MUSCAT: UAE dashed the dreams of Oman’s maiden Asia Cup berth as they put up a masterclass performance to outplay the hosts by 55 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup at the Oman Cricket Academy ground on Sunday.
Put to bat first, UAE skipper Muhammed Waseem slammed a century (100) as they put up a solid total of 204/4.
Oman's chase never gained momentum, courtesy of pacer Junaid Siddique's devastating opening spell (3/11), leaving them struggling at 11/3.
The defeat was the first for Oman after five successive wins in the ongoing tournament but it ended the hopes of their maiden berth in the ACC Asia Cup while UAE booked their spot in the coveted event.
Coached by former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput, who took charge of the side in February this year, the UAE will feature in next year’s Asia Cup for the second time, having previously participated in 2016.
Oman, however, along with UAE and third-placed Hong Kong secured their spots in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which will be played later this year.
UAE’s win also avenged the loss to the hosts in the group stage when Oman won by nine wickets on April 15.
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