A poor Cricket World Cup Qualifier campaign reached a new low for UAE after captain Muhammad Waseem suffered an arm injury and was then controversially run out in defeat to Ireland.
The national team conceded another huge total at Bulawayo Sports Club, with Paul Stirling hitting a sparkling 162 as the Irish racked up 349-4 in their 50 overs.
As unlikely as a chase seemed, the UAE started their reply in optimistic style. Waseem was at his majestic best as he and Aryansh Sharma, his opening partner, put on 50 within six overs.
Their alliance met an abrupt end off the second ball of the eighth over. Waseem was hit on the upper right arm by a delivery that lifted off a length from Mark Adair.
He immediately signalled to the dressing room for treatment. In so doing, he ambled out of his crease and Andrew Balbirnie, the Ireland captain, swooped in to affect a run out.
Waseem was given out when he was in agony while kneeling and receiving treatment.
“I was hurt and I called immediately to the physio [so] in my opinion it was a dead ball, but it was a call for the umpire to make,” Waseem said.
“That is the first time [he has experienced an incident like that] and I think it will be the last as well.
“Inshallah, I will be better in one or two games, because we have four or five days before our next game.”
Once he was gone, for 45 in 32 balls, the UAE suffered the sort of implosion that has been their downfall in this competition.
They crumbled to 109-6, at which point Basil Hameed and Sanchit Sharma combined to at least save face. They put on 73 for the seventh wicket.
Sanchit, who had taken three of the Irish wickets to fall on his return to the side, made it to 44, but when he went, UAE’s resistance was over. They ended on 211 all out, meaning a 138 run-loss.
It was the third time in four games the UAE had lost by more than 100 runs in the competition. They are now among the four teams who will play consolation play-offs, along with the Irish, Nepal and United States.
“It has been a very disappointing tournament for us,” Waseem said.
“Every game we have been getting starts but unfortunately we have not been doing well in the middle of the games, in both bowling and batting.
“We will try to win our two play-off games and go home with some positive points. We have learnt so many lessons in this tournament, especially about fielding and running between the wickets. Hopefully we will learn from our mistakes.”
At nearby Queen’s Sports Club, Sri Lanka ensured they will carry maximum points through to the Super Six stage after they beat Scotland.
The two sides were already assured of advancing to the next phase, along with Oman. However, it remained a crucial fixture given the points are carried over from the matches played between sides who progress from the same group.
Scotland appeared to be in with a chance of a surprise win after the restricted the Sri Lankans to 245.
They fell 82 runs short in the chase, though, as the Asian side made it four wins from four in the competition.
They, along with Scotland and Oman, will play Zimbabwe, Netherlands and West Indies in the Super Six.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
