In an amazing conclusion to the ICC Six Nations Challenge UAE 2004, USA was crowed winner of the event, and will now travel to England for the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, where they will take on Australia and New Zealand.

Going into the final round, USA had to defeat Scotland, and required UAE to defeat Holland to have any chance of qualification. Both these results occurred, and with Namibia defeating Canada, five teams were locked together on three wins from five matches in a remarkable finish to the tournament.

Net run rate was therefore required to separate the five sides, and after all match results were reconfirmed as correct by tournament organisers, USA was announced winners of the ICC Six Nations Challenge UAE 2004 by a mere 0.0276 of a run.

In a cruel twist of fate, the eventual 2nd team Scotland played USA on the final day, and despite USA passing Scotland's total of 206 on the second ball of the 48th over, if USA had of reached this target five balls later (ie. on the first ball of the 49th over), the subsequent change in net run rate would have seen Scotland victorious in the tournament.

A further consideration in USA's eventual triumph, was the match between Holland and UAE. A win to Holland in this game would have guaranteed them victory in the tournament and a position in the ICC Champions Trophy.

After batting first and scoring 289, Holland appeared to be well on the way to achieving this, however a courageous performance by the local side saw them pass Holland's total after 49.1 overs.

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Brendan McClements
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International Cricket Council
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