The UAE were given a reminder of the huge task they face at the ICC Under-19 World Cup when they were thoroughly beaten by Pakistan in their first warm-up match in Dubai.
The Gulf nation, who will be competing in their first U-19 World Cup when the action gets underway around the UAE on Friday, were skittled out for just 101 runs inside 33 overs. In response, Pakistan made light work of the run chase, knocking off the required total in 17 overs with all 10 wickets in tact.
Although the fixture was non-competitive, the UAE will need to dramatically improve their batting form at the tournament, with four batsmen – including opener Chirag Suri – sent back to the pavilion for ducks.
There seemed to be a slither of hope for the hosts when, at 7-2, Shorye Chopra (36) and Dan D'Souza (21) combined for a 66-run third-wicket partnership.
However, when Chopra's 58-ball defiance came to an end, the UAE suffered a momumental collapse, losing the remaining seven wickets for 28 runs.
The fact that 'Extras' were the second-highest run scorer demonstrates the UAE's struggles with the bat.
Zia-ul-Haq and Irfanullah Shah were the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with three wickets apiece, while Zafar Gohar and Karamat Ali acounted for one each.
Pakistan were never in danger of losing this one as openers Sami Aslam (43) and Imam-ul-Haq (42) comfortably guided their team to victory.
