Brilliant UAE too good for Bermuda

It was Amjad Ali’s magical batting performance, including a century, that was the highlight of the matches.

In the first Twenty20, UAE were tested by Bermuda, who displayed great grit while chasing 179 to win. But they were derailed in the end as they finished 157 for six in 20 overs giving the visitors a 21-run win.

UAE’s 178 was built around a brilliant knock by Amjad Ali who smashed 53 off just 38 balls that included three boundaries and as many sixes. Saqib Shah (37) and Saqib Ali (23) made significant contributions to boost the UAE total. Offspinner Rodney Trott and OL Pitcher picked up two wickets each for Bermuda.

Bermuda, began their chase on a positive note with skipper David Hemp and Steven Outerbridge laying a strong base. They added 57 in 53 balls but once Hemp departed for 46, Bermuda lost wickets frequently and lost the momentum. Outerbridge remained unbeaten on 43. Arshad Ali was the top wicket taker with two wickets for the winners.

In the other Twenty20, a day and night match, it was a cakewalk for UAE as they trounced Bermuda by a huge 101 runs. Continuing his good form, Amjad Ali was the star again as he went on to slam a blistering 105 off just 61 balls that was studded with 11 boundaries and five sixes.

He shared a vital second-wicket stand with Swapnil Patil (37) fetching 117 runs in 12 overs. S Outerbridge’s good bowling during the end ensured that the hosts managed to fight back to restrict UAE to 188 for seven in 20 overs.

Bermuda’s chase was a pretty ordinary one with none of the batsmen making a mark.

Fiqre Crockwell (25) and Outerbridge (26) were the only two to put up some resistance. Left-arm spinner Shadeep Silva picked up three wickets while Ahmed Raza scalped two.

Brief scores: UAE: 178 for 7 in 20 overs (Amjad Ali 53, Saqib Shah 37, Abdul Rehman 23; OL Pitcher 2 for 24, RJ Trott 2 for 28) beat Bermuda: 157 for 6 in 20 overs (DL Hemp 46, S Outerbridge 43; 2 for 22)

Second Twenty20: UAE: 188 for 7 in 20 overs (Amjad Ali 105, SP Patil 37; S Outerbridge 3 for 32, J DeSilva 2 for 33) beat Bermuda: 87 all out in 17 overs (F Crockwell 25, S Outerbridge 26; S Silva 3 for 19, Ahmed Raza 2 for 10).

jaiprasad@khaleejtimes.com