United Arab Emirates are in pole position to qualify for the Asia Cup after a six-wicket win over Hong Kong at Fatullah.
UAE won their first match against Afghanistan on Friday and repeated that result on Sunday against Hong Kong, as they easily chased down 147.
Babar Hayat had scored 54 in 45 balls for Hong Kong, and combined for 62 with Mark Chapman (29), but the innings failed to hit fifth gear and eventually ended on 146 for seven.
Mohammad Naveed was the pick of the bowlers for UAE with three for 14, while Amjad Javed grabbed a brace.
Hong Kong reach 7-146 after 20 overs. Going to need to defend well! Top score again Babar Hayat with 54. #HKGvUAE pic.twitter.com/K9gNJhBPnM
— Hong Kong Cricket (@CricketHK) February 21, 2016
Hong Kong fought back with the ball, as UAE were 22 for two in 2.5 overs, but a 79-run stand between Muhammad Usman and Mohammad Shahzad helped rescue things for the Emirati side.
Usman failed to back his six fours with a half-century, gone for 41, Shahzad crossed the landmark and by the time he was out for 52 in the 19th over, UAE needed just six to win.
Javed (six not out) did the honours in the best possible way, hitting Aizaz Khan for a six in the very next ball.
While Hong Kong are bottom of the qualifying table and without a win in two, UAE can seal qualification with a win in their final game, against Oman.
Source: ECB