The UAE finally had its moment of pride after two drubbings from India and Sri Lanka when they overcame a rather stiff target and beat neighbours Oman by seven wickets in the ongoing ICC/ACC Under-17 Asia Cup being played in Bangladesh.

The cynosure of all eyes was Vivek Reji Thomas, who took up the mantle and an unbeaten century (101) to steer his team to victory. Imran provided him with invaluable support with a half-century that earned his team a much-needed morale-boosting victory.

Facing the daunting prospect of overhauling a challenging target of 231 in 45 overs, Vivek Reji Thomas was in his elements to carve out a facile victory by seven wickets.

Imran Butt stroked an unbeaten 57 off 47 balls with four fours and two sixes. Vivek got his runs off only 109 balls with 12 fours and added 113 runs for the unbroken third-wicket in company of Imran Butt.

Earlier, he put on 66 runs with Odell Menon, who dropped anchor to play a useful knock of 21 off 50 balls. Vice-Captain Leon Carlo also made his presence felt with a little cameo knock of 22 from 21 balls.

Earlier, Oman batted well to score 230 before they were dismissed in the last over with three balls to spare. One drop Adnan put his team on track with a flawless 87 off 73 balls including 17 fours, after they got off to a shaky start that reduced them to 44 for three.

He rallied brilliantly and added 68 runs for the fourth wicket in company of Shameel, who hit a fine 43 off 42 balls with nine fours. However, UAE lads tightened their game and picked up three quick wickets that reduced their rivals to 190 for seven.

Good bowling

Bowling honours were shared by Leon Carlo (two for 28 off six overs), Vivek (two for 38 off nine), Ali Feroz Pooonawalla (two for 48 off nine) and Wasim Rahman (two for 16 off 6.3). Earlier, UAE suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of India by 257 runs.

Summarised scores:

Oman lost to UAE by seven wickets. Oman 230 in 44.3 overs (Adnan 87, Shameel 43) UAE 231 for three in 39.2 overs (Vivek Reji Thomas 101 n.o., Imran Butt 57 n.o.). Man-of-the-match: Vivek Reji.

India beat UAE by 257 runs. India 325 for eight in 45 overs (Parthiv Patel 74, Deepak Choughale 99, Mohnish Misra 68, Imran Khan three for 42) UAE 68 in 34.3 overs (K. Rawal three for 14, Rakesh Mohanty three for 11).