In an electrifying contest, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) edged past Kuwait by a narrow margin of two runs to claim the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 title. The final, held on Sunday, delivered drama and excitement until the very last ball.
Batting first, UAE managed to post a total of 153 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Their innings was a mix of steady contributions, with Tanish Suri top-scoring with 34 runs. Alishan Sharafu and Rahul Chopra chipped in with valuable 28 runs each, while Asif Khan added 23 runs to the total. Despite a promising start, UAE’s batters failed to capitalize in the later overs, largely due to an outstanding bowling performance by Kuwait.
Kuwaiti bowlers Yasin Patel and Syed Mobin were exceptional, each picking up three wickets, while Meet Bhavsar added two wickets to his tally. Their disciplined bowling effort restricted UAE from reaching a higher total, setting up an achievable target of 154 runs.
Kuwait’s chase, however, proved to be a rollercoaster. Meet Bhavsar showcased his brilliance with the bat, scoring a magnificent 72 runs and anchoring the innings. Unfortunately for Kuwait, none of the other batters managed to provide substantial support. The match came down to the final over, where two quick wickets sealed their fate, leaving them agonizingly short of the target.
UAE’s bowlers delivered under pressure, displaying a balanced performance. Muhammad Jawadullah, Simranjeet Kang, and Ali Naseer each claimed two wickets, effectively dismantling Kuwait’s batting lineup in the crucial moments of the game.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the UAE cricket team, highlighting their growing prominence in the Gulf’s cricketing circuit. The closely fought final also underlined the competitive spirit of the tournament, with both teams delivering stellar performances.
The UAE’s triumph not only secured them the championship but also added another milestone to their cricketing journey. For fans, this thrilling encounter will remain a memorable chapter in Gulf cricket history.