The group-stage matches of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup concluded on Thursday in a dramatic fashion. The top four sides and semifinal fixtures were also confirmed.
Nepal remains the only undefeated team in the tournament. They started the tournament with a win against Malaysia, followed by a record-breaking victory against Oman in the team’s 50th ODI match. The third match against Saudi Arabia was washed out by the rain, and Nepal rattled Qatar in the final group-stage match.
Nepal and Oman advanced to the semi-final from Group A. Nepal finished on top with seven points, and Oman finished second with six points. Oman’s only loss came against Nepal.
Meanwhile, UAE and Kuwait marched ahead from Group B after Kuwait’s dramatic win over Hong Kong in the last match. UAE topped the group with six points. Their only defeat came against Hong Kong. Kuwait bounced back well after a mammoth defeat against UAE in the first match and bagged three consecutive wins. They finished behind UAE on the basis of NRR.
Hong Kong had a superb start to the tournament defeating Singapore and UAE in the first two matches. Their third match was washed out due to the rain, and were eventually knocked out after being beaten by Kuwait in the decisive match.
Qatar from Group A and Singapore from Group B didn’t taste a single victory and were defeated in all four matches.
Nepal and Kuwait will battle in the first semi-final at TU Cricket Ground on Saturday. UAE and Oman will face each other in the second semi-final at Mulpani Cricket Ground on the same day.
The winner of the tournament will join India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup 2023, which will take place in September. Furthermore, the top three teams of the Premier Cup will also get the opportunity to feature in the ACC Emerging Cup in July.
The third-place match will be played on April 30 at TU Cricket Ground.
