United Arab Emirates 142 and 409 for seven

Bermuda 311

Hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) batted themselves into a commanding position at close of play on the third day of their Intercontinental Cup clash with Bermuda at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dahbi today.

At stumps the Arabs were firmly in the driver’s seat, 241 runs ahead with three -wickets in hand in their second innings, after resuming on their overnight total of 117 for one.

The Islanders had hoped to regain the momentum in a match of fluctuating fortunes by making early inroads with the ball today.

But in centurions Arshad Ali (185) and Saqib Ali (126 not out) Bermuda ran into a brick wall as their hosts piled on the runs on a strip that appears to have lost its bite after claiming 14 wickets on the first day.

Young all rounder Malachi Jones was the only Bermudian to really shine with the ball today, claiming Intercontinental Cup best figures of four for 66 while fellow seamer Kevin Hurdle and off spinner Rodney Trott picked up one each toiling in placid conditions.

UAE will now look to add quick runs to their total when play resumes tomorrow and make an early declaration in the hopes of dismissing the Islanders on the fourth and final day.