UAE cruise past Canada in League 2 encounter
United Arab Emirates saw off Canada 282 to 185 in League 2 of the Cricket World Cup on Monday. The hosts had looked comfortable enough in their own right, sitting fifth with 21 points from 21 games, but this one ended differently than expected. To be fair, UAE have been finding their rhythm, and that showed here.
Canada's position in the table looks more precarious now. Nine wins and 12 losses doesn't read well when you're chasing qualification, and a defeat by nearly 100 runs doesn't help. They'll need results elsewhere to go their way.
Both sides have been involved in tight contests recently. Canada lost 272-281 to Scotland just four days ago, and UAE were unlucky against the same opposition, falling 231-235 on Friday. The difference here was that UAE converted their advantage while Canada couldn't keep up.
By then the game was already drifting away. Canada managed 185, which wouldn't have troubled most sides, but against UAE's attack it proved insufficient. The visitors posted 282 comfortably and held on grimly after that. There's no value left at a target when you're chasing 282 and only have 185 to show for it.
UAE move eighth with 10 points from 20 games. They're unbeaten in their last few, and this win keeps them in the hunt. Canada, meanwhile, have to turn to the kids for the next round — younger players, fresh legs, something different.