The UAE Under 19 team seem to be unstoppable at the moment.
A week after qualifying for the U19 World Cup, to be held in South Africa early next year, the junior national team returned home almost immediately to get their ACC U19 Cup qualifier campaign at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium started. And what tournament they have had so far.
They began by beating Saudi Arabia by a massive 173 runs, with wicketkeeper Vriitya Aravind scoring a century. Then Aryan Lakra took 6-16 as his team thrashed Bahrain by nine wickets.
On Monday, they did swimmingly well to post 408-7 in 50 overs. Ashwanth Valthapa hit 100 not out off 81 balls, Osama Hassan scored 97 from 55 balls and Syed Haider contributed with a 59-ball 73.
In response, Iran were bowled out for 53 giving the home team a whopping 355-run win. Edris Raeisi (29) was the only batsman to reach double figures, as off-spinner Rishab Mukherjee taking 5-8. Mohammed Akasha Tahir took 2-20, seamer Aaron Benjamin 2-18 and left-arm spinner Lakra 1-6.
The UAE have in the process reached the semi-finals of the competition.
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