Khurram Khan helps UAE finish on a high

United Arab Emirates beat United States of America by 14 runs in the 54th match of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 1, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (November 24).

Choosing to bat first, UAE got off to a relatively slow start, with Mohammad Azam and Shaiman Anwar, the openers, taking 5.3 overs to put on 31 runs for the opening wicket. By the time the two openers had departed, UAE had put just 69 runs on the board, and consumed 11.2 overs in the process. However, Khurram Khan, the captain, led from the front with an unbeaten 61 off just 42 balls, hitting five fours and a six. He was supported by Amjad Javed, who remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls.

Karan Ganesh’s impressive form with the ball continued, as he returned figures of 2 for 21 off his four overs. Danial Ahmed, the left-arm spinner, took 2 for 32, while Timroy Allen accounted for the wicket of Rohan Mustafa.

USA started off well with its chase and with 112 on the board with 4.3 overs remaining and seven wickets in hand, a victory seemed very probable. But, some quick wickets thereafter stalled its progress, as USA lost its way towards the end, finishing on 137 for 7. Steven Taylor, the opener, top-scored with 42 and tried to anchor the chase by holding up one end. But he eventually fell to Khurram, who had him caught by Javed. Khurram returned figures of 3 for 30 off his four overs, while Shadeep Silva took 2 for 16. Javed and Mustafa chipped in with a wicket each.

UAE finished the group stage in third position, with 10 points, while USA ended a disappointing campaign with just a solitary win.