UAE, Namibia stay alive

United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Namibia kept their hopes alive to qualify for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa when they won playoff games of the ICC Trophy here Saturday.

Playing under rain-threatening clouds, UAE defeated Uganda by five wickets to enter the Super League. Nabimia also advanced to the next stage with a 75-run win over Bermuda.

The current event, which is halfway through now, is a passport to the next World Cup. Three of the 24 ICC Associate member countries competing in the tournament, will make it to the World Cup.

At the end of the current second stage, a league will be formed based on the combined points achieved from previous fixtures. Teams finishing first and second in the league will contest the final, while the teams finishing third and fourth will play in the World Cup qualifying final.

Both finalists and the winners of the qualifying final will go to South Africa.

With their tight bowling and excellent fielding at the wet Maple Leaf North-East Ground, UAE restricted Uganda to 154 in 46.3 overs despite J. Lubia's stubborn knock of 76.

It was then UAE batsmen's turn to show their skill and they did it in style. Though the outfield was slow and sluggish following early morning's heavy showers, UAE batsmen took exactly 155 minutes to reach the victory target of 155 for the loss of five wickets.

Middle-order batsman Ahmed Nadeem was their top scorer with 67 coming off 71 balls. In the other match of the day, Namibia managed to score 221, before being all out in 49.1 overs in Toronto city where play was halted twice because of rains.

In reply, Bermuda were bowled out for 146 in 45.4 overs.