MUSCAT: United Arab Emirates kept their hopes alive for Asia Cup 2022 qualification after posting a comfortable 47-run win against Singapore at the Oman Cricket Academy Grounds in Al Amerat on Monday night.

The UAE were stunned by Kuwait in their opening match on Sunday.

The battle to join Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022 is currently underway, through a qualifying tournament, the Asia Cup Qualifier 2022. The four teams in the contest are Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

After losing the toss UAE were asked to bat, scoring a total of 160-8 in their 20 overs, Muhammad Waseem the top scorer with 56 runs.

Singapore failed to chase down the target and were bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs.

Spinner Karthik Meiyappan took three wickets giving away 13 runs for the UAE.

UAE captain CP Rizwan said: “I am happy for the boys and the team, this was a much-needed win. On paper, we are one of the stronger teams and we needed to show that on the field as well. That is what we did today. The boys were hungry and keen to perform. When they got the opportunity, they grabbed it with both hands.”

Singapore captain Amjad Mahboob said: “This was a must win game for us and by restricting UAE to 160, our bowlers did a very good job. I think the bating let us down again, but I believe our coaches are watching closely and they will help us work on this.”

“We have a young team, for more than half the team, this is the first time playing a tournament of this nature. It is great exposure for them and when we go back, we will work hard on the areas in which we are lacking.

Player of the Match Karthik Meiyappan said: “It is good to be on the winning side and bounce back after yesterday, and this means we are still in with a chance to go through to the Asia Cup, which is what is most important for us. It was good to contribute to the team’s win.”

KUWAIT PULL OFF THRILLER

On day two of the Asia Cup Qualifier, Kuwait rode on man of the match Edson Silva’s 14-ball 25 to post their first ever win against the UAE.

After winning the toss, Kuwait chose to field first, and were set a target of 174. Kuwait sealed the win by a wicket, with one ball to spare.

“We have been attempting to win against UAE since 2020. We played against them previously on two occasions but were unable to win. This time we had planned our approach, and prepared by analysing all their players, and as a team we did well today,” Kuwait captain Mohammed Aslam said after the win.

In the opening match of the tournament, Hong Kong beat Singapore by 8 runs.

Hong Kong fought back from a shaky start to set Singapore a target of 149 to win.

Singapore tried hard but ended eight runs short of Honk Kong total.

The spinners made crucial contribution to Hong Kong’s victory with Ehsan Khan taking 3-20 to grab the player of the match award.

Brief scores

Match 3: UAE vs Singapore

UAE 160-8 in 20 overs beat Singapore 113 all out in 18.3 overs

Player of the Match: Karthik Meiyappan (3-13)

Match 2: UAE vs Kuwait

UAE 173-5 (20 overs) lost to Kuwait 177-9 (19.5 overs)

Player of the Match: Edson Silva (25 off 14)

Match 1: Singapore vs Hong Kong