BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AN all-round performance by the United Arab Emirates U-19 (UAE) saw them brushing off Canada U-19 to record a 50-run victory at a sunbaked Conaree playfield.
After winning the toss and taking first strike, the UAE scored 284 for 7 off their allotted 50 overs. They were led by a boundary-filled 73 from 50 deliveries by Ali Naseer who entertained the small crowd by striking the bowlers to all corners of the small ground.
Naseer showed his attacking spirit in his innings that comprised five boundaries and four sixes and was well supported by Punya Mehra, who struck a composed 71 from 76 deliveries.
Gurnek Johal Singh and Parmveer Kharoud both bagged two wickets to restrict the Asian side.
But, in reply, Canada could not muster long partnerships even though their batters got starts in their innings. Mihir Patel (96) batted very deep into the inning but the consistent fall of wickets had the team on the backfoot.
Despite his efforts, his team fell short of the target.
In Port-of-Spain, Zimbabwe hammered Papua New Guinea by 228 runs.
Batting first, captain Emmanuel Bawa led from the front, scoring with a masterful century to guide Zimbabwe to a mammoth 321/9 off their 50 overs.
In reply, Papua New Guinea could only score 93 inside 35 overs.
In Georgetown, at the Providence Stadium, India eked out a 45 run victory over their rivals South Africa.
Scores: 232/10 - India, South Africa - 187/10.
Meanwhile, over at the Everest Cricket Ground in Georgetown, Ireland defeated Uganda.
Scores: Ireland - 236/9 and Uganda - 197/10.
Action continues today (Jan. 16) with defending champions Bangladesh playing England at Warner Park from 9:00 a.m.
