Anwar, 36, showed his experience on day two by hitting an unbeaten 103 as the UAE ended play on 136-5, still trailing by 15 runs.

Earlier, spinners Farhan Ahmed (4-78) and Ahmed Raza (6-112) accounted for the wickets as the tourists were all out for 315 in reply to UAE’s 164 in the first innings.

Despite his own efforts, Raza was quick to laud those of Anwar.

“Shaiman really put on a fighting show out there and he led by example,” said the 27-year-old.

“He really stood up and showed what a good batsman he is. The players must look at his performance and believe they can do this because he has been batting on the same crease as we have.

“The batsmen must make sure they apply themselves correctly and build on this start. We are in a good position now but the first session is going to be important. I want our batsmen to build a lead of at least 150 and put Netherlands in a tough position.”

With Netherlands resuming on 158-3 at the start of day two, the UAE started brightly by removing Roelof van der Merwe for 48 in the second over of the day.

Visiting captain Peter Borren, however, set about denying the hosts before falling four runs short of his century after being removed by Raza.

Wicket-keeper Wesley Barresi added 43 before Netherlands were bowled out and once again the UAE struggled with the bat.

Only Swapnil Patil (17) went to double figures other than Anwar who will bejoined at the crease by Saqlain Haider (8*) at the start of the penultimate day at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.