SHARJAH // Rohit Singh, the UAE captain, hopes his side can salvage pride in the plate competition of the World Cup after suffering a second chastening defeat on Sunday.
The host nation have been pitched into a group with three sides from top-ranking Test nations in the Under 19 World Cup.
Sunday’s 112-run loss to New Zealand followed a similarly hefty defeat to England on opening day, and they still have to face Sri Lanka in the final pool match. They will play on in the consolation second-tier competition during the knock-out stages, and Rohit wants his side to prove their worth there.
“New Zealand and England are Test nations and we are just Associates, but still we expected more from ourselves,” said Rohit, who is in the squad for next month’s World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.
“It’s been disappointing, but we have some matches to go and we are trying to remain positive and give our best. “We’ve had a tough group, with three Test-playing nations. We don’t want to be last in this tournament, and there is a plate championship, so we will try our best to do well in that.”
Moaaz Qazi, another youngster heading to Bangladesh with the senior T20 team, provided some early cheer for the UAE, with two wickets as New Zealand were 50 for three early on.
A century by the captain Robert O’Donnell repaired the damage, though, as New Zealand reached 281 for four from their 50 overs.
The UAE then subsided to 169 all out in reply, despite a half-century from Chirag Suri. “We batted too slowly and couldn’t build partnerships,” Singh said of another under-par batting display.
In Group D’s other match, Sri Lanka edged England by one wicket at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
pradley@thenational.ae
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
