UAE bowlers Mohammad Naveed and Qadeer Ahmed skittled Oman’s top order as the UAE cantered to a 71-run victory and qualification into the main draw of the Asian Cup.

Oman won the toss and sent the Aaqib Javed’s men into bat first. After Rohan Mustafa’s cheap dismissal, Muhammad Kaleem (50), Mohammad Shahzad (34) and Muhammad Usman (46) showed great maturity to steer the team to a competitive total of 172 runs.

Oman’s innings was doomed from the start as Naveed (2-14) and Ahmed (2-25) reduced the the batting side to a paltry 85-7.

Zeeshan Maqsood hung around for Oman as late as 18th over but without a partner to support him, he was ultimately fighting a losing battle.

While the Emirati team will celebrate one of the most important wins in their nations history, the hard work starts now as Javed’s men prepare to face India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the main draw.

Earlier on in the day, sterling performances from Najibullah Zadran (60*) and Mohammad Nabi (4-17) sealed a 66-run win for Afghanistan over Hong Kong.

That victory meant that the Afghanistanis were in with a chance of qualification to the Asian Cup main draw should Oman defeat the UAE. However Oman’s heavy defeat meant it was an effort in vain for Afghanistan, who now go home alongside Oman and Hong Kong.