UAE coach Aaqib Javed has challenged his team to score a total in excess of 170 runs when they meet Hong Kong on Sunday after admitting qualification for the Asia Cup could be decided on run-rate.
The 43-year-old could not have asked for a better start in their four-team qualifying campaign after his side defeated favourites Afghanistan by 16 runs in Fatullah, Bangladesh on Friday.
All-rounder Rohan Mustafa was the star of the show, smashing 77 runs from just 58 deliveries as the UAE scored 176. He later took three wickets in the final over to seal their first T20 triumph against the World Twenty20-bound side.
The UAE will be aiming to make it two wins out of two and boost their chances of claiming the lone automatic spot for the main event where hosts Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka await.
But they come up against Hong Kong, who must win Sunday’s encounter to keep their qualification hopes alive after a five-run defeat to Oman on Friday despite Babar Hayat’s century.
While Javed was pleased with the performance against Afghanistan, in what was their second major triumph in a week after beating Ireland for the first time in 15 years in a T20 international in Abu Dhabi last week, he wants his players to take advantage of the batting conditions in Fatullah.
“The pitches here in Bangladesh are really good and they are in great condition,” said the 1992 World Cup winner. “It’s really good for the batsmen. I feel we’ll need to score a total of 170 plus and if we bat first and achieve that target, then it’s good.”
With Afghanistan defeating Oman by three wickets yesterday, both those nations as well as the UAE, who play their game in hand today, have two points each.
Considering Afghanistan, Oman and Hong Kong have qualified for next month’s World Twenty20 in India, Javed expects a tight battle for the Asia Cup berth.
“It’s too early to comment on qualification because Oman and Hong Kong are tough teams and it’s going to be close games,” he said.
“It could be down to run-rate and I hope we can win the remaining two games and get through but it’s going to be really tough games.”
While Mohammad Naveed and Farhan Ahmed took wickets against Afghanistan, Javed hopes Mustafa can maintain his good form.
“He was amazing and gave us the best start possible when batting (against Afghanistan),” he said.
“I think he was very aggressive and played intelligent cricket with the bat. He also showed that he is an effective player with the ball and played a great game.
“I just hope he can continue his form for the rest of the tournament.”
