UAE Dominate Oman to Keep Super Four Hopes Alive in Asia Cup

United Arab Emirates secured a commanding 42-run victory over Oman in the Asia Cup on Monday, thanks to attacking half-centuries from skipper Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu.

Batting Brilliance Sets the Tone

• Muhammad Waseem: 69 runs
• Alishan Sharafu: 51 runs

The duo added 88 runs for the opening wicket, steering the UAE to a competitive 172-5 in Abu Dhabi. Both batters began cautiously before unleashing aggressive strokes, peppering the field with boundaries.

Sharafu was dismissed for 51, but Waseem continued the onslaught, reaching his half-century with a towering six. The UAE captain was eventually run out in the final over.

The UAE bowlers then dominated Oman, restricting them to 130 all out in 18.4 overs, marking their first victory in this T20 edition of the tournament.

Medium-pacer Junaid Siddique stood out with figures of 4-23, while Haider Ali and Muhammad Jawadullah took two wickets each.

Oman were never able to build momentum, losing five wickets for just 50 runs. Captain and opener Jatinder Singh top-scored with 20 as the team slumped to their second consecutive defeat.

The UAE now face Pakistan on Wednesday, who were defeated by tournament favourites India in a key Group A clash. The winner is likely to advance to the Super Four stage of this eight-nation T20 event.

India, defending champions of the previous edition (played in 50-over format), lead Group A with two wins from two matches, and are almost certain to progress to the next stage.