Usman’s ton secures UAE first innings lead over PNG
abu dhabi — Muhammad Usman scored a classy maiden century as the UAE took 105 runs first-inning lead over Papua New Guinea on Day 2 of the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup first-class match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
On Day 1, the UAE bowlers did well to restrict PNG to 194 from 85.3 overs. The UAE started Day 2 with 14 runs on the board. Openers Rohan Mustafa and Laxman Sreekumar ensured steady run flow with routine boundary shots.
But Mustafa (41 runs) edged Mahuru Dai’s full delivery to first slip in the 21st over to end a 68-run partnership. Six over later, Sreekumar (37) was bowled by Chad Soper.
Both openers fell to pace bowlers. And another six overs in, Shaiman Anwar (10) skied Dai and was caught in the mid-off. The UAE were three down for 96 from 35 overs and in a spot with two new batsmen Rameez Shahzad and Usman at the crease.
However, the pair craftily went on with the rescue work. They took the dangerous Dai for couple of boundaries and a six to set the tone. By the end of 68th over, the duo eclipsed PNG total.
But just after the Tea session, Shahzad (63) failed to read Assad Vala and was stumped. Shahzad played a gritty innings and cobbled 116-run formidable partnership with Usman. New hand Adnan Mufti (18) played entertaining innings but soon fell to make it 251 for five.
Usman continued to steer the innings and reached his maiden ton with a boundary off Dai but he was bowled in the same over. Usman (103) left the scene after firing 11 boundaries and with the UAE at 292. Saqlain Haider and Ahmed Raza are at the crease.
Mahuru Dai was the pick of PNG bowlers with three key wickets of Mustafa, Anwar and Usman.
Before the start of the match, skipper Mustafa had said the fourday format was going to be a crucial test for the team. The performance so far has suggested the UAE adapting well to the situation. The UAE enter Day 3 in a position of strength with four wickets in hand.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com