The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 9th Place Play-off match between the United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Takashinga Sports Club turned out to be yet another last-ball thriller, with UAE emerging victorious in the contest by a mere one run.
Winning the toss, the UAE elected to bat first and posted a challenging total of 308 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Aryansh Sharma scored a well-crafted 57 runs off 72 deliveries for UAE. However, the standout performance came from Asif Khan, who played a magnificent innings of 151 runs off 145 balls, comprising twelve fours and six maximums. Basil Hameed contributed with a handy 44 runs off 43 deliveries as well.
Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan were the picks of the bowlers for the United States, taking one and two wickets, respectively.
In reply, the USA fought valiantly but fell agonizingly short, finishing their innings at 307 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Monank Patel played a vital knock of 61 runs off 66 deliveries, including three fours and one six, while Aaron Jones contributed with a patient innings of 75 runs off 103 balls. Gajanand Singh also played a crucial innings, scoring a brisk 69 runs off just 44 deliveries, smashing eight fours and two sixes. Despite their efforts, the UAE bowlers held their nerves in the final overs to secure a narrow victory.
Sanchit Sharma was the most successful bowler for UAE, bagging three scalps, with Junaid Siddique and Ali Naseer claiming two wickets each. Asif was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his sensational match-winning knock.
It is also worth mentioning that with the unbeaten innings of 151 runs, Asif became the highest individual scorer for UAE in the ODI format. The record previously belonged to Khurram Khan (132* vs Afghanistan 2014).
