Bowlers give Canada the early edge

Canada's bowlers, spearheaded by pacer Jeremy Gordon, gave the hosts an early advantage against UAE in the four-day Intercontinental Cup match in King City.

After rain had completely washed out play on the opening day, the players had to wait for much of day two for the ground to be fit enough to play on. Eventually it began, and Canada, opting to field, got an early breakthrough as UAE opener Haroon Ifthikar edged a delivery from Gordon back to the keeper Hamza Tariq. Paceman Henry Osinde dismissed the other opener Arshad Ali for two in the ninth over to leave the visitors struggling at 11 for 2.

However, Swapnil Patil kept the innings afloat. Patil struck five fours during his innings of 43, and added 37 for the third wicket with left-hand batsman Khurram Khan.

But Canada struck again later on, as Gordon removed Khurram for 21, and left-arm spinner Parth Desai got the wicket of Shaiman Anwar in the 24th over, to leave UAE precariously placed at 73 for 4 at the end of day two.