IRE VS UAE T20I

Right then! That is all we have from this match and from the 2022 T20 World Cup Qualifier A as well. It's been a fascinating few days of cricketing action. Two sides have made it through to the preliminary stages of the T20 World Cup later in the year in Australia. The winners, UAE will join Sri Lanka and Namibia in Group A whereas Ireland will be a part of Group B which includes West Indies and Scotland. Hope you enjoyed the coverage. Take care and goodbye!

A big moment now as Ahmed Raza is presented the winning trophy which he lifts with his team. All the members seem elated and pose for a team photograph as well.

The winning captain, Ahmed Raza says that Aravind is a special kid and he has been the reason for their success in this tournament. Adds that the opposition were still 20 runs or so short and they had a simple chat at the interval to chase it down as the pitch was a belter. Mentions that they were disappointed to miss out on the home World Cup last year but they have bounced back now and he congratulates Waseem for his brilliant ton today. He then goes on to thank all the curators and the opposition skipper for making it through to the World Cup and hopes that both sides can make it through to the Super 8 stage.

Vriitya Aravind is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his exceptional effort with the blade. He says, he doesn't mind if he doesn't score but all that matters it to get the side over the line. Mentions, all the senior players supported the youngsters in the camp. Adds that all he could think about going to Australia and that motivated him to perform at such a high level. Ends by saying, they aren't going to go there just to participate but they will make sure to give a solid fight and make it into the main World Cup stage.

Waseem Muhammad is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He says that he is grateful for the opportunity given to him, whether he is scoring runs or not, the team had confidence in him. He adds that the captain just told him to stay on the crease for as long as possible and he is glad to have played well today. Mentions that his elbow is fine at the moment and ends by saying that he is very excited to play the World Cup in Australia.

Irish skipper, Andy Balbirnie is in for a chat. He says, they played really good cricket and he congratulates them for their effort. Mentions, 159 was not enough, it was a pretty good wicket and they wanted more by the end of it. Adds, the best of the day won. He says that the focus is now on Australia. They have a lot of work to do and they are excited about it. Ends by thanking everyone for producing such a lovely event.

... Presentation ceremony ...

Earlier in the day, the Irish tail fought valiantly to get their side to a competitive total of 159 runs. This was well backed up by Josh Little who gave them a brilliant start with the ball. This was all washed away as Waseem Muhammad turned on the heat on what was already a very scorching day and notched up his second T20I ton. United Arab Emirates end up becoming the champions of the 2022 T20 World Cup Qualifiers A. Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony.

Well, 159 didn't seem enough but Ireland had all the momentum coming into the chase. They made it count as Josh Little got two wickets in the 4th over and the Irish bogged down their opponents inside the Powerplay. However, the lack of control from the spinners in the middle overs really cost them. Ireland could not pick up another wicket until it was too late and their bowlers were smashed to all parts of the ground by Waseem Muhammad. In the end, it was a disappointing effort in the field and the trophy that seemed to be theirs at one point slipped out of their grasp. They finish second and will now head into Group B of the preliminary stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup.

United Arab Emirates lost a bit of momentum going into the interval and were reeling at 12/2 inside 4 overs. They seemed to have let the final slip out of their grabs but Waseem Muhammad stepped up big time. He was very well supported by Rohan Mustafa who played very smartly and even hit the winning runs in the end. The pair added on 141 runs for the third wicket and Waseem became just the 10th man to score more than one T20I century, both of them coming against Ireland. Waseem got out at the death but he had already sealed the deal and UAE won the 2022 T20 World Cup Qualifier A!

What a topsy-turvy and cracking final this has been! In the end, it's one man who has made all the difference and that man is Waseem Muhammad. What a sensational knock he has played in the final to bring the trophy home for United Arab Emirates!

A length ball, on middle and leg. Rohan Mustafa tucks it to mid-wicket and scampers through for a quick single. UAE WIN THE GAME BY 7 WICKETS.

A length ball, on off. Rohan Mustafa swings hard at it. The ball takes the outside edge and runs down to third man. They take a brace.

FOUR! Rohan Mustafa applying the finishing touches now. Back of a length, outside off. Rohan Mustafa stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

A length ball, on off, blocked out.

Basil Hameed is in at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT! Hearthbreak for Waseem Muhammad, he would've wanted to end the game here, but his departure is fitting, as all the players and the fans are on their feet greeting him with a standing ovation as he trudges off the field. Fired in full and outside off. Waseem looks to cream it through covers but hits it uppishly and straight to the Irish captain. Andy Balbirnie takes a sharp catch at the cover region and Waseem has to depart after a sensational knock.