Abhishek Sharma’s storm…Rashikh’s killer bowling, India reached semi-finals

Al Amaraat. The young star of the Indian cricket team showed a stellar performance and registered its second consecutive win in the Emerging Team Asia Cup. After beating Pakistan, India confirmed its place in the semi-finals by defeating United Arab Emirates. After the brilliant performance of the bowlers, India defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by seven wickets, thanks to a brilliant half-century by stormy opener Abhishek Sharma (58 runs).

This is the second victory of the Indian team in the tournament. Earlier, it had defeated its arch rival Pakistan by seven runs in the first match. India currently top Group B with four points and will face hosts Oman in their final group game on Wednesday. Abhishek scored a explosive fifty off just 24 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes. With the help of a six and a four from Ayush Badoni, India completed the formalities of achieving the target of 108 runs in 55 balls. Captain Tilak Verma scored 21 runs in 18 balls.

Earlier, while batting, UAE team was out for 107 runs in 16.5 overs. UAE lost the wickets of both openers Mayank Kumar (10) and Aryansh Sharma (1) within the first two overs. Fast bowler Rasikh Salam dismissed three batsmen in his/her opening over, taking UAE’s score to 40 for five in the powerplay. Salam was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for taking three wickets for 15 runs. Ramandeep Singh (two wickets for seven runs) also took two wickets.