How Did Fifties from Waseem and Sharafu Propel UAE to 172/5 in Asia Cup?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, UAE's captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu's remarkable fifties laid the groundwork for their impressive total of 172/5 against Oman. Their performance was pivotal in setting a challenging target.
Key Takeaways
- Waseem and Sharafu's partnership laid the foundation for UAE's innings.
- Waseem's milestone of 3000 T20I runs is a significant achievement.
- UAE posted a challenging total of 172/5.
- Bowling performance varied, with some bowlers being economical.
- The match showcased the rising standard of UAE cricket.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 15 (NationPress) Captain Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu set the stage for the UAE's innings, leading their team to a total of 172/5 at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium during their Group A match against Oman on Monday.
After being asked to bat first, the duo formed a solid opening partnership, contributing to a 50-run stand despite Oman’s left-arm spinner starting with a tight spell, allowing only 4 runs in his first 2 overs within the powerplay. The UAE capitalized on the remaining 3 powerplay overs, accumulating 26 runs as Sharafu and Waseem adeptly handled the early pressure.
Sharafu took on the role of aggressor, reaching his half-century off 37 balls, while Waseem anchored the innings, carefully pacing the play alongside his partner. Sharafu was dismissed shortly after his fifty, bowled by Jiten Ramanandi. Asif Khan, batting at No. 3, did not make a significant impact and was dismissed cheaply after chopping on against a googly from Samay Shrivastava.
Mohammad Zuhaib Khan, who came in at No. 4, added a spirited 21 off 13 balls, assisting Waseem in a 49-run partnership for the third wicket. Waseem's composed fifty off 41 balls also marked a significant milestone as he became the first UAE player to surpass 3000 runs in T20 internationals. His innings concluded in the final over when he was run out while attempting a second run, with Aryan Bisht at deep square involved in the dismissal.
Batting at No. 5, Harshit Kaushik provided a crucial late innings boost, scoring 19 off 8 balls, which included 1 four and 2 sixes, ensuring that the UAE finished with a challenging total of 172/5.
On the bowling side, Shakeel Ahmed (0/16 in 3 overs), Ramanandi (2/24), and Hassnain Ali Shah (1/34) were relatively economical, whereas the rest of the bowling attack conceded over 9 runs per over, allowing UAE's batsmen to keep the scoreboard moving.
Aryan Bisht made his T20I debut for Oman, and while the initial bowlers exhibited flashes of brilliance, the Waseem-Sharafu partnership proved crucial. With both batters setting the tone and later contributions from Zuhaib and Kaushik, UAE achieved a total that seemed competitive at Abu Dhabi, placing Oman under pressure for their chase.
Brief score: United Arab Emirates 172/5 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 69, Alishan Sharafu 51; Jiten Ramanandi 2/24, Hassnain Ali Shah 1/34) against Oman
Point of View
The UAE's performance in this match was commendable, especially with Waseem and Sharafu's excellent partnership. Their contributions not only set a competitive total but also instilled confidence in the team. This match reflects the increasing competitiveness of UAE cricket on the international stage.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the match score between UAE and Oman?
UAE scored 172/5 in their match against Oman.
Who were the top scorers for UAE?
Muhammad Waseem scored 69 runs and Alishan Sharafu made 51 runs.
Where did the match take place?
The match took place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
What significant milestone did Waseem achieve?
Muhammad Waseem became the first UAE player to score over 3000 runs in T20 internationals.
How did the UAE bowlers perform?
UAE's bowlers had mixed results, with some being economical while others conceded more than 9 runs per over.
