The Denmark team ultimately had another disappointing day against the United Arab Emirates at the Centre for Cricket Development Ground in Windhoek. This was the team’s second match in the ICC World League Division 2 tournament.

Captain Freddie Klokker lost the toss and was invited to bat by the UAE captain, Saqib Ali. Danmark got off to a good start with Freddie Klokker and Mickey Lund scoring freely at just over 4 runs per over. After 18 overs, umpire Carl Hurter had to leave the field with torn ligaments in his leg; he was replaced by local umpire, Wynand Louw. Just after the century partnership was completed Mickey Lund was caught off the bowling of the UAE skipper.

The introduction of Arshad Ali proved decisive. Three wickets fell in his 4th over, the 36th of the innings; Carsten Pedersen was bowled, and both Johan Malcolm-Hansen and Lars Hedegaard were adjudged LBW by the replacement umpire. Suddenly, Denmark had been reduced to 164 for 5 wickets and the momentum of the innings had been lost. None of the remaining batsmen were able to provide support for Freddie Klokker who carried his bat for 99 not out when Danmark were all out for 223 in 49.2 overs. On a ground with small boundaries square with the wickets this was always going to be a difficult target to defend; the locals felt that a ‘par’ score would be nearer 260 or 270.

The UAE innings started at a much faster tempo; 39 coming from the first six overs before David Borchersen bowled the dangerous Mohammed Iqbal for 34 scored in just 21 deliveries. The first four UAE batsmen all made important contributions despite the regular bowling changes and the scoring rate was maintained at around 6 runs per over. The pick of the bowlers were spinners Bashir Shah (with 2 for 41 from 9 overs) and Johan Malcolm-Hansen (with 1 for 47 from 10 overs) but all the bowlers found it difficult to defend the short square boundaries. The UAE innings contained 8 sixes and 19 fours compared to the Danmark innings with just 20 fours.

The UAE passed the Danmark total with 6 wickets down with 7.5 overs remaining.

Denmark now need to win their 3 remaining group matches to ensure a place in the play-off for 3rd and 4th places. They also need other results to go in their favour if they are to get into the play-off for 1st and 2nd places.

Tomorrow is rest day. Hopefully Danmark will have time to regroup and start playing to their obvious potential.