UAE fall just short of 500-run barrier in Asia Cup qualifier thrashing of Singapore

National team are bowled out for 471 before going on to secure a 201-run victory in Nepal

UAE captain Muhammad Waseem smashed 160 runs off 82 balls against Singapore. Subas Humagain for The National

Vriitya Aravind and Muhammad Waseem both smashed huge centuries as the UAE almost broke through the 500-run barrier during their ACC Premier Cup demolition of Singapore on Sunday.

On a remarkable day of run-scoring for the national team in Kirtipur, captain Waseem battered the bowlers around the ground with a 82-ball 160, that included nine fours and 16 sixes.

Aravind, the 20-year-old wicketkeeper who hit 185 against Kuwait last Wednesday, managed a mere 174 this time round – his knock coming off a more sedate 133 balls, containing 17 fours and seven sixes.

The duo's 246-run partnership for the second wicket – opener Aryan Lakra had managed just 12 before being bowled by Adwitya Bhargava – put the UAE on their way to a mammoth total.

And the 500-run mark looked in touching distance after teenager star Aayan Afzal Khan's 50-ball 74, that included nine fours and three sixes.

But when the talented all-rounder fell with the score at 460-7, the UAE's final three wickets fell in quick succession and they ended up all out for 471. Medium pacer Bhargava finished with 4-85 from his eight overs.

The UAE's victory – in a fixture that did not have full one-day international status – never looked in any danger as Singapore reached 270-9 in reply, with Manpreet Singh (66 from 64 balls) and Thilipan Omaidurai (52 from 56) showing some resistance.

The wickets were shared around the UAE's bowling attack with 17-year-old whizz-kid Aayan (2-53), Karthik Meiyappan (2-37) and Sanchit Sharma (2-32) all claiming a couple of wickets each.

The UAE now sit second in their group after three games following the 201-run victory, level on points with Hong Kong who have played a match less.

Whoever wins the 10-team event in Nepal will qualify for this year’s Asia Cup, which is set to be played in the ODI format in Pakistan as a precursor to the 50-over World Cup.

Updated: April 24, 2023, 6:30 AM