UAE storm into the main draw of Asia Cup T20 2016

The impressive United Arab Emirates (UAE) edged rivals Afghanistan to secure qualification into the main draw of the Asia Cup T20 2016. In addition, they remained unbeaten right through the qualifier.

The UAE kicked off their campaign with a tough fixture against favourites Afghanistan on the 19th of February. Batting first on delightful conditions at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, UAE opening batsman Rohan Mustafa exploited the conditions to the maximum as he put the Afghan attack to the sword with a well made 77 of 58 balls. Mustafa came good with the ball as he picked up 3 wickets and conceded just 19 runs. The Afghan innings closed at 160 in 19.5 overs with the UAE picking up a deserved 16-run win. The win also marked UAE’s first win in Asia Cup history.

Hong Kong, who last took part in the Asia Cup in 2008 at Pakistan, took on UAE on the 21st of February. Mohammed Naveed starred with the ball as Hong Kong was restricted to 146/7 in their quota of 20 overs. Babar Hayat played a key role in their performance with a masterful 54. Mohammed Shahzad, who would eventually become the highest run scorer for the UAE, scored a brisk 52 as his side chased down the total of 146 with relative ease. The six-wicket win saw UAE secure virtual qualification to the main draw.

The final obstacle for UAE was a resolute Oman side. Oman had given Afghanistan a run for their money in their previous match and was looking to do the same. Thus, a feisty encounter presented itself as the two squared off at Dhaka on the 22nd of February. This time, middle order batsman Muhammad Usman was the hero as he blasted 46 off just 22 balls to help them reach a score of 172 in 20 overs. Apart from Zeeshan Maqsood’s 46, the Oman innings was dictated by some disciplined bowling from the bowling attack. The all-round performance saw the UAE pick up a mammoth 71-run win.

Now that they have indeed qualified to the main draw, they will be eager to prove themselves on the main stage as they face the likes of Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup T20 2016 is scheduled to begin on the 24th of February with the Bangladesh v India tie.