ICC Intercontinental Cup and Shield

SCOTLAND v UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The 2007-08 competition began just over one month after the final of the previous competition. For the second year in succession Scotland found themselves affected by copious rainfall and the inability to maintain a home pitch and outfield in a playable condition. This time the problem was at Ayr, awarded the international fixture at Cambusdoon’s refurbished ground. Although the first day was sunny, something approaching 9 mm of rain had fallen in the previous 24 hours and much had soaked into poorly-covered run-ups. With the maximum temperature reaching only 17° C, drying conditions were far from ideal. Some five hours of play were lost with the match not starting until 4.00 pm. With the Emirates players adjusting from 45°C maximum temperatures in Dubai to cooler than usual Scottish summer conditions, Ryan Watson had no hesitation in inviting them to bat after winning the toss. Their poor performances away from home in the last competition were undoubtedly a factor in this decision. The outcome was initially much as expected as the early batsmen struggled against the pace attack of John Blain and Craig Wright. Three wickets went down for 18 in the first eight overs. Saqib Ali and Khurram Khan batted with surprising assurance, however, and gradually took the initiative, both passing the half-century mark. Unable to make a breakthrough, the Scottish bowlers became erratic in line and length and the fielding fell below standard. Several half-chances were missed and at least one that was slightly easier when Simon Smith failed to hold on to an edge from Saqib Ali, having reached it low to his right at full stretch. The bad balls were punished by both batsmen, both hitting ten fours, and it was a surprise and a relief for Scotland when, three overs before the close of play, Khurram Khan misjudged a ball from Majid Haq and was leg-before-wicket. Under the conditions, the strike rates of both Saqib Ali and Khurram Khan, at 57.7 and 61.1 respectively, were admirable. Unfortunately that was the end of the match. Over the next three days another 9 mm of rain fell and there was no chance of the game restarting. Both teams received 3 points for a drawn match in which less than eight hours of play were possible. 116 ICC Intercontinental Cup 2007-08