Opener Abhishek Sharma scored a stunning half-century following a superb performance by the bowlers as a commanding India overcame the UAE by seven wickets on Monday to advance to the Emerging Teams Asia Cup semifinals in Al Amerat, Oman. This was India’s second win in as many tournament matches, following a seven-run victory over old rivals Pakistan in the first. Abhishek hammered 58 in 24 balls before Ayush Badoni finished off a 108-run chase with a six and four. India won with up to 55 balls left to bowl.
While Abhishek hit five fours and four sixes in his scorching performance, skipper Tilak Varma missed a vital one by making 21 in 18 balls. UAE opted to bat first and were bowled out for 107 in 16.5 overs. The strategy backfired, as UAE lost both openers, Mayank Kumar (10) and Aryansh Sharma (1), in the first two overs. Seamer Rasikh Salam removed three hitters in his first over, lowering UAE to 40 for 5 during the power play.
Salam was named Player of the Match after recording an impressive 3/15 with the ball. Ramandeep Singh (2/7) also struck twice as India bowled out UAE with more than three overs remaining in their innings.
UAE skipper Basil Hameed (22 off 12 balls) and Rahul Chopra (50 off 50 balls) steadied the ship with a 41-run partnership before Abhishek broke the partnership by catching the former off his own bowling. Chopra’s efforts contributed significantly to the UAE’s achievement of crossing 100. India presently leads Group B with four points and face hosts Oman in their last group game on Wednesday.