The UAE began their tour of the Netherlands with a thrilling 13-run win in Amstelveen.

The four-match T20 series began with the UAE batting first at the VRA Ground. Fifty from opener Ashfaq Ahmed (54) and attacking innings from Muhammad Usman (52 from 34 balls) and debutant Darius D’Silva (24 off 15) ensured the UAE reached a more than competitive total of 181-5.

Vivian Kingma ticked up two wickets for the Dutch but conceded 47 runs from his four overs. The best bowler for the hosts was left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar who went for just 20 runs in his four overs and picked up the scalp of Rameez Shahzad.

In reply, the UAE bowlers didn’t let the Dutch get off to a quick start as the openers reached 54 but only by the end of the eighth over. Former captain Rohan Mustafa was the best bowler on show, picking up two wickets – Ben Cooper and Scott Edwards – while giving away just 26 runs.

While the Dutch lost just four wickets, they could only finish on 168. Opener Max O’Dowd top-scored for the Dutch with 51 off 35 balls.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on Monday.