Records tumble as UAE defeat Bahrain in Asia Cup qualifying in Muscat

The UAE smashed a national record score in T20 international cricket as they exacted revenge on Bahrain at the ACC Premier Cup in Muscat on Saturday.

The national team broke the 200-run barrier in the format for the first time in a run-spree at the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat.

They eventually finished on 236-6 after brutal half-centuries from Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan.

They clearly enjoy playing at this venue. Six of the UAE’s highest ever innings totals in this format have come at the scenic ground in the Wadi Al Mayr venue.

They closed out a second successive win at the start of the 10-team tournament, the winners of which will qualify for the Asia Cup next year.

The national team were well aware of their opposition’s threat. When they faced it during T20 World Cup qualifying at the same venue three years ago, Bahrain claimed a shock win over their Gulf neighbours.

Muscat: absolutely primo destination for cricket

Bit of drizzle around this morning tho. UAE and Nepal, both winners yesterday, back into it today. Asia Cup qualification at stake. Lovely pic.twitter.com/eNkG1bgxPr

It appeared at one point in the chase that the same might be possible. Bahrain were 131-2 after 11 overs of their reply, before they were eventually limited to 199-8.

For the second day in a row, Sharafu was the batting star, and again he shared in a batting partnership record.

On Friday, he and Asif Khan set a new highest stand for any wicket for the UAE in the format when they put on 153 for the fourth wicket in the win over Kuwait.

A day later, he and Waseem set a new best for the first wicket as they blitzed 142 before they were parted.

Sharafu top scored with 78 from 41 balls, Waseem made 65 from 40, and Asif blazed