UAE U-19 bounce back to win in Malaysia

UAE secured their first victory at the Asian Cricket Council Under-19 Elite Cup tournament, a qualifier for the Under-19 World Cup, in Malaysia.

UAE have already qualified to the World Cup being the host nation.

After a terrible start losing to Afghanistan in the opener, UAE stepped up their performance to defeat Hong Kong by 20 runs via the D/L method on Sunday.

Choosing to bat first, UAE suffered early losses with only opener Omer Mohammed coming good with a crucial 22 after Manjinder Singh ran through the top order.

But Sajid Khan and Dan D’Souza shared a 79-run stand for the sixth wicket to put UAE in a strong position.

Sajid took his time and played a very cautious knock to score 39 from 75 balls that included only three boundaries.

D’Souza was quicker in his approach but was equally watchful as he scored 79 from 98 deliveries. His innings consisted of 11 hits to the fence.

But it was a superb late knock from wicket keeper Zamin Jaleel, who smashed a 28-ball 41 peppered with six boundaries and a six that gave UAE a strong total of 235 before being all out at 49.4 overs.

For Hong Kong, Manjinder Singh picked another to finish with a four-wicket haul while Daljeet Singh claimed three.

Chasing a revised total of 211 in 41 overs, Hong Kong were rocked early on by brilliant bowling from Tahir Sultan.

At 3 for 1, Hong Kong were staring at a collapse before Anshuman Rath and Simandeep Singh struck brilliant half centuries to revive Hong Kong’s hopes as they shared 139-run for the fourth wicket.

Rath scored 81 off 82 deliveries including nine boundaries and a six while Simandeep was slower taking 96 deliveries to reach his 50 that included six boundaries.

Rohit Singh came into bowl and then claimed three quick wickets as Hong Kong were bundled out for 190 in 40.3 overs.

UAE are fourth in the Group A table with two points but share the same points with Hong Kong and Saud Arabia. Afghanistan top the table with two wins and four points.

UAE next play Thailand on May 7, Tuesday.

Brief scores:

UAE bt Hong Kong by 20 runs

UAE 235 all out in 49.4 overs (Omer Mohammed 22, Sajid Khan 39, Dan D’Souza 79, Zamin Jaleel 41; Manjinder Singh 4 for 4, Daljeet Singh 3 for 53, Anshuman Rath 2 for 29). Hong Kong (Target 211 from 41 overs) 190 all out in 40.3 overs (Anshuman Rath 81, Simandeep Singh 50; Rohit Singh 3 for 31, Tahir Sultan 2 for 48, Sajid Khan 2 for 21). Man of the match: Dan D’Souza.