UAE Secure Super Four Berth

Captain Khurram Khan and Naeemuddin Aslam scored brilliant 50s against the Netherlands to help UAE to secure a place in the Super Four stage at Dubai Sports City.

By Liaqat Ali

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 11 Feb 2010, 11:10 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:31 AM

UAE registered a six-wicket victory by chasing the highest total (165) of the tournament so far. An unbroken 101-run fifth wicket partnership between Naeemuddin and Khurram was the cornerstone as the home side was in dire straits at 67-4 in 7.3 overs while chasing 165 for victory.

Man-of-the-Match Naeemuddin scored an unbeaten 60 off 49 balls with two fours and two sixes while Khurram remained not out on 52 that came off just 35 balls laced with five fours.

Khurram said: “We were positive from the start because it was big total. The wicket was nice and we were hopeful to achieve the target.

“You can not expect a better performance from the boys and though we have secured the berth in Super Four, we will not take it easy and will go for an all-out win against Canada on Thursday.”

Chasing a big total of 165, UAE opened with Mohammed Iqbal and Arfan Haider and gathered nine runs from the first over. But the hosts lost three wickets in 2.5 overs and things looked bleak.

The Netherlands fielded brilliantly and Saqib Ali’s run out was a brilliant piece of work. Arfan Haider played some lofty shots but was the victim of misunderstanding and was run out.

Now the captain joined Naeemuddin and both the batsman mixed caution with aggression to steady the innings. Khurram, who survived a stumping chance in the early part of his innings, hit straight fours which brought the run rate down. Earlier, a highly entertaining 76 from Daan van Bunge powered the Netherlands to 164-8 after they slumped from 65-2 to 66-5 in a space of six deliveries. Van Bunge dominated an 87-run sixth wicket partnership with captain Peter Borren who scored 32 not out. Qasim Zubair was the pick of bowlers who grabbed 5/24.

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com


More news from