In Match 12 of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Wednesday, October 23, Pakistan A won the toss and elected to bat first against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, their hopes for a strong start were thwarted by a brilliant piece of fielding from Basit Hameed, leading to an early run-out that set the tone for the innings.
Brilliant run out by Basil Hameed to dismiss Omid Yousuf
On the last ball of the second over, bowler Omid Shafi Rahman delivered from the wide side of the crease, angling the ball towards the middle and leg stump. Omair Yousuf, the opening batter, attempted to steer the ball toward mid-off but decided to take a risky single with his partner Yasir Khan. Basil, stationed at mid-off, showcased impressive athleticism and awareness as he sprinted towards the ball.
In a swift motion, Basil fielded the ball and executed a pinpoint throw back towards the bowler’s end. His quick reflexes were on full display as he hit the stumps directly, leaving Yousuf stranded mid-pitch. Despite his best efforts to reach the other end, Yousuf was ultimately run out, marking a significant blow to Pakistan A’s innings right at the outset.
Here’s the video:
Basil Hameed picks that up beautifully from mid-on and sends back the dangerous Yousuf back to the pavilion! 🔥@EmiratesCricket #MensT20EmergingTeamsAsiaCup2024 #PAKvUAE #ACC pic.twitter.com/Gkk4GDIU16
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) October 23, 2024
Also READ: Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Schedule: Date, Squads, Match Time, Broadcast & Live Streaming details
Mohammad Haris’ heroics with the bat
Pakistan A set a competitive total of 179/4 after opting to bat first against the UAE in Al Amarat. The innings started with aggression as Yousuf (21 off 11 balls) and Yasir (25 off 13 balls) provided a brisk start, but both were dismissed inside the powerplay, leaving Pakistan A at 48/2. Mohammad Haris, leading from the front as captain, played a crucial knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 71 off 49 balls, striking six boundaries and three towering sixes.
Haris and Haider Ali propel Pakistan in death overs
Despite losing Qasim Akram for 23 and Abdul Samad for just 1 shortly afterward, Haris held the innings together and was ably supported by Haider Ali, who played a blistering cameo of 32 not out from just 17 deliveries, including one boundary and three sixes. The pair added 50 runs in just 28 balls for the fifth wicket, boosting the Shaheens’ total significantly in the death overs, scoring 64 runs off the last five overs.
Muhammad Farooq was the standout bowler for UAE, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, while the rest of the bowling attack, including Akif Raja and Shafi Rahman, struggled to contain the scoring. Akif, in particular, was expensive, conceding 55 runs in his 3.6 overs.