UAE Premier Cup final hopes became reality after a dominant seven-wicket semi-final win over Hong Kong, powered by Haider Ali’s six-wicket haul.
BANGI: UAE Premier Cup final qualification was secured in emphatic fashion after the national side defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 semi-final in Malaysia on September 10.
UAE dismissed Hong Kong for just 70 in 30.1 overs at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval before racing to 71/3 in only 11.1 overs, completing a one-sided victory with seven wickets in hand.
Haider Ali tears through Hong Kong
Haider Ali produced the standout bowling performance, taking six wickets for only 14 runs as UAE dismantled Hong Kong’s batting order.
Hong Kong had reached 32 before losing their first wicket, but the innings quickly unravelled. They slipped from 36/1 to 36/4 before continuing to lose wickets under sustained pressure from the UAE attack.
Zeeshan Ali top-scored with 17, while Kalhan Challu made 13 and Kinchit Shah finished unbeaten on 11. No Hong Kong batter managed to build the substantial innings needed to challenge UAE’s bowlers.
UAE finish the chase in 11.1 overs
A target of 71 offered UAE the opportunity to finish the semi-final quickly.
The side reached 50 in just 7.3 overs and, despite Hong Kong claiming three wickets, continued attacking rather than allowing the modest target to create pressure.
UAE eventually reached 71/3 after 11.1 overs, sealing the seven-wicket victory and their place in the tournament decider.
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UAE arrive in final with strong momentum
The UAE Premier Cup final appearance follows an impressive run through the competition.
UAE defeated Qatar by 92 runs, Kuwait by 66 runs under the DLS method, Singapore by seven wickets and Oman by 49 runs during their group campaign before overpowering Hong Kong in the semi-final.
The results underline the team’s consistency with both bat and ball heading into the tournament’s biggest match.
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Nepal await UAE in the final
UAE will face Nepal in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final after Nepal defeated Oman by 87 runs in the other semi-final.
Nepal were bowled out for 147 but responded with an exceptional bowling display, dismissing Oman for only 60 in 28.1 overs.
That sets up a final between two of Asia’s leading Associate cricket sides, with both teams entering the contest after convincing semi-final bowling performances.
Why the final matters for UAE cricket
Reaching the UAE Premier Cup final gives the national team another opportunity to demonstrate its progress against strong Associate opposition.
The commanding nature of the semi-final victory should also provide confidence, particularly after the bowling attack showed it can take control of a match before the batting side begins its chase.
Impact to expect
A Premier Cup title would add further momentum to UAE cricket and strengthen confidence in the national team’s depth as it continues competing for a bigger presence in Asian and international cricket.
