News: Namibia come from behind to beat UAE…
Posted on January 28, 2008 by Nasir M. Khan
The result is a little odd given that UAE beat Namibia in Namibia a month ago, and also given that Namibia were dismissed so cheaply on Day 1. But it has been probably the best intercontinental game for a while.
For, UAE, despite the fact that they back their born and bred players these days, what cannot be ignored is that what keeps them even at this level are the expat players. Even in this game, Khurram Khan both with bat and ball, and Saqib Ali. The interesting thing is of course that Fahad Al Hashmi, not just born and bred, but an Arab, was the highest wicket taker in the first innings.
Well Namibia did have the extra advantage of regular First class cricket as a unit which most Associate level cricket teams do not have. And that was probably a factor in their second innings recovery.
This certainly was an exciting encounter, and Namibia first class experience helped them through. The fact is although UAE beat Namibia in the world cricket league there clearly is not much difference between the two sides.