The UAE national cricket team is in the thick of the action at the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 in Malaysia, with the squad having built momentum through the group stage as they push for a place among the tournament’s final four and, ultimately, a coveted spot at next year’s Asia Cup.
The 14-member UAE squad travelled to Kuala Lumpur for the eight-team, 50-over tournament, which runs from August 30 to September 12 and features teams drawn from across the Asian Cricket Council’s membership. The UAE were placed in Group B alongside Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Singapore, a group that has proven competitive throughout the group-stage rounds.
A strong start to the campaign
UAE opened their campaign against Qatar at the Bayuemas Oval before facing Kuwait at the same venue days later. The team then moved to the UKM YSD Cricket Oval, where they delivered one of their most impressive performances of the tournament so far, beating Singapore by seven wickets. Singapore, batting first, were bundled out for 172 in 47.4 overs, with Muhammad Mohsin taking four wickets and Aayan Afzal Khan claiming three as the UAE bowling attack ran through the Singaporean batting order.
In reply, UAE chased down the target with plenty of overs to spare, finishing the job in 24.3 overs thanks to a pair of composed half-centuries. Akshdeep Nath top-scored with 58 off 62 balls, while Harpreet Singh provided steady support with an unbeaten 54 off 52 deliveries, guiding the team home comfortably and extending their winning run in the competition.
A tough final group match
UAE closed out their group campaign against Oman at the same venue, a fixture that carried significant weight given the tight competition for qualification spots within Group B. With the semi-finals scheduled for Thursday, September 10, every group-stage result has carried real consequences for seeding and momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
The tournament format sees the top teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the overall winners securing qualification for the next edition of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup, a significant prize that raises the stakes considerably for every match played in Kuala Lumpur.
Building depth across the squad
The tournament has also offered a valuable platform for UAE’s cricketing depth to shine, with contributions coming from across the batting and bowling lineup rather than relying on just one or two standout performers. That balance, several bowlers sharing wickets and multiple batters contributing meaningful scores, has been a feature of the UAE’s stronger performances in recent regional tournaments and reflects the steady investment the Emirates Cricket Board has made in developing a broader talent pool in recent years.
UAE’s cricket programme has continued to grow in profile domestically and regionally, with the country hosting numerous international matches and tournaments throughout the year and fielding competitive sides across men’s, women’s and age-group cricket. The current campaign in Malaysia represents another opportunity for the senior men’s team to demonstrate that growth on a genuinely competitive stage against sides from across Asia.
What’s at stake in the knockouts
With the semi-finals fast approaching, UAE fans back home will be watching closely to see whether the team can convert its group-stage form into a run through the knockout stages. A strong finish would not only deliver silverware but also secure a place in next year’s Asia Cup, a tournament that would put the UAE on the same stage as some of the biggest names in world cricket, further raising the profile of the sport within the Emirates.
