UAE's struggles continue with another defeat to PNG

Just two matches into his stint as UAE captain, Muhammad Waseem is already at a loss to explain the continued batting failures of the national team.

In their first match of the final Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Kathmandu, UAE were soundly beaten by 56 runs by Papua New Guinea – their third consecutive defeat to the same opposition over the past few weeks.

They now appear destined to have to fight for one-day international status in the World Cup Qualifier play-off in Namibia later this month.

The national team already have their participation in that event confirmed. The six-team tournament in Windhoek carries with it two places for the global Qualifier in Zimbabwe in June and July.

More pressingly, the two lowest ranked sides from League 2 – currently UAE and PNG - will be vying for ODI status with Canada and Jersey in Windhoek.

The latest defeat was characterised by issues which have become endemic: at least some fight with the ball, but a supine and confused display with the bat.

Waseem, who took over as captain from CP Rizwan earlier this week, said they are trying to raise spirits, yet the struggles continue.

“We have been struggling in batting,” Waseem said.

“We have not been playing positive cricket. We will try to take some positives and play our best to try to get three wins. We are trying to build our players’ confidence.”

As PNG’s players boomed their victory song out from their dressing room at the Tribhuvan University ground, on the other side of a flimsy partition their beaten opponents could scarcely have looked more downcast.

PNG have won just five of their 34 matches so far in this competition. Four of those have now come against the UAE, and they outplayed them again this time.

The damage