Rohan Mustafa leads from the front as UAE win World T20 Qualifier opener

Denzil Pinto 21:29 20/04/2018
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  • The UAE got their World Twenty20 qualifying campaign off to a winning note as captain Rohan Mustafa led from the front in their six-wicket victory over Qatar.

    Chasing 143 after a three-wicket haul from Mohammad Naveed, the UAE reached their target with nine balls to spare thanks to a superb 71-run effort from Mustafa.

    The all-rounder usually opens the innings but was sent down the batting order at No.3. But the change didn’t have any impact with the 29-year-old  hitting five sixes and two fours in his 45-ball stay.

    Openers Ashfaq Ahmed and Chirag Suri both scored 16 while Mohammed Bootha remained unbeaten on 20.

    For Mustafa, he was pleased with his performance and confirmed he will play the entire tournament at number three.

    “We wanted to try Chirag and Ashfaq as the opening batsmen because for me I can bat in any position,” he said. “Ashfaq plays well while Suri takes his time but can score big runs. It was a decision that was taken on Thursday when the coach asked me and I said it wouldn’t be a problem. I will play at number three for the rest of the tournament.”

    The UAE will be aiming to make it two straight wins when they meet Saudi Arabia on Saturday to boost their hopes of claiming one of the three qualification spots.

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