Inexperience and changing weather turn UAE chance to dust against Hong Kong

The UAE had a rough day against Hong Kong. Courtesy Bridget Rive / HKCA

DUBAI // After battling through an opening day sandstorm, the UAE’s top order folded against some probing Hong Kong bowling in a light drizzle at Dubai on Day 2 of their Intercontinental Cup match.

Four seasons in one day may be stretching it a little, but four seasons in one game seems to fit this fixture.

The UAE have had the worst of it, and they have much work to do over the next two days if they are to save the game.

Aaqib Javed, the home team coach, met with Mushtaq Mohammed, another former Pakistan player of great repute who was in charge of the UAE between 1997 and 1999, at the close of play.

Aaqib was probably looking forward to discussing the glory days with his former coach, because the present ones are a struggle just now.

“We’ve had two tough days,” Aaqib said. “We are a little bit inexperienced in bowling, and nothing has worked well for us in two days.

“Yesterday was a sandstorm. We lost the toss and it was tough.”

Aaqib also lamented the loss of Yodhin Punja, to a back injury, after half an hour on Thursday while debutant Raja Adeel bowled 33 overs.

“It was a tough day,” the Pakistani said. “Then all of a sudden, today, there were English conditions. Everything is going on in this game.

“We are behind, but I feel if we can settle on this pitch and fight till the end, we can recover well.”

The UAE’s prospects could rely on Usman Mushtaq, who made it to the close on 29 not out after facing 146 deliveries against an unrelenting Hong Kong attack.

Usman, a former Pakistan Under 19 batsman who lost his way in cricket in his homeland and moved to Dubai six years ago, is one of four debutants in the national team.

He and the remaining home batsmen will have to repel a Hong Kong side who have been brilliantly led by Tanwir Ahmed so far.

The Hong Kong captain scored a century from No 7 as the tourists amassed 387 in just their second match at this level.

He then picked up two for 21 in 13 overs as the UAE slumped to 56 for four.

“We know they are experienced players and that this is just our second game, so the guys have shown up really good so far,” Tanwir said.

“I tried my best to stick in the middle and it was good for me to lead the team from the front.”

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