Rameez (121*) stars in UAE’s win over Scotland

DUBAI: Rameez Shahzad’s maiden ODI hundred (121*) propelled UAE to a thrilling four-wicket win over Scotland in Dubai on Tuesday (January 23).

The Asian side chased down the target of 300 with five balls to spare. It turned out to be a consolation victory for UAE as, by winning all their four matches, Ireland had already won the tri-nation series.

While hunting down a substantial target, UAE lost their captain, Rohan Mustafa (2), in the third over with Scott Cameron picking up the scalp. Mark Watt, the left-arm spinner, then dislodged Ghulam Shabber as UAE slid to 50 for 2.

Just when Scotland seemed to have gained the upper hand, Ashfaq Ahmed (92) and Shahzad joined forces to share a stand of 125 to keep the hosts’ in the game. It was Safyaan Sharif, the experienced pacer, who provided the European nation the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Ashfaq. Muhammad Usman and Shaiman Anwar didn’t last long as UAE were reduced to 213 for 5 in the 37th over.

At that crucial stage of the match, Shahzad and Adnan Mufti (38) stitched an alliance of 75 to propel UAE within 13 runs of chasing down the target. Despite Sharif castling Mufti, the duo of Mohammad Naveed and Shahzad took UAE home.

Earlier, Richie Berrington (90), Kyle Coetzer (75) and George Munsey (47) had all made vital contributions to ensure Scotland ended up with a sizeable total. Naveed and Zahoor Khan bagged six wickets between them while Mustafa took a two-wicket haul for UAE. Both Scotland and UAE ended up with one win each but as the former had a better NRR, they took the second position on the points table.

Brief scores: Scotland 299/9 in 50 overs (Richie Berrington 90, Kyle Coetzer 75; Mohammad Naveed 3-47). UAE 300/6 in 49.1 overs (Rameez Shahzad 121*, Ashfaq 92; Safyaan Sharif 2-50).