Muhammad Waseem masterclass sends UAE to T20 World Cup as Qualifier champions

Muhammad Waseem struck the second century of his extraordinary introduction to international cricket as UAE claimed the T20 World Cup Qualifier title.

The national team had already accomplished the main goal of their tour to Oman two days earlier. Winning their semi-final against Nepal secured their trip to Australia for October.

They were intent on leaving Muscat with the winners’ trophy, too, and Waseem - playing just his 12th T20 international - made sure they did, in a dominant run-chase against Ireland.

The opener hit 112 as UAE chased 160 for the loss of just three wickets to give them the title – and a fifth win in a row against the Irish.

“Everyone has been backing me whether I have been scoring or not scoring, the coach, the captain, and the players,” said Waseem, who scored a vital half-century in the win against Nepal, too.

“We have kept believing in ourselves. I have been trying to do my best. Inshallah, I can do more of this, and score more hundreds and 50s.

“It was a big game, a high-pressure game and I had belief in myself. I just tried to play my natural game.

“It was not easy. After six overs we had just 20 runs and two wickets gone, but [batting partner Rohan Mustafa and I] talked to each other and said to go till the end.”

Waseem’s innings was reminiscent of the century he scored against the same opposition in Dubai last October, when he scored 107 not out from a total of 137 in a series-clinching run-chase.

Ahmed Raza, the UAE captain, said the country has found a star in the form of the 28-year-old opening batsman.

“When it comes to chasing, you need a really good head on your shoulders to calculate the innings,” Raza said.

“The maturity he has shown, when he is just six months into international