UAE face India and Pakistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Scotland will join Pool A of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 after recording a 41-run victory over the UAE to win the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 (CWCQ) at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln on Saturday.
 
The 2005 champion lifted the trophy for the second time after posting a total of 285 for five and then restricted the UAE to 244 for nine.
 
Scotland got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for 37 runs in the first seven overs.  Skipper Preston Mommsen was the star for Scotland with an unbeaten knock of 139 from 149 balls (12 fours and one six) that earned him the man of the match award.
 
Number six batsman Richie Berrington scored his second half-century of the tournament (63) as the pair put on a 138-runs stand for the fifth wicket. Freddie Coleman (31) and Matt Machan (22) also made vital contributions with the bat.
 
Manjula Guruge was the pick of the UAE bowlers, claiming three for 67.
 
The UAE’s run-chase was anchored by Swapnil Patil, who narrowly missed scoring a century when he scored a single off the last delivery of the innings, leaving him on 99 not out, to see his side post a total of 244 for nine from its 50 overs. 

Top-order batsmen Amjad Ali and captain Khurram Khan added 34 runs each, however, once the skipper was dismissed in the 25th over, the UAE was not able to create any meaningful partnerships.
 
The two teams had secured their positions in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 after recording victories on the last day of the Super Six stage of the ICC CWCQ NZ 2014 on Thursday, and Saturday’s final determined which pool each team will join in 2015.
 
After winning Saturday’s final, Scotland will join Afghanistan, four-time champion Australia, co-host New Zealand, Bangladesh, three-time finalist England, and 1996 champion Sri Lanka in Pool A of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
 
UAE will be placed in Pool B along with defending champion India, Ireland, 1992 champion Pakistan, South Africa, two-time champion West Indies and Zimbabwe.

UAE captain Khurram Khan said that although his side lost, he was thrilled to be advancing to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. 

“I am very happy, to be honest.  I would like to thank my team, I think they performed very well.  When we left the UAE, everyone said the conditions are not going to suit you, but I think they did a wonderful job coming here and qualifying.  It was an amazing experience.”
 
The skipper said the ICC CWCQ NZ 2014 has been of vital importance to his side as it begins its preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“We are going to go back and start working hard, it is not going to be easy from here on.”
 
Scotland captain Mommsen said the side was elated to win the tournament: “This is what dreams are made of.  We had huge goals coming here and we've made it, so we have so much to look forward to and a lot to prepare for."
 
The skipper said it was surreal to think that his side will be back in New Zealand in 12 months’ time to lock horns with some of the biggest teams in the world. 

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s fully sunk in, but it is something that we will be looking forward to and prepare to the best we can.”
 
Mommsen felt that the experience of the ICC CWCQ NZ 2014 has been invaluable for his side. 
“I’m sure the experience of the last three weeks will be extremely valuable. We’ve adapted well, and hopefully the conditions will be similar come this time next year. We’ve enjoyed our time in New Zealand, the facilities are awesome and the people are friendly.”
 
Looking ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Mommsen said that playing Pool A teams such as New Zealand, Australia and England were exciting for the team. 

“We’re going to play some of the best teams in the world. But there will also be opportunities to hopefully get some wins, and cause a couple of upsets.
 
“It’s an awesome prospect. Obviously England will be huge for us. We’ll be looking to cause an upset – it’s happened before at World Cups and there’s no reason it can’t happen again next year,” he said.
 
“It’s always a big rivalry with the English. We’ve got them in May up in Aberdeen, and that’ll be a good little test,” he said.
 
Mommsen felt that his side has an all-round team approach to playing the game. 

“It’s been a pleasure captaining this team. The guys have stood up when they really needed to stand up. We were literally playing for our World Cup place in that chase against Kenya, and guys stood up and took hold of the game.”
 
“That’s what we’re trying to create – we’re trying to create match winners and we’ve got a lot of them in that dressing room at the moment. Scottish cricket is in a very good place at the moment and it’s onwards and upwards from here,” he said.
 
Scotland captain Mommsen was declared Player of the Tournament.

Mommsen was the second highest run-scorer of the tournament (520 runs), including an unbeaten knock of 139 in the final, and has taken the second highest number of catches (seven) as well as being adjudged Man of the Match on four occasions throughout the tournament.
 
Mommsen was humble when reflecting on the award.  “I was lucky enough to stay in a few times and get some big scores, but overall it was a massive team effort to get us this far and win the tournament."
 
Scotland will open its ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 campaign against co-host New Zealand in Dunedin on February 17.

Its matches are as follows:
 
Tuesday, February 17 – New Zealand v Scotland, University Oval, Dunedin (d)

Monday, February 23 – England v Scotland, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (d)

Thursday, February 26 – Afghanistan v Scotland, University Oval, Dunedin (d)

Thursday, March 5 – Bangladesh v Scotland, Saxton Oval, Nelson (d)

Wednesday, March 11 – Sri Lanka v Scotland Bellerive Oval, Hobart (d/n)

Saturday, March 14 – Australia v Scotland, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (d/n)
 
UAE will play its first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against Zimbabwe in Nelson on February 19.

Its matches are as follows:
 
Thursday, February 19 – Zimbabwe v UAE, Saxton Oval, Nelson (d)

Wednesday, February 25 – Ireland v UAE, GABBA, Brisbane (d/n)

Saturday, February 28 – India v UAE, The WACA, Perth (d/n)

Wednesday, March 4 – Pakistan v UAE, McLean Park, Napier (d/n)

Thursday, March 12 – South Africa v UAE, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington (d/n)

Sunday, March 15 – West Indies v UAE, McLean Park, Napier (d)

Scotland skipper Preston Mommsen scored a century as they defeated UAE by 41 runs to claim the World Cup Qualifier title in New Zealand.

The victory will put Scotland in Group A in the 2015 World Cup along with New Zealand, Australia and England.

UAE will be in group B that has India and Zimbabwe.

Scotland choosing to bat were in trouble when they were 37 for 3 early in the innings but A super 139 not out from Mommsen and crucial partnerships with Freddie Coleman (31) and Richie Berrington (63) ensured Scotland had reached 285 for five in 50 overs.

In reply, UAE batsmen made good starts but were unable to convert it into big scores. only Swapnil Patil waged a lone battle and was unlucky to remain unbeaten on 99 as UAE managed 244 for nine in 50 overs.

For the winners, Safyaan Sharif and Iain Wardlaw took three wickets each.

UAE INNINGS

UAE are 190 for eight in 43 overs.

Ahmed Raza departs. Tried to go for a big one but just got a top edge for an easy catch. Patil still there batting on 51. UAE 177-8 in 41.4 overs.

Ahmed Raza c Haq b Wardlaw 0 (4b 0x4 0x6)

It's getting tougher for UAE here. They are losing wickets as the required runrate is shooting up. UAE 177-7 in 41 overs.

Amjad Javed c Coleman b Sharif 2 (9b 0x4 0x6)

Another wicket lost. Vikrant Shetty has not been very impressive in this tour. So another bad day for him. UAE 169-6 in 39 overs.

V Shetty c Mommsen b Taylor 9 (12b 1x4 0x6)

UAE lose a wicket at a crucial time. Focus will be on Patil. UAE 156-5 in 35.5 overs

Rohan Mustafa c Cross b Wardlaw 18 (35b 1x4 0x6)

Batting powerplay in on. A crucial one for UAE as they need 131 from 88 balls. Patil is on 43 and will be looking to make good use of the next five overs. UAE 150-4 in 35 overs.

UAE need 152 runs from 19 overs. UAE 134-4 in 31 overs.

Patil dealing in boundaries. He got three of them in the last two overs. UAE need more of that. UAE 128-4 in 29 overs.

UAE lose their skipper. But credit to Sharif he has been bowling an outstanding spell. He has conceded only 16 runs from his six overs and has claimed two wickets. UAE 106-4 in 25 overs.

Khurram Khan c & b Sharif 34 (53b 4x4 0x6)

Skipper Khurram leading the fight again. He has to come up with a big score if UAE were to eye a victory here. UAE 93-3 in 22 overs.

Man-in-form Shaiman Anwar loses his wicket as Sharif celebrates his first wicket. Looks like UAE are in trouble here. UAE 73-3 in 14.5 overs.

Shaiman Anwar c Cross b Sharif 3 (6b, 0x4, 0x6)

UAE lose another quickly and an important wicket of Amjad Ali. UAE 56-2 in 12 overs.

Amjad Ali c Cross b Taylor 34 (35b, 4x4, 0x6)

Positive opening for UAE but Salman Faris has to go after he was bowled by Taylor. UAE 49-1 in 9.4 overs.

Salman Faris b Taylor 16 (31b, 2x4)

UAE have a big task on hand. They had made a superb start picking up three wickets but now have a huge score to chase. They would hope for some big partnerships. Faris and Ali open for UAE.

SCOTLAND INNINGS

Mommsen remained unbeaten on 139 while Berrington hammered a 53-ball 63 to ensure Scotland amassed a superb 285 for five in 50 overs.

Finally the big partnership comes to an end. Berrington has done his part to ensure Scotland have a good score to defend. Scotland 266-4 in 48.2 overs.

R Berrington c Ahmed Raza b Guruge 63 (53b 7x4 1x6)

A quickfire half century from Berrington. Scotland are looking at a comfortable 260 to 270 target for the UAE. Scotland 241-4 in 46 overs.

The momentum is with Scotland now. Runs coming quite easily as the duo share a 100-run partnership. Scotland 231-4 in 45 overs.

Mommsen gets to a fine century. It was an innings of great importance especially after the top order had collapsed. Berrington giving him company on 40. Scotland 219-4 in 44 overs.

Mommsen and Berrington bring up the half century partnership. It's looking good for Scotland as the duo are making good use of the batting powerplay. Scotland 189-4 in 39 overs.

Mommsen is on 79. A wonderful effort from Scotland after they were pushed to the backseat early on. 176-4 in 38 overs.

Powerplay is on. Scotland will look for some quick runs.

Mommsen reaches a superb half century. It could not have come at a better time.

Skipper Khurram Khan successfully breaks a threatening partnership. Coleman and Mommsen added 91 runs for the fourth wicket. Scotland 128-4 in 26 overs.

Freddie Coleman b Khurram Khan 31 (56b 1x4 0x6)

Scotland must be cursing their decision to bat first after winning the toss. They lose their third wicket as Guruge claims his second. Scotland 37-3 in 7 overs.

Matt Machan c Amjad Ali b Guruge 22 (21, 3x4, 0x6)    

That's the second one for UAE. This time Manjula Guruge bags it. Scotland 24-2 in 4.3 overs

Matty Cross b Guruge 14 (13b, 2x4, 0x6)

UAE's Amjad Javed strikes in his first over. Brilliant stuff from the UAE bowler. Scotland 4-1 in 1.5 overs

Calum MacLeod b Amjad Javed 0 (4b, 0x4, 0x6)     

Playing XI:

Scotland: Matty Cross, Calum Macleod,  Matt Machan, Preston Mommsen, Freddie Coleman, Richie Berrington, Rob Taylor, Moneeb Iqbal, Safyaan Sharif, Majid Haq, Iain Wardlaw

UAE: Amjad Ali, Salman Faris, Khurram Khan, Shaiman Anwar, SP Patil, Rohan Mustafa, V Shetty, Amjad Javed, Kamran Shazad, AM Guruge, Ahmed Raza

PREVIEW

UAE and Scotland have secured the final two positions in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 after recording victories on the last day of the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 (CWCQ) in Christchurch on Thursday.

On a day when all three matches were do-or-die encounters, UAE finished top of the table with a 36-run victory over Namibia, while Scotland finished second following its nail-biting three-wicket victory over Kenya.
 
The two sides will now contest the tournament final, to be played at Lincoln Oval, Christchurch, in a match live-streamed on the official ICC website, www.icc-cricket,com, on Saturday.

The final will determine which group the teams will join in cricket’s pinnacle event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29, 2015.

"It's a great honour to play in the World Cup. It's a great achievement. We waited for 18 years to get there after the last World Cup (1996)," said Mazhar Khan of the Emirates Cricket Board.

The UAE will now make its second appearance at the ICC Cricket World Cup, having played in the 1996 edition.

"It's a proud moment for UAE cricket because we have qualified to play in three World Cups from now until 2015 - the Under 19 World Cup, the T20 World Cup and this the ICC Cricket World Cup," said Mazhar who has been a live wire of UAE cricket for several decades.

"We had a grand dinner amongst ourselves but we hope to come back and celebrate because We have a big game again against Scotland for the placing. It's important to us. We would like to continue and win the Qualifier final," said Mazhar speaking to Emirates 24|7 from New Zealand.

Delighted UAE captain Khurram Khan was ecstatic with the achievement.

“You can’t describe in words the feeling. I’ve been playing for UAE since 2001 and it is an amazing feeling to help my team to qualify.”
 
“It’s a great achievement. It’s been very, very hard to make it this far. Most of us are part time cricketers – we are not professionals. This is for everyone who trusted us and believed in us,” he said.
 
The skipper, who is also the leading run-getter of the tournament (547), said the side is looking forward to returning to New Zealand in one year’s time.

“New Zealand is a special country for us. The grounds were awesome, the crowds supported us, the wickets suited us. We are coming back for the World Cup – we’ll work hard and see how it goes.”
 
UAE coach and former Pakistan Test bowler Aqib Javed said qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup was as much of a mental battle as a physical one for his charges.

“It was a tough task coming to New Zealand, and making the top two. They had in their mind that the pitches would have lot of sideways movement. But in seven games our batting has done really well. And now they are saying these conditions are good for cricket. There won’t be any hurdle coming back to play in Australia and New Zealand. They’re excited now.”

Asked what it means for the future of UAE cricket, he said: "With UAE qualifying for ICC World Cup, I'm sure there will be lot of interest and more people will be supporting cricketers."

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated the two teams, saying: “Congratulations to Scotland and UAE for a tremendous effort in qualifying to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. It has been a tough tournament, one in which every game counts, and both teams have performed remarkably well to finish in the top two."

The UAE sealed its spot at the top of the Super Six table and at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 when it defeated Namibia by 36 runs at Rangiora Oval, Christchurch.
 
After electing to bat, the UAE set about scoring runs quickly, with a 100-run second-wicket stand between Amjad Ali (46) and skipper Khurram Khan (49), setting the pace.

Shaiman Anwar (47) and Swapnil Patil (38) also added runs, before man of the match Louis Klazinga (five for 36) ripped through the lower order to dismiss the side for 263 in 49.5 overs. 
 
Namibia was always slightly behind the required run rate in response, and, despite a patient knock from captain Sarel Burger (54) and contributions from Gerrie Snyman (48) and Nicolaas Scholtz (33), the side fell 37 runs short of victory after reaching 227.
 
In the second match of the day, Scotland recorded a nail-biting three wicket victory over Kenya to secure a top-two finish and a trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2015 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

UAE were on a high as they booked a place in the 2015 World Cup after defeating Namibia by 36 runs in the last Super Sixes match.

UAE coach and former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed was delighted with his side’s performance.  

“I am really happy because our first aim was to get to the top four, and next is to go all the way to the Cricket World Cup,” he said before today's match that the UAE won convincingly.
 
“When I joined the UAE many people asked me what my goal was for the UAE so I said that I want the UAE to play three world cups. The first one was Under 19 which we have qualified for, then T20 and now one more to go," said Aqib.

His dream came true as UAE won all their three matches in the Super Sixes stage to finish with eight points. They will now travel to Australia-New Zealand along with Scotland, who defeated Kenya to seal a berth.

This comes as a double bonus after UAE had already qualified for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in Bangladesh this year.

Against Namibia, it was a team effort that ensured UAE secured a comfortable win. After choosing to bat first, UAE posted a fine 263 before being all out in the final over.

Three batsmen - Amjad Ali (46), Khurram Khan (46) and Shaiman Anwar (47) missed half centuries but did sufficient to keep UAE on the top.

Swapnil Patil (38), Amjad Javed (20) and Mohammad Naveed (19 not out) made significant contributions late in the innings to ensure UAE had a healthy total.

For Namibia, Louis Klazinga claimed five wickets while Sarel Burger took two.

In reply, Namibia made a chase out of it before they lost too many wickets at crucial juncture to lose their way.

Sarel Burger top scored with 54 while Gerrie Snyman put a late fight to hit 48.

For UAE, Amjad Javed claimed three wickets while Manjula Guruge, Kamran Shazad and Khurram Khan bagged two wickets each.

NAMIBIA INNINGS

It was a great effort from UAE bowlers as Namibia managed 227 for nine in 50 overs.

Another quicker delivery from Shazad and a similar result. Nam 224-9 in 48.4 overs.

Louis Klazinga b Kamran Shazad 0 (1b, 0x4, 0x6)

Namibia lose one more. Kamran Shazad gets his first wicket in the match. Nam 224-8 in 48.2 overs.

JJ Smit b Kamran Shahzad 1 (3b, 0x4, 0x6)

Snyman on 48 as Namibia reach 217 for six in 47 overs.

Guruge claims his second wicket. Nam 218-7 in 47.2 overs.

Gerrie Snyman c Amjad Ali b Manjula Guruge 48 (50b, 3x4, 1x6)

Snyman is fighting it hard. But the equation is getting tougher. Nam 203-6 in 45 overs.

In the other qualifiers, Hong Kong registered a three-wicket victory over PNG while scotland need five runs to win in the final over against Kenya.

Namibia are 186 for six in 43 overs. Snyman batting on 34.

Namibia lose another quick one as Khurram gets his second wicket. UAE are already scenting victory here. Nam 172-6 in 41 overs.

Christi Viljoen c Rohan Mustafa b Khurram Khan 0 (3b, 0x4, 0x6)

That's the big wicket and Burger is gone. Guruge is the man as UAE celebrate. Nam 169-5 in 40 overs.

Sarel Burger c Salman Faris b Manjula Guruge 54 (102, 2x4, 0x6)

Namibia are putting up an interesting chase here. They now need 99 from 66 deliveries. Tough task but with still Sarel Burger showing good form, anything can be possible. Nam 165-4 in 39 overs.

Namibia need another 121 runs from 16 overs. It's getting to be a close fight. Nam 142-4 in 34 overs.

Javed takes his third wicket and at an important time to break a threatening partnership. Nam 133-4 in 30.1 overs.

Nicolaas Scholtz c Shetty b Amjad Javed 33 (33b, 2x4, 1x6)

Skipper Khurram Khan does the trick. Gets a crucial breakthrough to remove Craig Williams. Nam 80-3 in 20.3 overs.

Craig Williams st Patil b Khurram Khan 15 (40b, 0x4, 0x6)          

This partnership going strong for Namibia. Burger on 13 while Williams is on 10. Nam 62-2 in 15 overs.

Javed picks another one quickly. So the other opener Westhuizen also returns. He had made a bright start. Nam 40-2 in 5 overs.

Louis van der Westhuizen b Amjad Javed 23 (13b, 2x4, 2x6)

UAE take their first victi am. A beauty from Amjad Javed as Nam are 35-1 in 5 overs.

Xander Pitcherrs c Khurram Khan b Amjad Javed 12 (21b, 1x4,0x6)

A positive start for Namibia. They need a strong foundation to chase this score. Nam 19-0 in 3 overs.

UAE INNINGS

Klazinga claims his fifth wicket as Guruge is out for a duck. UAE 263 all out in 49.5 overs.

Manjula Guruge c Christi Viljoen b Louis Klazinga 0 (2b, 0x4, 0x6)

Namibia claim another wicket as Louis Klazinga took his fourth. UAE 263-9 in 49.3 overs.

Kamran Shahzad c JJ Smith b Louis Klazinga 6 (3b, 0x4, 1x6)

Namibia are picking wicket regularly here. Javed departs after a brief cameo. UAE 239-8 in 48 overs.

Amjad Javed c Gerhard Erasmus b Louis Klazinga 20 (12b, 2x4, 0x6)

Viljoen removes Patil off his own bowling. Patil was looking set to stay till the end but that was not meant to be. UAE 228-7 in 46-2 overs.

Swapnil Patel c & b Christi Viljoen 38 (36b, 1x4, 1x6)

Shetty is gone for 14. UAE are 216-6 in 44.5 overs.

Vikrant Shetty c Louis van der Westhuizen b Louis Klazinga 14 (19b 1x4 0x6)

Other qualifier matches update: PNG have scored a healthy 258 for eight in 50 overs against Hong Kong while Kenya have set a target of 261 for Scotland.

Patil takes charge as he hammers a big six to reach 25. UAE 192-5 in 40 overs.

Other qualifiers match updates: PNG have score 243 for 7 in 48.1 overs against Hong Kong while Kenya made 243-7 in 47.2 overs against Scotland.

Another one bites the dust as he nears the half century. Anwar was looking in great form but is out on 47. UAE 178-5 in 37.5 overs.

Shaiman Anwar c (Sub) b Nicolaas Scholtz 47 (49b, 3x4, 2x6)

Anwar showing great aggression here. A six and a boundary in this over as he reaches 42. UAE 168-4 in 37 overs.

Anwar on 19. He is looking good at the moment. He needs to stay there with UAE still having 15 overs to go. UAE 142-4 in 35 overs.

Pressure on Swapnil Patil. He has been in good form chipping in with useful contributions throughout the tournament. He has to do something similar to put UAE in a good position. UAE 135-4 in 34 overs.

UAE lose another wicket as Rohan Mustafa departs. That's not good news for UAE. UAE 131-4 in 33.1 overs.

Rohan Mustafa c Nicolaas Scholtz b Louis Klazinga 3 (12b, 0x4, 0x6)

Update from the other qualifier matches: PNG are 183-4 in 40.2 overs while Kenya are 191-5 in 38.4 overs.

Rohan Mustafa and Shaiman Anwar are in the middle. Very talented batsmen they need to carry on the good work. Anwar especially has been very impressive in the recent past scoring a lot of runs. UAE 124-3 in 30 overs.

Namibia pick another important wicket as Khurram Khan departs. He is also unlucky to miss his half century by one run. UAE 122-3 in 29.1 overs.

Khurram Khan c Xander Pitchers b Sarel Burger 49 (82b, 3x4, 0x6)

UAE now looking a commanding position with Khurram Khan doing a wonderful job despite losing the wicket of Ali. UAE 108-2 in 25 overs.

UAE are 84 in 20 overs. A great partnership building up here.

Amjad Ali misses his half century by four runs. He is out after he shares an exact 100-run partnership with Khurram. UAE 103-2 in 23.3 overs.

Amjad Ali c Louis Klazinga b Sarel Burger 46 (67b, 4x4, 0x6)

In the other qualifier matches, PNG are 88 for 3 in 22 overs, while Kenya are 121 for 2 in 24 overs.

Both Khurram and Amjad are on 25. The partnership reaches 58. Great going for UAE. UAE 61-1 in 15 overs.

Runs not coming easily. Just four runs from the last three overs. UAE 30-1 in 10 overs.

Amjad Ali on 11, Khurram Khan on 7. UAE 26-1 in 7 overs.

Boundaries coming frequently for UAE. UAE 24-1 in 6 overs.

Skipper Khurram Khan has shown great form in the tournament. UAE need another good knock from him on an important day today. UAE 19-1 in 5 overs.

In another match, Kenya have made a positive start scoring 56 for no loss in 10 overs against Scotland.

UAE lose an early wicket as Salman Faris departs for a duck. Tense start for UAE.

Salman Faris c Erasmus b Smit 0 (7b, 0x4, 0x6)

While UAE's cruical match against Namibia has been delayed for a while, Hong Kong who are four points from four matches are looking good against Papua New Guinea. PNG are 35 for 2 in 9 overs.

PREVIEW 

UAE are just one win away from qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup as they held their nerve to secure a 13-run win with three balls to spare against Kenya in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Scotland and the UAE both recorded back-to-back victories to remain at the top of the Super Six table of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier New Zealand 2014 (CWCQ) in Christchurch on Tuesday.

UAE must now win their final match against Namibia on Thursday to be assured of qualifying for the World Cup for the second time.

UAE took part in the World Cup for the first time in 1996 and have already qualified for the World Twenty20 tournament to be held in Bangladesh this year.

Amjad Javed’s all-round brilliance put an end to Kenya's hopes of extending their streak of five consecutive World Cup appearances.

UAE, put in to bat, were struggling at 82 for 4 before their in-form captain Khurram Khan steadied the innings by scoring 85.

Khurram departed in the 43rd over, but Amjad added a late flourish by blasting a 31-ball 63 which included five boundaries and three sixes to lift the team to 246 for 8.

In reply, opener Irfan Karim (39), Collins Obuya (41) and Maurice Ouma (42) all contributed with the bat, but Kenya were all out for 233 with three balls to remaining. 

Man of the match Amjad added two wickets to his 63, while Mohammad Naveed claimed three for 40.
 
"With this win the morale is boosted in the camp and we have one more game against Namibia and we think we can do it, we think we can play in the Cricket World Cup," said Amjad. 
 

 

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