AL AMERAT, Oman — The United Arab Emirates have clinched the final spot in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, denying Japan in a commanding eight-wicket victory in the Asia Qualifier Final at the Oman Academy Ground.
The win caps a remarkable turnaround for the UAE side, which had stumbled earlier in the tournament but found its form when it mattered most, securing a place in the global tournament to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States in June 2024.
A Tense Final Day Showdown
The final day of the Asia Qualifier was a high-stakes affair, with both the UAE and Nepal in contention for the single remaining World Cup berth. The equation was simple: the UAE needed to beat Japan to qualify, while a loss would open the door for Nepal, provided they defeated Oman in the day's other crucial fixture.
UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that immediately paid dividends. His bowlers executed a near-perfect plan, dismantling the Japanese batting lineup with clinical precision.
Japan, who had fought valiantly throughout the tournament, were bundled out for a meager 90 runs in 18.5 overs. The damage was done by the UAE's formidable pace attack, with Junaid Siddique (3/13) and Ali Naseer (2/14) leading the charge. The Japanese innings never gained momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Reflecting on the pressure of the must-win game, Player of the Match Junaid Siddique stated, "We knew we had to win. The plan was simple: bowl in the right areas and let the pitch do the rest. The pressure was on us, but we handled it perfectly."
A Commanding Chase Seals the Deal
In response, the UAE chase was a composed and professional affair. Openers Muhammad Waseem and Aryansh Sharma ensured there would be no dramatic collapse, putting on a 47-run partnership to effectively kill the contest. Waseem, the tournament's leading run-scorer, played a characteristically aggressive innings of 26 from 21 balls.
After Waseem's dismissal, the experienced Vriitya Aravind (29 not out) joined Sharma (22) to guide the team home with 41 balls to spare. The winning moment was met with jubilant celebrations from the UAE squad, who rushed onto the field to embrace their heroes.
Captain Muhammad Waseem, who was also named Player of the Tournament, expressed his immense pride, saying, "This means everything. We had some tough moments, but the belief in the team never wavered. We are going to the World Cup!"
The Road to Qualification
The UAE's path to the World Cup was not straightforward. The Asia Qualifier featured a highly competitive field, including Nepal, Oman, Bahrain, and Malaysia, all vying for the one available spot. The UAE's campaign was a rollercoaster, marked by both dominant performances and surprising setbacks.
Key victories against Bahrain and Nepal kept their hopes alive, but a shock loss to Oman in the group stage had put their destiny out of their own hands for a brief period. However, they rallied when it mattered most, winning their final three matches to secure the title.
The team's success was built on several key pillars that came together in the final stages:
- Explosive Top Order: Captain Muhammad Waseem provided fireworks.
- Versatile All-rounders: Players like Ali Naseer contributed with both bat and ball.
- Potent Pace Attack: Junaid Siddique and Zahoor Khan were relentless.
Heartbreak for Nepal and Japanese Progress
While the UAE celebrated, there was heartbreak for Nepal, a team with a massive and passionate global fanbase. Despite defeating Oman by five wickets in their final match, their fate rested on the UAE's result. The Nepali players watched from the sidelines as the UAE chased down their target, ending their World Cup dreams.
For Japan, despite the heavy loss in the final, their performance in the tournament marked significant progress for Associate cricket. Reaching the final stage of the qualifier is a testament to the development of the game in the country. Captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming remained optimistic, "It's a tough loss, but we've learned a lot. This experience will make us stronger."
The Final Picture for the T20 World Cup
With this result, the 20-team field for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is now complete. The UAE will join a first-round group that includes cricketing giants England, as well as other qualifiers Scotland and Namibia in Group B.
The final list of qualified teams showcases the global growth of the T20 format, featuring a mix of established Test-playing nations and emerging Associate members. The tournament promises to be the most expansive in T20 World Cup history.
An ICC spokesperson commented on the conclusion of the global qualifiers, stating, "Congratulations to the UAE on their qualification. The Asia Qualifier demonstrated the incredible depth and competitive spirit in world cricket, and we look forward to welcoming all 20 teams to the West Indies and USA."
For the UAE, the hard work now begins anew. The focus will immediately shift to preparing for the world stage, where they will aim to compete with the best and perhaps even cause an upset or two, carrying the hopes of a nation and the wider Associate cricket community.