The 17-year-old fast-bowler was in lethal form with the ball, taking 4-20 in six overs as the UAE eased to their 38-run target inside 11 overs with nine wickets to spare.

It was his second top individual accolade after taking 3-13 in the nine-wicket triumph over Kuwait. He will be hoping to make it a hat-trick when the UAE face Oman in their final group today.

Victory over their neighbours will secure a place in the semi-finals and keep their hopes of reaching the Division One tournament in Sri Lanka later this year as they bid to qualify for the 2018 showpiece event in New Zealand.

“I’m very happy and excited to have done so well and win my second man of the match award,” said Saddique. “It’s a very important result for the team as we knew we had to win the game if we wanted to qualify. It’s my first time playing for the UAE in a tournament and today has been a memorable moment.”

Despite the big margin, Saddique never underestimated the opponents and stuck to his game plan.

“My aim was to bowl wicket-to-wicket as the pitch was a bit slippery. It made things difficult for the bowlers as well.”

Today’s opponents Oman sit in third place, two points behind the UAE after a shock defeat to Kuwait on Thursday.

While Saddique is wary of players in their team, he is confident his team-mates can end the group stage on a high.

“Oman is a big game and we have to win it,” he said. “We have worked hard over the last couple of months and we want to keep on doing well in this tournament.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself here and there will be good memories that I’ll cherish for a long time.

“But I want to create more and want to win this tournament and face better sides in Division One in Sri Lanka.”