ICC Men’s Premier Cup 2024: A Comprehensive Review of an Exciting Tournament
The 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, held in April 2024, was a landmark event in Asian cricket, serving as a crucial qualification stage for the 2025 Asia Cup. This second edition of the Premier Cup saw ten teams—eight from the highest-ranked ACC associate members, joined by two finalists from the 2024 ACC Men’s Challenger Cup—battling it out for the top spot. The competition witnessed intense action, surprise upsets, and remarkable individual performances, culminating in the United Arab Emirates’ victory over Oman in the final.
Participating Teams and Their Journey in ICC Men’s Premier Cup 2024
The tournament featured the top ACC cricketing nations. Nepal, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar were automatic qualifiers, while Saudi Arabia and Cambodia earned their spots by finishing as the top two teams in the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup. Nepal, the defending champions, were eager to replicate their 2023 success, while Oman and UAE were considered strong contenders for the title.
Group Stage Drama and Key Matches of ICC Men’s Premier Cup 2024
Group A was a thrilling affair, with Nepal dominating by winning all four of their matches. Hong Kong secured the second spot, edging out Qatar on net run rate. In Group B, Oman displayed exceptional form, winning all their matches, while UAE clinched the second position with three victories.
One of the most memorable moments of the group stage occurred when Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee hit six sixes in a single over, showcasing his incredible batting prowess. UAE’s Alishan Sharafu also made headlines with his explosive batting against Kuwait, scoring a match-winning 90 not out. These performances underscored the talent on display and set the stage for a gripping knockout round.
ICC Men’s Premier Cup 2024’s Knockout Stage: Thrills and Surprises
As the tournament progressed into the knockout stage, the intensity reached a new level. The semi-finals were fiercely contested, with Nepal facing UAE and Oman battling Hong Kong. UAE pulled off a stunning victory against Nepal, the defending champions, thanks to an all-round performance from their squad. Oman, meanwhile, overpowered Hong Kong to set up a mouth-watering final clash against UAE. The final match, held at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, did not disappoint. UAE emerged victorious by outplaying Oman, showcasing superior strategy, consistency, and individual brilliance.
Star Players and Unforgettable Performances
Dipendra Singh Airee from Nepal was a standout performer, impressing with both bat and ball. Oman’s Bilal Khan was another key figure, taking crucial wickets and leading his team to the final. UAE’s success was driven by consistent contributions from Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Afzal Khan, and Asif Khan, whose performances were pivotal in their championship run.
The Road to the 2025 Asia Cup
The 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup was not just about the competition—it was about qualification for the prestigious 2025 Asia Cup. With UAE clinching the top spot, the anticipation for their performance in the upcoming Asia Cup is high. Oman’s strong showing, despite finishing as runners-up, also promises exciting future prospects.
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