It was a memorable day for the UAE in Dundee, as they registered a comprehensive 97-run win in the ICC CWC League 2 fixture against Canada. They claimed a 97-run victory to post their first win under new captain Harpreet Singh Bhatia.
Also Read: Exclusive – From India to UAE: Harpreet Singh Bhatia looks back at his ‘whirlwind’ journey
Harpreet played his part in the win, slamming 81 off just 79 deliveries – his third One-Day International (ODI) fifty in six innings. He also put on 109 off 116 with Rahul Chopra, who scored an unbeaten 127, slamming his second ton in the format in his last six innings. Their excellent show allowed UAE to post a formidable 282/6, despite Kaleem Sanas 3/39.
UAE’s chances hanging by a thread
In reply, Canada opener Aaron Johnson slammed 70 off 73, but there was nothing more from their batters. Once he was dismissed, tailender Zahid Shirzad slammed a fifty coming in at 10 – only the ninth player in ODI history to do so.
However, it was not good enough as his side succumbed to a massive loss in the end.
This result still gives UAE an outside chance of making the top four in League 2 and making it to the World Cup Qualifiers directly. They are currently at the bottom of the table with 18 points from 28 matches, including eight wins. They have won three of their last five matches, but they cannot afford any more slip-ups from here.
Three teams qualify
USA, Scotland and Netherlands have already booked their place in the Qualifiers. However, Oman are in a great position to finish fourth as they need just two more wins to assure themselves of a top-four finish. Wins over Canada and Nepal in their next two games on October 9 and 11, respectively, could effectively seal the deal for them and knock UAE out.
However, UAE will have another crack at making it to the World Cup Qualifiers via the playoffs route.
Brief scores
UAE 202/6 in 50 overs (Rahul Chopra 127*, Harpreet Singh Bhatia 81; Kalem Sana 3/39) beat Canada 185 in 33.4 overs (Aaron Johnson 70, Zahid Shirzad 54; Muhammad Jawadullah 3/36) by 97 runs
Player of the Match: Rahul Chopra
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