India become first team to qualify for Asia Cup Super 4s after UAE thrash Oman by 42 runs

Team India had virtually qualified for the Asia Cup Super 4s on Sunday after inflicting a seven-wicket thrashing on arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. It was their second victory on the trot at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue having outplayed hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) by an even more lopsided margin in their tournament opener on Wednesday.

Nearly 24 hours after outclassing Pakistan in all departments, India became the first of the eight teams in the Asia Cup to get a ‘Q’ against their name. UAE’s clinical 42-run victory over Gulf neighbours Oman in Abu Dhabi, after all, sealed the Men in Blue’s place in the second round of the continental event that is taking place in the T20 format this year.

UAE thus went level with Pakistan on 2 points after their victory while Oman have been eliminated after suffering back-to-back losses. Pakistan face UAE in their final Group A match on Wednesday, and the fixture effectively becomes a knockout clash.

The winner of the Pakistan-UAE clash will then join India, who will finish on four points even if they suffer a shock defeat against Oman in their final game, in the Super 4s. Should Oman pull off an unlikely victory over the Men in Blue, Net Run Rate will then decide which team finishes top of the Group A standings, with India ( +4.793) currently enjoying a substantial lead over the other teams on that front.

UAE bounce back with a clinical victory over Oman

Captain Muhammad Waseem (69 off 54) and opening partner (51 off 38) led the way with attacking half-centuries as hosts UAE began the match on a confident note after they were invited to bat. The 88-run opening stand laid the foundation for what would prove to be a match-winning score, with the Emiratis posting 172/5 on the board.

Oman, who are making their maiden appearance in the Asia Cup this year and had started their campaign with a 93-run loss against Pakistan, lost wicket from the outset of their chase with opener Aamir Kaleem getting dismissed Junaid Siddique in the very first over. And at 50/5 shortly after the conclusion of the powerplay, the game was as good as over.

Off-spinner Aryan Bisht (24) and wicketkeeper-batter Vinayak Shukla (20) briefly reignited Oman’s hopes with a 38-run stand for the sixth wicket. Neither, however, was able to bat deep and keep their team in the hunt, with the required run-rate spiralling out of control even before the start of the slog overs.

Oman were eventually bowled out for 130 in 18.4 overs, with Siddique finishing the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/23. Sharafu, meanwhile, was adjudged the Player of the Match for his powerplay fireworks.