Raza helps UAE edge closer to Asia Cup
SPINNER DELIGHTS IN MAIDEN MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD
Left-arm spinner Ahmad Raza came good with his maiden ODI Man of the Match award to lead the UAE to a 78-run victory over Nepal in the Asia Cup qualifiers at the Kinrara Oval ground in Malaysia.
Raza produced another match-winning spell of four for 37 to gift UAE their second successive victory and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup which will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between September 15-28.
Speaking to Gulf News, after receiving the player of the match award, Raza said: “I am delighted to have contributed to the team’s victory again. This performance is special as it is my first man of the match award in One Day Internationals and this match happened to be my 25th ODI too.”
With a total of 10 wickets from two matches, Raza once again displayed his ability to run through batting line-ups.
He had produced five-wicket hauls for the UAE five times in first-class cricket. Raza was well backed by medium pacers Mohammad Naveed with three wickets and Amir Hayat, who bagged two wickets. The UAE restricted Nepal to 176 in 48.5 overs.
The UAE, who were put in to bat, had posted 254 for nine through Chirag Suri, who followed up his knock of 111 against Singapore with another brilliant knock of 65 runs off 91 balls with seven boundaries and a six. Suri, after putting on another good opening partnership of 70 runs with Ashfaq Ahmad, who scored 45 runs, looked set for his second century when he was run out.
Explaining the significance of beating a formidable team like Nepal, Raza said: “In the context of the tournament this win is a big one because we need to now focus on Hong Kong and seal our place in the final.
“Our captain Rohan Mustafa had clearly defined our roles and the way Mohammad Naveed and Amir Hayat and Ashfaq Ahmad bowled were brilliant. With runs on board it has been easy too. So now only four matches to go and we will take them one at a time.”
Suri expressing his disappointment at getting run out and on facing Lamichhane, said: “It was unfortunate that I misjudged the run when I was batting smoothly. Playing out Lamichhane was an experience. I read him well though he bowled consistently within the stumps. He is definitely a class bowler and I played with the respect his deliveries deserve.”
For Nepal, knocks from Subash Khakurel (50), Dipendra Airee (40) went in vain. The UAE now play Hong Kong on Saturday.
With a total of 10 wickets from two matches, Raza once again displayed his ability to run through batting line-ups.