UAE still dream of 2011 Cup

Having won four of their five group matches in the past fortnight, the UAE cricket team advance to the Super Eight part of the World Cup qualifying tournament in a healthy position in South Africa this week. The impressive, albeit surprising, showing by the team included a two-wicket victory against the Netherlands – one of the stronger of the International Cricket Council's associate member countries – chasing down an imposing 265. The UAE also notched up a five-wicket win against Afghanistan, who are still in the running to earn a fairytale trip to the 2011 World Cup to be played in the subcontinent. The Emirates side have scored the highest total at the 2009 tournament – their 379-6 against Denmark more than 50 runs higher than any of the other 15 teams could muster thus far. Today, though, the real test begins when the overachieving UAE take on Scotland in Johannesburg. The match will then be followed by games against Ireland, Namibia and Canada. Scotland, Ireland and Canada were all part of the World Cup in the West Indies in 2007 and the UAE players will need to be on top of their game to qualify. With teams carrying through their group stage points won against the opponents who join them in the Super Eights, the UAE will start this part of the tournament on four points – in joint second with Kenya, Canada and the Netherlands. However, their inferior run rate places them below the other three teams. Ireland – the only team to win all five of their group stage games – stand on top of the Super Eight table. The UAE only need to finish in the top four to earn qualification for what would be their second World Cup tournament – after their participation at the 1996 event, which also took place on the Subcontinent. If they record a win against Scotland, that dream will look a very strong possibility, but the likes of Saqib Ali, currently the UAE's top-scorer at the tournament with 211 runs, and opener Amjad Javed (193) will need to maintain their current fine form. The Emirates bowlers will also have to step up and provide more support to Zahid Shah – currently the leading wicket-taker in the event with 12 scalps. In the other matches taking place today, Canada meet Kenya, Namibia face the Netherlands and Afgha-nistan have a tough ask against Ireland – who are the favourites to win the tournament when it ends next Sunday in Pretoria. Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here .