ABU DHABI // By Ahmed Raza’s own admission, the UAE’s continued failure with the bat has become “routine” as the Netherlands finished Day 1 of the four-day Intercontinental Cup match much the happier of the two teams.
The UAE, electing to bat first, were shot out for 164 in 51.4 overs, and the Netherlands were six runs behind with seven wickets in hand at the close of Thursday at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Raza, the new UAE captain, laid the blame for his team’s failures at the batsman’s feet, with only Swapnil Patel, top-scoring with just 41, and Mohammed Usman (31) offering any resistance.
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He said a lack of patience and his squad playing too much Twenty20 cricket also contributed.
The national team face a daunting task of trying to swing the match back in their favour on Day 2 with the Netherlands at 58 for three.
“Playing a lot of shorter version of the game, especially T20, can be the reason because a lot of balls were in the air,” said Raza, who hit a brisk 25 down the order and hurled down 20 of the 43 overs, taking the wickets of opening pair Rahil Ahmed and Michael Rippon.
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“We are not out of the game. We will have to keep fighting as it is a good batting wicket and they showed it to us,” he said.
“We have to lift ourselves, try and get early wickets. Get them out with a reasonable lead and bat out of our skins in the second inning.”
The UAE have lost both their games in this competition so far: to Ireland by an innings and 26 runs and to Hong Kong by 276 runs. Meanwhile, the Netherlands are gunning for their third win after victories over Papua New Guinea by five wickets and Scotland by 44 runs.
“It is a good position to be in after the first day’s play,” said the South African born batsman Stephen Myburgh, who top scored for the visitors with 62.
“There were runs on that wicket, if you keep playing straight. There was nothing much for the seamers but I think our spinners bowled well.
“I think a 150-plus lead would be good enough for the win and that’s what we will be aiming for when play resumes on the second day. We are currently second behind Ireland and another win can move us up to the top.”
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