13th in the world, with the Australians third. Australia are currently playing the second Test against Pakistan in the UAE ahead of a three-game T20 series starting on October 24.