DHAKA: United Arab Emirates (UAE) beat Afghanistan by 16-run in the 1st Match of Qualifying Group of Asia Cup at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Outer Stadium at Fatullah of Narayanganj on Friday (February 19).

Earlier, UAE captain Amjad Javed won the toss and elected to bat first in the match that kicked off at 3:00pm Bangladesh time.

UAE scored 176-run losing four wickets from their 20-over quota. Rohan Mustafa hit a blazing 77-run off 50-ball. Besides, Muhammad Kaleem, Mohammad Shahzad and Usman Mushtaq hit 25, 25, and 23 runs respectively.

Rashid Khan picked up three wickets while Amir Hamza took one wicket.

In response, Afghanistan managed to score 160-run losing all wickets in 19.5-over. Karim Sadiq was the top scorer for Afghanistan. He hit 72-run.

Besides, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran scored 23 and 21 runs respectively.

Rohan Mustafa shined in bowling department too. He picked up three wickets giving away 19 runs from 2.5-over. Mohammad Naveed and Farhan Ahmed took two wickets each while Amjad Javed and Ahmed Raza took one each.

The qualifying matches are being played in T20 format as the Asia Cup will be held in T20 format in this year.

** Afghans need 177-run

BDST: 1822 HRS, FEB 19, 2016
SR