India A crushed UAE in the second match of both the sides in the ongoing ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024. (Highlights | More Cricket News)
The win was India A's second consecutive victory of the tournament following their triumph against Pakistan. For UAE, it was their first loss after a win over Oman in their campaign opener.
UAE won the toss and opted to bat first. Their openers were removed within ten balls and if that was not enough, the gulf side lost three wickets in the sixth over bowled by Rasikh Salam.
With half the side already in pavilion within the powerplay, UAE's hopes of posting a challenging total were already over. Indian bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals as UAE batters struggled. Anshul Kamboj, Vaibhav Arora, Abhishek Sharma, Nehal Wadhera all picked a wicket each, the last two without even conceding a run. Ramandeep Singh took two wickets and Salam was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name.
UAE ultimately got to 107 before getting all out in the 17th over. Rahul Chopra, who came to bat in the second over, fell as the last wicket after scoring a fighting half-century.
With a small target in front, India looked clear favourites to win but UAE struck in the first over to get rid of Prabhsimran Singh. Abhishek Sharma then took the matter in his own hands launching three sixes and five fours in his 24-ball 58 to put India A on the cusp of win.
In the end, India A took just 10.5 overs to cross the target.
The win takes India A on the top of Group B with four points in two matches. UAE and Pakistan A have two points in two matches but the net run rate of Pakistani side is better. Oman are third in the group without a win.
