The United Arab Emirates cricket team celebrated a triumphant victory over Kuwait at the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 final, held on December 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The championship showcased intense competition, and the UAE’s win marked their determination and prowess throughout the tournament.
With their captain Muhammad Waseem at the helm, the UAE team entered the match with high expectations. They had previously showed formidable strength, finishing at the top of the standings with four wins and one loss during the league matches, leading to their spot in the finals. The tournament began on a promising note for the UAE, starting with a narrow eight-run victory over Bahrain. They continued to build momentum, beating defending champions Oman by 24 runs and securing another victory against Kuwait by 11 runs. Their only defeat came at the hands of Saudi Arabia, which they lost by 11 runs.
Kuwait, on the other hand, led by their captain Mohammed Alasm, had demonstrated resilience to reach the championship finale. While they started with strong performances, including defeating Saudi Arabia and overcoming Oman later on, they suffered losses against Bahrain and UAE. Despite this, they managed to advance to the finals, showcasing their growth as they navigated through rigorous matches.
The final match commenced with UAE winning the toss and choosing to bat first. This decision proved astute as they set the target with 153 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to some commendable batting performances. Although the start was shaky for UAE, their team effort and strategy ensured they posted a competitive total. Key players such as Muhammad Waseem and Tanish Suri played pivotal roles alongside their teammates to formulate this score, exemplifying teamwork and collective spirit.
UAE’s innings concluded with them hoisting 153 runs after 20 overs. Unfortunately for Kuwait, their chase did not go as planned. They succumbed to UAE's bowling attack, getting bowled out for just 151 runs after 19.3 overs, just short of their target. Noteworthy bowlers for the UAE included Muhammad Jawadullah and Simranjeet Kang, each taking two wickets. This performance attests to the skill and effort put forth by the team throughout the tournament.
After the win, Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, reflected on the team's performance, stating, "We really played as a team today, and it feels great to lift the trophy on home soil." His pride and elation were evident, emphasizing the emotional significance of the win for the players and their supporters. This championship offered them the opportunity to showcase their talent on home ground, reinforcing their status on the cricketing stage.
Kuwait's efforts, though falling short, are also commendable. Mohammed Alasm, the Kuwait captain, acknowledged the hard work of his team, saying, "We fought hard, but it just wasn't our day." His words resonate with the spirit of the tournament, highlighting the intense competition and determination featured on both sides throughout the finals.
This victory signifies not only UAE’s success but also portrays the growth of cricket within the Gulf region. The 2024 championship featured the rising level of competition, highlighted by the performances from both UAE and Kuwait. Organizations like the Gulf Cricket Council play key roles in fostering the game across nations, enhancing skill levels, and enabling teams to compete on broader platforms.
Looking back at the tournament, the overall performance of the UAE proves to be a foundation they can build upon for future contests. Capturing the championship on home soil sets the stage for well-earned recognition and opportunities for the UAE players, with expectations for future success running high.
With the conclusion of this championship, local fans and cricket enthusiasts now have promising developments to look forward to. The stages are set for UAE to continue nurturing talent within their national setup, as they aim for sustained success and greater achievements on both regional and international levels.
