Rohan Mustafa continued his fine run of form to guide UAE to a comfortable six-wicket win over Qatar on the opening day of World Twenty20 qualifying in Kuwait.
The UAE captain scored 71 from 43 balls as the national team chased the 144 needed to win with nine balls to spare.
Earlier, he had sent down a thrifty spell of off-spin, conceding just 17 from his four overs.
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His bright start to the competition was perhaps no surprise, given the form he showed in the lead up. Mustafa was player of the tournament at a T20 event in Nepal, and last weekend played a key role in Sharjah winning the final of the first UAE Cricket Leagues Men's T20 in Dubai.
Mohammed Naveed took three wickets, as Qatar were restricted to 143 for six from their 20 overs at the Entertainment City Cricket Ground in Kuwait City.
It meant UAE started their World T20 Asia Western Sub Regional Qualifier in perfect style.
Great start @EmiratesCricket Very well played @rohanmustafa88 Plenty to improve on moving into tomorrow’s match! 👍🏻🇦🇪 https://t.co/HnQpH9QQ6X
— Dougie Brown (@dougie1brown) April 20, 2018
The top three sides from the six-team event will advance to the Asia Qualifier, with the ultimate goal of a place at the 2020 World T20 in Australia.
Hosts Kuwait thrashed Maldives by 102 runs in the other match on Friday morning. UAE play Saudi Arabia in their second match on Saturday.
