DUBAI // The first day of the new era for UAE cricket started in a sandstorm and ended with honours just about even against Hong Kong in the Intercontinental Cup.
The home side have a new captain, Ahmed Raza, and four debutants, and they did not find it easy to cut through either the dusty atmosphere or the Hong Kong batting line up. The side from the Far East are playing just their second fixture in this four-day format, and they performed admirably despite that lack of experience.
Given the 9.30am start, the home bowlers might have hoped for a little more assistance from the wicket, but Kinchit Shah and Babar Hayat blunted their attack with a 106-run alliance for the second wicket.
Raza, who sent down 36 overs of left-arm spin, said it had been a “decent” start for the new-look national team.
“It was a very proud day, because I have not led UAE in first-class cricket before,” said Raza, who has captained the team in both 50 and 20-over cricket in the past.
“It is a different experience; I am learning it myself, I am getting to know the players, what they are capable of, what time is good for them to bowl and what fields to set. We are getting to know each other more as cricketers.”
Yodhin Punja’s first-class debut was a bittersweet experience. The 16-year-old bowler picked up a wicket in his third over opening the bowling for UAE, but only managed one more over before being incapacitated by an injury to his lower back.
The Abu Dhabi schoolboy is unlikely to play a part in the rest of the first innings, but it is hoped he could be called on later in the match.
His loss was a significant blow to the hosts, according to the captain.
“We can’t control the weather, but it was very dusty and it took all the moisture away from the wicket, plus Yodhin got injured,” Raza said.
“We were right in the game after lunch when we picked up four wickets. We just needed another fast bowler at that point.”
Simon Cook, the Hong Kong coach, reckoned his side were “just ahead” on the balance of play, and hopes they can push past 350 on Day 2.
“It was really, really hot, the wind and the dust swirling around were factors, and I think the umpires were thinking of coming off at one point because there was too much dust flying around,” Cook said.
“For the guys who spent a lot of time out there, Babar in particular, it was a great testament to his mental skills to see it through.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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