The UAE completed their High Performance Programme (HPP) tour today with a valiant two-wicket defeat at the hands of the South Australia Redbacks in Darwin.

The visitors were bowled out for 176, with Andri Berenger top-scoring with 38, before the Redbacks reached 178 for the loss of eight wickets – an unbeaten 65 by captain Johan Botha doing most of the damage.

Chadd Sayers was the pick of the Redbacks’ bowlers with three wickets, while Nick Winter helped himself to a pair. Daniel Worrall, Botha, Adam Zampa, and Travis Head picked up a wicket each.

For the UAE, Mohammad Naveed led the way with four wickets , removing all four of the Redbacks’ top-order, while Amjad Javed picked up two wickets. Mohammad Tauqir and Nasir Aziz took one apiece.

The result was far more encouraging compared to the UAE’s previous effort against the same opposition when they were crushed by 103 runs on Tuesday.

The HPP tour has given the UAE some much-needed experience of Australian conditions ahead of next year’s Cricket World Cup.