Half centuries from openers Qais Farooq (71 retd.) and Saeed Al Safeer (72) helped lay the foundations for the UAE’s 169-run win over Kuwait in their second Gulf Cup match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Batting first after winning the toss, Qais and Saeed put together an opening stand of 159 before the former retired after a superb 71 off 42 deliveries.
Qais hit four boundaries and two sixes, while Saeed punctuated his 33-ball 72 with five fours and four maximums before giving Abdul Rahman Kandari a a return catch.
Defending champions UAE began their campaign late on Thursday night with a 39-run win over Saudi Arabia, and that form continued last night as they reached a massive 261-5 in their 20 overs.
Salman Farooq, who came on for Qais, added 21 off 16 deliveries before retiring, while UAE skipper Mohammed Tauqir hammered 29 off 12 balls with the help of four boundaries and the lone six.
Tauqir was accounted for by his opposite number Taher Bastaki, who had him caught by AR Dasit. Altaf Mohammed (retd.) chipped in with seven off as many deliveries, before Fahad Al Hashemi’s brilliant cameo at the end of the innings saw the powerfully built all-rounder hit 38. Al Hashemi hit two fours and four sixes during his 11-ball inning.
Kuwait needed just over 13 an over but their batting appeared weak, and following opener Fahad Bastaki’s dismissal, trapped leg before by Salman Farooq for 34 off 39 deliveries, including four hits to the ropes, only Kandari offered any resistance as he hit 18 off 24 with two fours and the only six of the Kuwaiti innings.
The rest of the Kuwaiti batsmen could only manage single digit scores. Falah Al Nadi and Faisal Tawfiqi were the only two who did not bat as Kuwait were restricted to 92 in their allotted overs.
Salman Farooq was the pick of the UAE bowling attack with his 3-14, while spinner Alawi Al Braik claimed 2-22. Adel Farooq, Abdulrahim Galadari and Fadel Al Habtoor took a wicket each for the hosts.
The tournament is for Arab nationals only and Saturday’s final day will see Kuwait facing Saudi and UAE taking on Oman, who alongside the Emiratis are the tournament favourites.
Kuwait skipper Taher said: “We have been doing fairly well for an all-Arab side and the popularity of cricket is growing among locals in the country. We have been working hard, the results show that as they are getting better day by day.
“We aren’t in contention for the title here, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the sport. There are a few youngsters in the squad who are showing good touch like Fahad (Bastaki) and a few others. Football is the first game in Kuwait and we’re all passionate about it, but cricket has its own following now.”
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