Asia Cup 2016: UAE crush Oman by 71 runs, qualify for main event

New Delhi: United Arab Emirates continued their good run in the qualifying round of Asia Cup 2016 where they defeated Oman by 71 runs to qualify for the main event starting from February 24.

Put in to bat first, UAE put a formidable total of 172 runs on board.

After losing Rohan Mustafa's wicket in just the second over, Muhammad Kaleem (50) and Mohammad Shehzad (34) stitched 86 runs for the second-wicket partnership. Muhammad Usman later on increased the tempo with a 22-ball 46.

Aamir Kaleem was the pick of the bowlers for Oman with a four-wicket haul.

In reply, UAE bowlers were on the money from the word go and Oman were wobbling at 7/60 at one stage. Opener Zeeshan Maqsood (46) fought a lone battle as wickets tumbled from the other end.

Maqsood's was the eighth wicket to fall and by the end of 20 overs, Oman were well short by 71 runs.

UAE have now joined Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan for the main event.