ICC Intercontinental Cup and Shield

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES v NAMIBIA Perhaps Craig Williams, Namibia’s captain, saw something in the pitch or the atmosphere that no one else had recognised, but it was somewhat of a surprise when, on winning the toss, he decided to bowl first on what looked a good batting wicket. Perhaps the Emirates’ batsmen had not faced much left-arm pace bowling of quality before, but what took place on the first morning was totally unexpected. Instead of taking advantage of home conditions, the Emirates collapsed in 25.3 overs for a mere 79 runs. Kola Burger returned figures of seven for 38, clean bowling four batsmen, having two leg-before and the other caught by the wicketkeeper. Only Naeemuddin Aslam was able to settle and he scored 48% of his team’s total and 55% of the runs coming from the bat. When it was the turn of the Emirates to bowl, their attack was unable to reproduce the same effect. Raymond van Schoor was run out with only five on the board, but Ewald Steenkamp and Sarel Burger added 100 for the second wicket and Williams completely dominated the Emirates’ bowling with an innings of 116, made off 102 balls with 15 fours and four sixes. He and Sarel Burger put on 161 for the third wicket, Sarel Burger playing his customary anchor role. Unfortunately for Namibia, Williams was run out just before the close, by which time Namibia had a lead of 188 with seven wickets in hand. The second day began almost as dramatically as the first. Namibia lost Sarel Burger and Louis Burger in the first over and the nightwatchman, Tobias Verwey, in the next. Overall, Namibia lost their last eight wickets for 54 runs, the pace of Amjad Javed and the spin of Arshad Ali doing the damage. The bowlers were well supported by Swapnil Patil who achieved four catches and a stumping. It was only due to the effort of Louis van der Westhuizen that Namibia were able to pass 300. A lead of 241 was considerable but Naeemuddin Aslam and Arshad Ali set about reducing it with an opening stand of 98. Sarel Burger returned the initiative to Namibia by removing both openers, Khurram Khan and Amjad Ali. With Louis Klazinga getting the wicket of Shaiman Anwar, the Emirates lost five wickets for 33 runs in 18.2 overs. Saqib Ali was looking threatening, however, and in company with Swapnil Patil added 69 before the end of the day to leave the Emirates still 41 runs behind with five wickets remaining. Saqib Ali and Swapnil Patil showed what might have been for the Emirates if they had batted better on the first day. Taking control, they extended their partnership to 172 by confident, patient batting before, just after the lunch break, Swapnil fell leg-before, only six runs shy of a century, to give Sarel Burger his fifth victim. Swapnil’s runs came at a strike rate of 46.5 and the partnership managed a rate of 42.4. Saqib Ali continued to play beautifully as well as taking responsibility for the Emirates’ fightback. He was aided by Amjad Javed, who partnered him for one hour and 29 minutes, Mohammad Tauqir, who lasted 43 minutes for his eight runs, and then by Qasim Zubair, who remained undefeated at the close of play. Namibia managed to take only three wickets all day of which none fell to Kola Burger, the tormenter of day one. Saqib Ali batted all day, taking his score from 42 to 139 not out, an excellent example of how to approach four-day cricket when one’s team is in difficulty. Saqib Ali ran out of partners whilst only 24 more runs were added to the Emirates’ total, Klazinga being too pacey for the tail enders. The Emirates continued their effort either to save or even win the match by taking two wickets for 27 as Namibia set about the task of scoring 187 runs. Amjad Javed obtained both and then, with the score on 79, bowled Steenkamp. But it was not enough as Williams again showed his liking for the conditions and the Emirates’ bowling. He hit an undefeated 113 at a strike rate of 118.9 with 15 fours and two sixes, his second century of the match, to ensure victory for Namibia. Not surprisingly, Craig Williams was named Man of the Match although it was really the opening spell of bowling by Kola Burger that was so decisive. 238 ICC Intercontinental Shield 2009-10