Saturday 07 / September / 2024
Muscat: With United Arab Emirates (UAE) shutting the door on Hong Kong on Sunday, the Asia Cup cricket qualifiers has turned out to be a three-way battle with Oman and also Afghanistan holding on to the rope.
The Monday matches in Fatullah — Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (1pm) and Oman vs UAE (5.30pm) — will be vital to determine who joins the big boys like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the main round starting on March 24.
For UAE, the win over Hong Kong, has boosted their chances to make the next phase and a win over Oman can take them through rather comfortably.
On the contrary, Oman will be hoping that Hong Kong can aid them by stunning Afghanistan and at the same time they beating their Gulf neighbours with a big margin.
UAE also has a healthy run rate to boast of, but Oman has the self-belief to upset the applecart and sneak in, at least the die-hard fans in the Sultanate believe so.
In Sunday's match UAE saw off Hong Kong's challenge to take control of the qualifying group. They are on 4 points with two wins.
Chasing 147 for victory, Mohammed Shahzad (52) struck his first fifty, Mohammed Usman (41) and Shaiman Anwar (25 not out) helped UAE past Hong Kong total of 146 for 7, which was propelled by Babar Hayat (54).
Brief scores: Hong Kong 146 for 7 (Hayat 54, Naveed 3-14) lost to UAE 147 for 4 (Shahzad 52, Usman 41).
