Muscat – The UAE defeated Singapore by 47 runs in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup qualifier in Al Amerat, Oman, to keep their hopes alive of playing in the tournament proper which they host from Saturday.

UAE had lost to Kuwait in their first match on Sunday which came as a big blow and they were determined to leave that defeat behind them.

Put in to bat, UAE made 160 for 8 thanks mainly to Muhammad Waseem’s power-packed 58 (34 balls). Basil Hameed made 38 from 28 balls.  For Singapore, Janak Prakash took 3 for 35 while Vinoth Baskaran claimed two wickets for 23 from four overs.

Though the total was a bit disappointing considering Waseem’s start, UAE more than made up for it with the ball and sent Singapore packing for just 113 runs.

Karthik Meiyappan was the pick of UAE bowlers with three wickets for just 13 runs off his four overs and was adjudged the man of the match.

“It is good to be on the winning side and bounce back after yesterday,” said Meiyappan. This means we are still in with a chance to go through to the Asia Cup, which is the most important factor. It was good to contribute to the team’s win.”

Junaid Siddique also took three wickets for 14 runs in four overs.

UAE captain CP Rizwan was happy with the team’s performance.

“I am happy for the boys and the team and this was a much-needed win,” said Rizwan.

“On paper we are one of the stronger teams and we needed to show that on the field as well. That is what we did today. The boys were hungry and keen to perform. When they got the opportunity, they grabbed it with both hands,” he added.

UAE play Hong Kong in their next match on Wednesday while Kuwait will take on Singapore.

Only one out of the four teams will qualify for the Asia Cup, which will be played in the UAE from August 27 to September 11.