ABU DHABI // Mohammed Usman struck his first century for the UAE as the national team advanced in their bid for a first Intercontinental Cup win.
The left-hander was bowled out two balls after reaching the milestone, having laid the platform for a big lead for the home side in the four-day match against Papua New Guinea.
The UAE closed Day 2 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on 299 for six, giving them a first innings lead of 103 with four wickets still remaining.
After batting 62 overs in the sapping heat, Usman reached three figures when he swept Mahuru Dai’s off spin to the fine leg boundary.
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He punched the air, knelt to pray, then raised two fists in the direction of the dressing room, with a broad smile of satisfaction.
The 31-year-old batsman, whose previous best score for the UAE in this format was just 31, paid tribute to Peter Kelly, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, for readying him to play a long innings in the heat.
“I have been playing for the team for one year, and I’m very happy to score my first hundred,” Usman said.
“I am very thankful to Peter and the coaches. They work very hard with us before the games. They have been showing us how to survive in these conditions when the weather is so hot. The credit belongs to Peter.”
It was the second individual century in the space of three days of cricket for the previously run-shy UAE batting line up.
Rohan Mustafa, the captain, had made his first one-day international hundred in the series-clinching win on Wednesday that preceded the Intercontinental Cup tie.
Mustafa led the way at the top of the order again, with 41, before Rameez Shahzad and Usman shared in an assured stand worth 116.
Rameez, who first played for the UAE over a decade ago, was looking good for a first ton of his own, before he was beaten through the gate by Assad Vala’s offspin and stumped.
With Ahmed Raza and Saqlain Haider unbeaten at the wicket at the close of play, and big-hitting Mohammed Naveed still to come, the hosts are hopeful of pushing on to a lead in excess of 150.
“We are in a good position now,” Usman said. “We are just short 50 or 60 runs. If we can make a lead of 150, it will be a good target for them.”
The UAE, who are bottom of the eight-team Intercontinental Cup, have two days to try to force a win against a PNG side ranked fourth in the competition.
pradley@thenational.ae
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