Shaiman Anwar and Krishna Karate’s half centuries went in vain as the UAE suffered a 78-run defeat to New Zealand ‘A’ in a practice match on Sunday.
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Batting first at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Martin Guptill smashed 75 runs off 94 balls in New Zealand’s 246. UAE captain Khurram Khan claimed 3-48, while Mohammed Naveed, Manjula Guruge and Nasir Aziz shared two wickets each.
In reply, the UAE got off to a poor start and found themselves in trouble at 21-5.
Anwar and Karate then put on a sixth wicket partnership of 89 runs, but the Kiwi bowlers restricted the hosts to 168.
With New Zealand ‘A’ consisting of several international players in Daniel Vettori and captain Kyle Mills, the match provided a glimpse of what to expect at next year’s World Cup.
But coach Aaqib Javed was satisfied with his team’s performance, saying: “We started the game really well bowling out New Zealand for 246.
“When batting, it was just a collapse losing quick wickets, but Shaiman and Karate put on a good partnership to restore the innings.”
Asked if the players were nervous, he said: “No, I don’t think they were but batting collapses just happen, not just for us but for any team.
“We just have to learn how crucial it is put on a good start because we will need to do that for the World Cup.
“This game will have given the players a lot of confidence because to reduce them to 246 is a remarkable effort.
Openers Guptill and Anton Devcich got New Zealand to a strong start putting on an unbeaten 111 for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed by Naveed.
The Kiwis lost three quick wickets as Guptill, Dean Brownlie and Colin Munro all fell.
In reply, the UAE got off to the worst possible start with both openers Amjad Ali and Andri Berenger out for ducks.
Anwar and Karate did offer some resistance, with the former in fine form.
Karate continued to push for the runs, smashing two maximums and three boundaries before being run-out.
Wickets fell for the UAE and Doug Bracewell sealed victory by bowling Guruge in the 45th over.