The Associates’ battle for the solitary main round berth of the first ever Asia Cup Twenty20 begins today as Afghanistan face the UAE in the first qualifier at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium. In the other qualifier of the day, Hong Kong lock horns with Oman at the same venue.
Afghanistan v UAE
Afghanistan are being touted in many quarters as the favourites to progress to the next round but in the UAE, captain Asghar Stanikzai and his troop will be up against a confident outfit.
With that said, the Afghans will be determined to make only their second ever appearance in the regional competition and for that to happen, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi needs to fire with both bat and ball.
Fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who has troubled many a batsman with his sheer pace and bounce, will lead the bowling attack while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, who was adjudged the player of the series in two T20Is against Zimbabwe last month, will add strength to the middle-order.
Amjad Javed’s UAE though will provide stiff opposition and they will not be short of confidence either as they levelled the two-T20I series against Ireland a couple of days ago.
Hong Kong v Oman
Hong Kong, bidding to play only their second ever Asia Cup, will meet Oman in the second qualifier and the former will be looking to continue their recent run of good form, having drawn the two-T20I series against Scotland.
The likes of left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed and all-rounder Nizakat Khan will be expected to play crucial roles for their side.
Oman on the other hand also have some handy cricketers in their line-up, with stumper-batsman Sultan Ahmed leading the way.
