Bermuda 188 United Arab Emirates 190-6

Bermuda’s 2011 World Cup qualifying bid got off to the worst possible start at Potchefstroom University yesterday as the Islanders crashed to a four-wicket defeat at the hands of United Arab Emirates.

Set a modest target to chase after Bermuda folded in 46.1 overs, UAE knocked off the required runs with 17 balls to spare.

UAE skipper Khurram Khan led the charge scoring an unbeaten 40 off 48 balls in the middle of the innings.

Earlier Janeiro Tucker saved Bermuda from posting an even lower total, top-scoring with 66 off just 81 balls.

A 71-run seventh wicket partnership between Tucker and Rodney Trott rescued Bermuda from a precarious 110 for six at Absu Puk Oval.

For the second straight match, Tucker carried his team's batting with a polished innings while Trott added 20 and provided the perfect foil for his aggressive partner.

Tucker helped himself to eight boundaries, including a massive six off Khan over mid-wicket for six in the 39th over to reach his half century off 63 balls.

Others managing positive starts were Jekon Edness (17), skipper Irving Romaine (20), Lionel Cann (12), and Stephen Outerbridge (16).

Khan claimed three for 40 while off spinner Arshad Ali, fast bowler Amjad Javed and medium pacer Zahid Shah each took two wickets to restrict Bermuda to 188.

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for full coverage

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