MUSCAT: An unbeaten half-century from skipper Mohammad Haris and fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani’s maiden five-wicket haul steered Pakistan Shaheens to a huge 114-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup here at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground on Wednesday.

The commanding triumph sealed Shaheens’ spot in the semi-finals of the tournament set to take place on Friday.

After opting to bat first, Shaheens totalled 179-4 in the allotted 20 overs as Haris notched an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls. Openers Omair bin Yousuf (21 off 11 balls) and Yasir Khan (25 off 13) departed inside the powerplay where Shaheens amassed 49 for the loss of two wickets.

Haris, who walked in to bat after two overs, kept the Shaheens’ innings while adding 62 runs for the third wicket with Qasim Akram (23 off 28).

UAE’s Muhammad Farooq produced a double-blow in the 14th over when he dismissed Qasim and Abdul Samad to restrict Shaheens to 112-4. Haris was then joined by Haider Ali as the duo accounted for an unbeaten 67-run fifth-wicket partnership. Haris hit six fours and three sixes while Haider slammed as many sixes and one four in his 17-ball 32 not out. For the UAE, Farooq picked up 3-27 in his four overs.

In reply, the UAE managed to score just 28 for the loss of three wickets in the first six overs as Dahani struck thrice. Skipper Rahul Chopra, batting at No. 5, top-scored for his team with 20 off 18 hitting three fours while Tanish Suri (15 off 15) and Syed Haider (12 off 16) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Dahani, who was named man-of-the-match, registered his career-best T20 bowling figures when he dismissed Akif Raja in the 15th over, finishing with 5-12 in four overs which included two maidens.

Sufiyan Muqeem claimed two wickets while Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Arafat Minhas took one each.

Scores in brief: Pakistan Shaheens beat UAE by 114 runs.

PAKISTAN SHAHEENS 179-4 in 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 71 not out, Haider Ali 32 not out, Yasir Khan 25; Mohammad Farooq 3-27); UAE 65 in 16.3 overs (Rahul Chopra 20; Shahnawaz Dahani 5-12, Sufiyan Moqim 2-17).

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2024