The UAE’s fate was confirmed on their day off at the World Twenty20 Qualifier on Thursday, when Scotland’s win over Canada made it mathematically impossible for the national team to advance to next week’s play-offs.
With listless form, four losses from five games and a pitiful net run-rate, it was clear progress was likely to be beyond them.
Scotland’s eight-wicket thrashing of Canada, secured while the national team’s players were not in match action of their own, rubber-stamped their exit.
The team will have only pride to play for when they face neighbours Oman in their final pool match on Friday.
Oman, by contrast, still have a strong chance of advancing to the business end of the competition, which carries with it six places at next year’s World Twenty20 in India.
With three wins from four matches, Oman are fourth in the pool, with the top four set to advance to the eliminator stage in Ireland next week.
The first-round knock out is a sharp reality check for UAE cricket, which had seemed to be in good health after playing in the World T20 last year and the 50-over version this year.
There are plans in place to introduce central contracts this year, meaning players will be answerable to the Emirates Cricket Board rather than corporate employers for the first time.
Failure to qualify for next year’s World T20 in India, though, means the national team will not have a chance to play at a major global event for the foreseeable future.
pradley@thenational.ae
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