UAE stare at defeat against Scotland

UAE skipper Khurram Khan has laid down the gauntlet and urged his batsmen to come up with the goods as his side bids to surpass Scotland’s 131-run lead and set the visitors a “big enough” target in their ICC Intercontinental Cup match in Sharjah. The hosts failed miserably in the first innings and capitulated for a meagre 100. In reply, Scotland were bowled out for 305 yesterday after resuming on an overnight score of 121 for 5. The UAE started its second innings in style with openers Faizan Asif and Arshad Ali putting on 56, before the former was bowled by Gordon Drummond for a well-made 46 off 52 deliveries. Ali (12) and Ahmed Raza (0) were at the crease at stumps after one-down Swapnil Patil fell on 16. Earlier, a fine spell from left arm spinner Fayyaz Ahmed (3 for 63) helped clean up Scotland. Amjad Javed, Arshad Ali and Ahmed Raza both claimed two scalps each. The Scots built their innings around Richie Berrington, who hit a fine 110 off 242 deliveries, with the help of 13 boundaries and three sixes. Khan said: “I think it still is a fairly good wicket to bat on so if we’re able to get a partnership going things will swing our way. I think the bowlers did very well. “We started well, but then lost two quick wickets, but all we need to do is look forward and get some big runs.” His coach Kabir Khan echoed similar sentiments, saying: “It would have been better if we had not lost any wickets (yesterday), but it still is a good batting track and we need a few big innings. If we play well and give them a 200-odd target, we will be in a good position to win. I believe our batsmen have the quality and capability to stay there and get the runs.” Kabir said batting in the morning will be tricky. “We didn’t do well because of the moisture and our wickets fell in the first 45 minutes because the ball was turning quite a bit. “We have a good spin attack as the bowlers showed yesterday, which proves that we can get them out quickly.”