Christchurch: A 130-run partnership for the second wicket helped the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeat Canada by 80 runs in an ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 (CWCQ) match at Rangiora Oval here Wednesday.
The UAE, top-ranked side in the tournament, did not regret electing to bat, with Amjad Ali (91) and skipper Khurram Khan (88) setting the basis for a formidable total.
Ali's innings included nine boundaries and a six, while the skipper found the boundary six times.
Canada's Khurram Chohan, one of only two players remaining in the Canada side from the 2009 edition, got the much-needed breakthrough in the 38th over to dismiss Ali and break the partnership.
Swapnil Patil (36) continued from where he left off in the first match against Nepal as the UAE reached 286 for six from its 50 overs.
In response, Canada was left reeling after losing three wickets for nine runs within the first five overs, before skipper Jimmy Hansra led the fight back in his first match of the tournament as Canada captain, with an unbeaten century (100 not out).
The middle and lower-order ably assisted, with Raza-ur-Rehman chipping in with a patient knock of 43, but it was not enough and Canada finished on 206 for six from its allotted overs.
UAE captain Khurram Khan said that his side had executed its plans well to seal the victory.
“We're doing wonderfully well. It's not just one batsman that is scoring -- the whole top order is firing well.
“And once you have a good total on the board, that gives the bowlers confidence and our fast bowlers are performing superbly,” he commented.
Looking ahead to the side's remaining three matches of the group stage, the skipper said: “After two wins the team's confidence is high, but we are just taking it one match at a time.”
Though pleased with his performance with the bat, Canada skipper Hansra admitted that the loss was not an ideal start for Canada in the tournament.
“We gave away about 30 runs in the field. Our bowlers did not hit the right areas, and we need more of our batsmen to stand up and score runs.”
“We need to get our heads right and come back with a good game plan against Hong Kong Friday.”
Brief Score:
UAE 286 for six in 50 overs (Amjad Ali 91, Khurram Khan 88, Swapnil Patil 36; Khurram Chohan 3-65)
Canada 206 for six in 50 overs (Jimmy Hansra 100 not out, Raza-ur-Rehman 43; Khurram Khan 2-35, Mohammad Naveed 2-36)
