For much of a chastening day for the UAE team, it seemed as though they were intent on saving the tournament organisers on their electricity bill.
In the end, the national team did not even get that bit quite right.
The world champion Indians beat the part-time players from the Emirates with such haste, the Waca Ground’s floodlights had only just been switched on when victory was secured.
Still, at least the national team managed to hang on for long enough for the game to go on after the dinner break, so at least those adverts will still have been aired. They are not so unprofitable after all.
There are ways to excuse away this performance. For a start, the UAE had played just three matches against sides from within cricket’s top eight nations in the previous 19 years.
RELATED:
- Cricket more valuable than money as UAE take on India’s millionaires
- Dhoni calls on ICC to provide more fixtures for associate nations
- AB de Villiers goes down in cricket folklore for record-breaking knock
Their opposition come from a country of more than a billion people, where the main pastime and national obsession is cricket. The team also happen to be supported by the most cash-rich organisation in the sport.
But let us make no apologies, this was a bad day for the UAE cricket team – which is something that happens to everyone in sport.
On the other side of the Tasman Sea yesterday, Australia had been shot out by New Zealand for not many more runs than the 102 the UAE scored, and at a small ground conducive to high scoring.
As the UAE captain Mohammed Tauqir said, these things happen. The important thing is how they respond, with tests against Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies to come.
“We had two good games then one off day,” Tauqir said, as the nine-wicket defeat to India followed close finishes against Zimbabwe and Ireland in the previous two pool games.
“We would like to forget about this and erase this game as soon as possible.”
Much as they have tried in the indoor nets at the ICC Academy in Dubai, it is impossible to accurately simulate batting on the world’s fastest track, which the Waca Ground is famed for having.
Three of the UAE’s top order batsmen clearly owed their downfall to the pace and bounce that is unique to this venue.
Andri Berenger and Amjad Ali, the openers, were both caught by the wicketkeeper MS Dhoni after miscuing attempted pull shots to rising, short-pitched deliveries.
Then Khurram Khan, a master of the sweep shot on low, bouncing wickets in Sharjah and Dubai, perished playing the shot to Ravi Ashwin.
It bounced and clipped his gloves, ballooning to Suresh Raina running around from slip.
The fact three of the leading batsmen fell to spin said so much about the exalted opposition they were up against.
In the company they usually keep, in the tier of international cricket just below the elite, UAE batsmen defer to nobody when it comes to facing slow bowling.
Ashwin is a different level altogether. In addition to the talisman, Khurram, Ashwin accounted for Krishna Karate and Swapnil Patil, each of whom would have grown up facing quality slow bowling in their native India.
The delivery that got Patil, in particular, was a throwback to the times when bats were thin and 250 was a mind-boggling total in limited-overs cricket.
It was a perfectly flighted arm-ball, which curved away, rather than spinning back, caught Patil’s outside edge and was caught at slip.
“He had a success with his quicker one which he was getting to swing,” Dhoni said of Ashwin.
Tauqir said: “It is a difficult wicket, with a lot of bounce and carry, but their bowlers outplayed us.
“They bowled some excellent areas and we couldn’t cope with that.”
RADLEY’S REPORT CARD:
Star performer
R Ashwin (India)
An education. Not much mystery about his off spin – no doosras, teesras or long sleeves on his blue shirt – just some guile and an astute assessment of what the conditions required. His old-fashioned use of the arm ball, which did for Swapnil Patil, was classy. It would have been a pleasure to watch, were it not so ruthless.
Underperformer
Andri Berenger (UAE)
Harsh to pick on one person on a day of collective underachievement, but the talented opener has had three soft dismissals in the tournament. Two have come via the pull shot, which he usually plays well, but this time he lobbed a catch to MS Dhoni at the wicket, off Umesh Yadav’s bowling.
Key moment
Sometimes the UAE’s top order fires, sometimes it does not. Either way, while Khurram Khan is at the wicket, there is always the feeling the national team can post a competitive total. When he top-edged a sweep off Ashwin, that was caught around the corner by Suresh Raina scurrying across from slip, the game was up for the UAE.
UAE rating 4/10
The world champions are a step up from anything the UAE have faced before and the pitch was the direct opposite of what they are used to. Expectations, then, should always have been modest but it was still a limp effort.
India rating 8/10
They can only beat what is put in front of them and this was clean and clinical. Before Raina put down a simple chance off Mohammed Naveed, which would not prove costly, India had not dropped a catch in the tournament. They are maintaining high standards in each discipline, which bodes well for their title defence.
Verdict
Just when the cause of the non-Test nations was starting to snowball, a stark reality check. Playing well against nations of a like standard is one thing but fighting for parity against the behemoths is just as important. The UAE need to find a way to do that, and quickly. Their next assignment is against Pakistan on Wednesday.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Scoreline
Swansea 2
Grimes 20' (pen), Celina, 29'
Man City 3
Silva 69', Nordfeldt 78' (og), Aguero 88'
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
LOVE%20AGAIN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Jim%20Strouse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Priyanka%20Chopra%20Jonas%2C%20Sam%20Heughan%2C%20Celine%20Dion%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 1 (Martinez 18' pen)
Juventus 2 (Dybala 4', Higuain 80')
Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
HAEMOGLOBIN DISORDERS EXPLAINED
Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.
The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.
The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.
A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.
England squad
Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
The Comeback: Elvis And The Story Of The 68 Special
Simon Goddard
Omnibus Press
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 480hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 570Nm from 2,300-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.4L/100km
Price: from Dh547,600
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
