The UAE are a step closer to qualifying for the 2015 World Cup after securing an emphatic victory over Papua New Guinea in their first Super Six match in New Zealand.
Captain Khurram Khan was once again the star of the show as his century helped UAE secure a 150-run victory that sees them move above Papua New Guinea on net run rate.
After winning the toss, Papua New Guinea chose to field first and looked to have made the right decision as both opening batsman failed to deliver, with Salman Faris (5) and Amjad Ali (0) falling to fast bowler Pip Raho.
This brought UAE skipper Khan to the crease and he once again produced a stunning innings of 138 from 145 balls – including 17 fours and two sixes – before being caught by Assad Vala off the bowling of Willie Gavera.
Vikrant Shetty (35) and SP Patel (29) made timely contributions as UAE were eventually all out for 280 in 48.3 overs.
Papua New Guinea’s Willie Gavera was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Raho and Norman Vanue each claimed two scalps.
Requiring nearly six runs an over, Papua New Guinea made the worst possible start when opening batsmen Lega Siaka was dismissed with the very first ball of the innings from Mohammad Naveed.
Fellow opener Jason Kila would also fall for a seven-ball duck, with Naveed once again doing the damage and wicket-keeper Swapnil Patil taking the catch.
Chris Amini (17) and Assad Vala (13) soon followed, which brought former England wicket-keeper Geraint Jones to the crease.
The 37-year-old played 34 Tests for England but he was unable to stop the rot as he fell for eight, while Mahura Dai added just six as Papua New Guinea struggled to get their chase going.
Charles Amini managed to take the attack to the UAE bowlers but he would fall just short of a half century when Amjad Javed claimed his wicket for 49 from just 44 balls.
Javed was impressive throughout as he picked up four wickets for just 26 runs in his 9.3 overs while Naveed, Gurunje and Shazad picked up two wickets apiece as Papua New Guinea collapsed to 130 all out from just 28.3 overs.
Meanwhile Kenya defeated Hong Kong by 10 runs in a rain affected match, while Canada beat Uganda by 57 runs and Netherlands claimed a seven-wicket victory over Nepal.
