FATULLAH: Mohammad Naveed’s three-wicket haul and Mohammad Shahzad’s 52 helped United Arab Emirates down Hong Kong by six wickets in the Asia Cup qualifying competition at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium on Sunday.

The UAE followed up their opening win over Afghanistan with another strong performance that leaves qualification to the tournament proper in their hands.

If they beat Oman in their final fixture on Monday or Afghanistan fail to beat Hong Kong, they will advance to the main tournament to face India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They could even lose to Oman and still advance to next week’s main stage.

Chasing 147 for victory, Shahzad struck his first fifty for the UAE to provide the platform for victory with Mohammad Usman chipping in with 41.

Earlier, Naveed’s four over spell of 3-14 restricted Hong Kong, with Babar Hayat’s 54 guiding them to 146-7.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2016