By Anas Ahmed 
UAE Ease to Opening Win in Al Amarat
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) started their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 campaign with a confident seven-wicket win over Qatar at the Al Amarat Cricket Ground.
A professional bowling display set the tone, before a fluent partnership between Alishan Sharafu and Harshit Kaushik guided UAE home with 9 balls to spare.
Qatar Struggle After Early Collapse
After opting to bat, Qatar endured a horror start, losing three wickets for just five runs inside the first two overs. Both openers fell cheaply — Imal Liyanage and Zubair Ali departing within six deliveries — as UAE’s new-ball bowlers struck with precision.
Captain Mirza Mohammed Baig (30 off 29) and Shahzaib Jamil (20 off 17) provided a brief fightback, stitching a 40-run stand. However, regular breakthroughs from UAE kept the scoring rate in check.
Qatar ended on 118/8 in 20 overs, with Baig’s measured innings being the lone highlight.
Muhammad Rohid, who was named Player of the Match, impressed with figures of 2/13 in four overs, while Junaid Siddique (1/19) and Zahid Ali (2/27) ensured Qatar never got going.
Sharafu and Kaushik Seal It for UAE
In reply, UAE lost skipper Muhammad Waseem (11 off 11) early, but Alishan Sharafu steadied the innings with a composed 51 not out off 42 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.
He found strong support from Harshit Kaushik, whose 37 off 30 deliveries featured three sixes and showcased UAE’s batting depth. The duo added 76 runs for the fourth wicket to seal a smooth win in 18.3 overs, reaching 119/3.
Qatar’s Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (2/21) was the only bowler to make inroads, but the total proved too small to defend against a balanced UAE side.
Brief Scores
Qatar: 118/8 (Mirza Baig 30, Shahzaib Jamil 20; Muhammad Rohid 2/13, Zahid Ali 2/27)
UAE: 119/3 in 18.3 overs (Alishan Sharafu 51*, Harshit Kaushik 37*; Mujeeb-ur-Rehman 2/21)
Result: UAE won by 7 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Muhammad Rohid (UAE)
Post-Match Insights
Player of the Match Muhammad Rohid said the team executed its plans well:
“Our bowlers hit the right lengths early. Once we applied pressure in the powerplay, it became easier to control the game. It’s a perfect start for us.”
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem echoed that sentiment:
“We want to build momentum early in the group stage. The bowlers were outstanding, and Sharafu’s knock showed our batting depth.”
FAQ: UAE vs Qatar T20 World Cup Qualifier 2025
Q: Who won the Qatar vs UAE T20 Qualifier match?
A: UAE defeated Qatar by seven wickets in Al Amarat.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: UAE’s Muhammad Rohid for his brilliant spell of 2/13.
Q: What was Qatar’s total score?
A: Qatar managed 118/8 in 20 overs.
Q: How did UAE chase the target?
A: UAE reached 119/3 in 18.3 overs, thanks to Alishan Sharafu’s unbeaten 51.
Q: What’s next for UAE?
A: UAE will look to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their Group A campaign in the Asia & EAP Qualifier.