UAE and Hong Kong looking ahead for a 'good contest'

"We won against the UAE last time but they have had the better of us before," says Atkinson, the Hong Kong captain.

UAE's Khurram Khan, second right, celebrates with teammates as their rivals Saudi Arabia were bowled out cheaply.
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ABU DHABI // Khurram Khan, the UAE captain, said his team's confidence has been restored after a crushing seven-wicket win over Saudi Arabia yesterday.

The UAE put in an under-par display in their Asian Cricket Council Elite Trophy opener on Wednesday, losing to Nepal in Sharjah by four wickets.

"We got everything going right today after a disappointing first game," he said.

"We must win the remaining matches and this result certainly has provided the confidence to the players."

Ahmed Raza, the left-arm spinner, grabbed four wickets for the UAE at the Nursery Oval in Abu Dhabi as Saudi Arabia were dismissed for 116.

Shaiman Anwar then hit 60 from 29 deliveries as the Emirates knocked off the required runs in 14.1 overs.

Hong Kong, the UAE's opponent tomorrow, claimed their second win of the competition with a clinical five-wicket demolition of Kuwait at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

"We have done pretty well so far but the hard games are ahead against the UAE and Nepal," James Atkinson, the Hong captain, said.

"But we can go with a lot of confidence with these two results under our belt.

"We won against the UAE last time but they have had the better of us before. We are looking at a good contest."

apassela@thenational.ae

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