UAE humbled by New Zealand in Plate semi

Barnaby Read 18:03 25/02/2014
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  • There will be no Plate Championship final for the UAE after the hosts crumbled to a five-wicket loss against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

    UAE made a solid start to proceedings but never made the running, labouring to 26 in the ninth over when Shiv Mehra was bowled for 14 by Kyle Jamieson.

    It went downhill from there for the UAE as New Zealand's attack stifled the run-rate and picked up steady wickets which left the host nation 55-4 after 21 overs, plodding along at a fraction over two runs an over.

    Some lower order resistance from Moaaz Qazi (21) and Omer Rizwan (19), in particular, ensured the side reached the final ball of the last over and got their total up to 140 before they were bowled out.

    New Zealand's six bowlers each chipped in with a wicket, Jeremy Benton (2-23) and Josh Finnie (2-5)  the pick of the bowlers.

    But it was never going to be enough against a strong New Zealand side that had already beaten the UAE by a comprehensive 112 runs in the group stage.

    Robert O'Donnell starred with a century for the Black Caps in the first fixture between the teams but it was Ken McClure that saw his side home in style with a measured 62* to ensure his side met Bangladesh in the Plate final on Thursday.

    McClure's 62, from 91 balls and including 7 fours and 1 six, followed an electric start from New Zealand opener Raki Weerasundara whose rapid 30 ensured that the result was never in doubt. 

    Justin James did manage to pick up 2-38 for the UAE but the team were found wanting, out of their depth and outclassed by a superior, Test-playing nation.

    Regardless of today's result, the UAE's showings have been very promising throughout the tournament, proving that their ability on the pitch is certainly improving.

    The UAE now play their final fixture of the World Cup in an 11th Place Play-off against Zimbabwe, also in Abu Dhabi on Thursday which will give them the opportunity to gain crucial ICC ranking points.

    UAE previously beat Zimbabwe in a warm-up for the tournament and will be confident of their chances in their swansong fixture. 

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