ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Report: India defeated the United Arab Emirates by a commanding seven wickets, guaranteeing their place in the semifinals.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, India’s outstanding success continued as they easily won in Oman, led by opener Abhishek Sharma’s scorching half-century.
Abhishek Sharma, the opener, scored a brilliant half-century following the bowlers’ outstanding display as a dominant India advanced to the Emerging Teams Asia Cup semifinals at Al Amerat in Oman on Monday after defeating the United Arab Emirates by seven wickets. After defeating longstanding rivals Pakistan by seven runs in the first game, this was the Indian team’s second victory in as many tournament games.
Before Ayush Badoni finished the formalities of chasing down a mark of 108 with a six and four, Abhishek hammered 58 in 24 balls. Even though there were still 55 balls to bowl, India prevailed.
Captain Tilak Varma missed a crucial one after scoring 21 in 18 balls, but Abhishek smashed five fours and four sixes in his scorching performance.
UAE was bowled out for 107 in 16.5 overs after choosing to bat first.
The choice backfired, as the UAE lost both of their openers within the first two overs: Aryansh Sharma (1) and Mayank Kumar (10).
During the power play, UAE was reduced to 40 for 5 as Seamer Rasikh Salam dismissed three hitters in his first over.
Salam returned outstanding stats of 3/15 with the ball, earning him the title of Player of the Match. With almost three overs left in their innings, India bundled out the United Arab Emirates, with a few of strikes from Ramandeep Singh (2/7) as well.
A 41-run stand between Rahul Chopra (50 off 50 balls) and UAE captain Basil Hameed (22 off 12 balls) steadied the ship until Abhishek broke the partnership by getting the former caught off his own bowling.
Chopra’s work was a major factor in the UAE’s success in reaching 100.
With four points, India leads Group B and will play their last group match on Wednesday against hosts Oman.
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