Magnificent Muhammad Waseem century sends UAE to Asia Cup with win over Oman

Muhammad Waseem crushed a trademark century to lead the UAE to Asia Cup qualification.

The captain made 100 in 56 balls as the national team beat Oman by 55 runs in the final of the ACC Premier Cup in Muscat.

It was not the first time Waseem has thrived on the main oval at Oman Cricket Academy when the stakes were high.

Back in 2022, he hit a sublime ton as the national team celebrated qualification for the T20 World Cup in Australia with a win over Ireland.

The circumstances were slightly different this time. That match two years ago had essentially been ceremonial: both the UAE and Ireland were already assured of qualification for the World Cup.

The ACC Premier Cup, though, only carries with it one spot at the Asia Cup next year, where India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan lie in wait. As such, the final against the hosts was winner-takes-all.

Additionally, the present incarnation of the national team bears little resemblance to what it did in 2022. Back then, it was a confident side, sure of its excellence. Lately, though, the side has been frustratingly inconsistent.

After their most recent series against Scotland, which culminated in them making their lowest ever score in a full international match, Waseem pointed out it felt as though the side was overly reliant on him making runs.

The form of Alishan Sharafu and Asif Khan at this tournament in Muscat, though, has rendered that theory a distant memory.

Waseem was emboldened to play his shots in the final by the confidence he had in his opening partner, Sharafu, as well as the fact Asif has been in such prime form in the middle order.

He shared in a stand worth 93 for the first wicket with Sharafu, while Asif bulldozed his way to 38 not out in 16