Muscat: A brilliant 44 runs by Syed Haider earned United Arab Emirates a four-wicket victory against hosts Oman in an entertaining match on the second day of ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds in Al Amerat on Saturday.
Chasing 151 for a win, the UAE required 18 runs from the last two overs for the victory.
Mehran Khan’s first two balls were hit for two boundaries by Nilansh Keswani (19) but was out next ball caught in the deep by Wasim Ali. While In the last over, the UAE needed six to win.
The first ball by Shakeel Ahmed was skied by Haider and taken in the deep but off a no ball. The resultant free-hit was hit for a four to level the scores and a wide next sealed the victory for the UAE.
Wicketkeeper batter Haider was adjudged man of the match for his 28-ball innings which included three fours and two sixers.
“It was a nice start for us. I am happy to contribute with the bat in the tight chase,” Haider said.
UAE captain Basil Hameed said he was satisfied with the performance of his young bunch of players.
“Our young team put up a spirited chase and we are happy to get over the line against Oman,” Basil said.
The UAE were given a good start by openers Mayank Kumar (16 off 9 balls) and Tanish Suri (33 off 26). Vishnu Sukumaran (15) and captain Basil Hameed (19) made useful contributions.
Oman put up 150 for 8 in their 20 overs, courtesy a 40-ball 54 by captain Jatinder Singh. The star Oman batter hit seven boundaries and a six in his knock.
DECENT EFFORT
Jatinder said it was a decent effort from his side. “Some of the players in the squad don’t have much experience but they made a good effort. We tried to post a good total. The UAE players chased well although we managed to get breaks,” Jatinder said.
Oman opener Aamir Kaleem scored a brisk 32 from 25 balls with two fours and two sixers. Among others, only Karan Sonavale (15 off 13) and Mohammed Nadeem (20 off 16) were the only batters to make two-digit scores.
For UAE, Muhammad Jawadullah bowled brilliant yorkers to castle the defence of Oman batters to take three wickets. Jawadullah accounted for Mohammed Nadeem, Mehran Khan (2) and Muzahir Raza (0) to curtail Oman’s progress with his 3-21 figures in four overs. Leg spinner Muhammad Farooq (3-21) was also hugely effective with his leg-breaks.
Slow left-arm bowler Nilesh Keswani took the important wicket of Jatinder when he was caught by Rahul Chopra. Jatinder was in full flow early on as Oman reached their 50 in the sixth over and 100 in 11.5 overs.
Oman will next play Pakistan ‘A’ (Shaheens), while UAE meet India ‘A’ in the second match on October 21.
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