UAE virtually through to semi-finals

Pre-tournament favourites the United Arab Emirates virtually sealed a spot in the semi-finals at the Asian Cricket Council Trophy with a seven-wicket win over the Maldives on Friday.

The Maldives were shot out for 116 in their group B game in the eight-nation tournament and UAE knocked off the required runs for the loss of three wickets by the 31st over.

The UAE have one more preliminary round game, against minnows Japan, who were beaten comprehensively by Nepal in the other group B game.

Japan, most of whose batsmen favour a baseball-like grip of the bat, were dismissed for 133 with Hirokazu Takahashi top-scoring with 28.

In reply, Nepal sped to 137 for three in the 20th over thanks to an unbroken fourth wicket stand between Kiran Agarwal, 53 not out, and Raju Khadkar 44 not out.

The Japanese fared marginally better Friday batting out the full complement of their overs. In their opening encounter against the Maldives, they were shot out for 59 in 20 overs.

The UAE are certain to clinch top spot in group B with Nepal favoured to take the runners-up position.

Hong Kong are clear favourites to top group A with Malaysia and Kuwait battling it out for the runners-up spot.

The top two teams in this tournament will qualify for next year's Asia Cup in Karachi when they will come up against Test-playing nations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the one-day tournament.

Mail Cricket Editor