In a dominant performance, the UAE secured a 77-run victory over Samoa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman, on Wednesday.
This impressive win has kept UAE’s aspirations for qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup alive.
Batting first, the UAE scored a formidable 225 for four, powered by Alishan Sharafu’s explosive 86 off 51 balls, featuring 4 fours and 7 sixes.
Rahul Chopra contributed an impressive 62 from 34 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes, while Harshit Kaushik delivered a remarkable unbeaten 44 off just 12 balls, hitting 2 fours and 5 sixes.
In response, Samoa managed only 148 for eight in their 20 overs, with Caleb Jasmat leading with 41 runs.
Leg-spinner Muhammad Farooq claimed four wickets to bolster UAE’s World Cup ambitions.
After losing their initial Super Six matches to Nepal and Oman, the UAE has now regained momentum.
With a win against Japan in their final Super Six match on Thursday, the UAE will secure a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Nepal and Oman have already secured their places in the major tournament.
Brief scores:
UAE 225/4 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 86, Rahul Chopra 62, Harshit Kaushik 44 not out; Solomon Nash 2-42) Samoa: 148/8, 20 overs (Caleb Jasmat 41 not out, Benjamin Mailata 39; Muhammad Farooq 4-35, Muhammad Arfan 2-8)
