Amjad Javed and Mohammad Shahzad grabbed three wickets each while Swapnil Patil’s half-century helped the UAE clinch an impressive two-wicket victory over England Lions in Dubai.
Electing to bat after winning the toss at the ICC Academy, the Lions batsmen struggled at the crease with only six batsmen reaching double figures.
James Vince (58) and tailender Jamie Overton (57no) were the top run-getters as the tourists were restricted to 222-9 in their 50 overs.
Medium-pacer Shahzad, 36, was the stand-out bowler with figures of 3-49, while 35-year-old Javed conceded 55 runs in his 10 overs.
@EmiratesCricket overcome a middle order collapse to register a 2 wicket win over #EnglandLions. pic.twitter.com/h8838zKPA3
— ICC Academy (@ICCAcademy) January 16, 2016The UAE began the chase brightly with openers Mohammed Kaleem (37) and Shahzad (35) putting on a 59-run stand for the first wicket. Laxman Sreekumar (34) and Swapnil Patil (50) continued to build upon the good start with the hosts at 163-3 in the 37th over.
But the Lions gained the upper hand with pacer Liam Plunkett taking two scalps as the UAE were reduced to 185-5.
Three more wickets fell but captain Ahmed Raza (11) and all-rounder Rohan Mustafa (20) saw the UAE home with two balls to spare.
Fast bowler Javed admitted it wasn’t an easy victory but was thrilled by his own display.
“The conditions were great for bowling and that played a big role,” he said.
“I just tried to swing the ball and attack and make them uncomfortable. I bowled in the right areas and got three wickets which I’m really pleased about.
“We had our moments in batting where we could have lost the way but we really showed our character in the end.”
Thank you @englandcricket @ #EnglandLions for the experience. We look forward to working on our shortfalls & build on our positives #upwego
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) January 16, 2016He believes Saturday’s result will give the squad confidence going into their four-day Intercontintental Cup against Netherlands on Thursday.
“It’s always good to win games but to win against England Lions who have players who have played ODIs and Tests is very encouraging,” he said.
“It will give us a big boost for the game against Netherlands and we can take a lot of confidence.”
