Maldives pair pose problems for Nepal

A blazing 74 run sixth wicket partnership in 9.4 overs between Ismail Nadeem and Imad Ismail allowed the Maldives to post a defendable total in their crucial Group B match against Nepal at Sharjah Stadium.

Nadeem and Ismail came together with the score on 88 for five immediately began to thrash the Nepal attack. Nadeem's 38 came from just 27 balls, with four sixes, Ismail hit three sixes and a four in his 42 from 35 balls.

Earlier captain Moosa Kaleem played a patient innings in a partnership of 48 with Ali Azim, going on to score 35 from 84 balls.

Japan surprised early in its innings against the United Arab Emirates, passing 50 for the loss of just one wicket against the UAE medium-pacers.

After Nobuyasa Yoshioka was run out at 5-1, Hirokazi Takahashi (18) and Jun Saito (12) combined for a 45-run partership.

The introduction of spin into the UAE attack saw a predictable Japanese collapse, with nine wickets falling for 48 runs. The Japanese succumbed to pressure from close-in fielders, getting caught after hitting the ball uppishly.

Right arm off-spinner, Mohammad Tauqeer, was the main beneficiary, taking six for ten off six overs, with four of those maidens.