UAE, Qatar and Kuwait qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 Asia Finals
On the final day of the ICC World Twenty20 Asia Qualifiers ‘A’, Kuwait faced Saudi Arabia for the third qualification spot in a match that was reduced to 18 overs each due to overnight rain.
Kuwait won an important toss and elected to bat first, and started cautiously with 15 runs in their first five overs for the loss of one wicket. Mohammad Asgarh showed some intent as he smacked two sixes in one over but perished as he tried to clear the ropes once more. Skipper Kashif Sharif scored a valuable 26 off 19 balls as Kuwait posted a total of 104 in their allotted 18 overs. Mohammad Afzal took three wickets for 22 runs in his four overs.
Saudi Arabia responded well and seemed in control at 66 for 2 after 11 overs, aided by Imran Arif’s 40 runs. At this stage, Saudi needed 39 runs off 42 balls with eight wickets in hand. The tide started to turn once again as Kuwait’s bowlers kept Saudi Arabia’s scoring rate in check. In the 14th and 15th over Arjun Makesh and Azmatulla Nazeer conceded just five runs between them as the asking rate started to climb.
Saudi needed 13 runs in the last over before Mohammad Naseer bowled well to restrict the batsmen to only seven runs, as Kuwait claimed a five-run victory. Arjun Makesh was adjudged Player of the Match for his economical spell – his three overs conceded only 11 runs, while he picked up two wickets at a crucial time.
UAE faced Qatar in the afternoon match for the top two positions, as Qatar won the toss and elected to bat first. Qatar lost two early wickets and were 10 for 2 after 1.1 overs. Kamran Khan took charge and scored 29 off 17 deliveries. Qatar’s fifty came up in 7.3 overs for the loss of four wickets. Tamoor Sajjad carried on the innings with a fine 36 off 41 and was aided by GBM Munaweera, with a useful 31 off 27 balls. Qatar posted 121 runs with UAE’s Muhammad Naveed and Zahoor Khan picking up three wickets each.
UAE started brilliantly as they scored 54 runs for the loss of one wicket in 5.5 overs. Player of the Match Ghulam Shabbir scored a brilliant 63 off 46 balls with good support from captain Rohan Mustafa (30) to carry UAE over the line in the 16th over.
Captain of the winning team of this tournament, Rohan Mustafa, was adjudged the Player of the Tournament and best batsman, while Saudi Arabia bowler Imran Arif was considered the best bowler.
Latest
-
News
Jonny Bairstow says IPL stints can improve England players across all formats
In years gone by the IPL presented a major bone of contention for players like Kevin Pietersen and the ECB.
-
News
England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins Chennai Super Kings in 2021 IPL auction
Moeen found himself at the centre of a battle for his services.
-
News
Glenn Maxwell joins his dream team after IPL auction bidding war
Glenn Maxwell will get to share a dressing room with his idol AB de Villiers when the 2021 IPL gets underway.
-
News
India stars make rankings charge after mammoth win
India’s second Test heroes have been rewarded with progress in the latest ICC Test rankings.
-
News
Chris Silverwood apologises over way Moeen Ali’s departure was communicated
It has been established that Moeen is merely taking his own allocated break period.
-
News
‘The decision was ours’ – Chris Silverwood clarifies reason for Moeen Ali exit
Captain Joe Root said in a post-match press conference on Tuesday that the all-rounder had “chosen” to leave the tour of India.
-
News
David Warner makes himself available for The Hundred draft
Over 500 players are chasing the remaining 35 selection slots.
-
News
Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav named in India squad
Gill was hit on the left forearm while fielding at short leg during the hosts’ series-levelling win in the second Test at Chennai.
-
News
‘My heart is clear and time is right’ – Faf Du Plessis retires from Test cricket
The former Proteas captain scored 4,163 runs at an average of 40.02 in his 69 Tests.
-
News
Virat Kohli hails India’s ‘perfect game’ after crushing win over England
India won by 317 runs to square the series at 1-1.