USA's problems continue in opening match

Group A

Hamish Anthony celebrates one of his five wickets ... but it wasn't enough to save the USA © Getty Images

The USA's controversially-picked and ageing side, already in disarray after back-to-back defeats in their warm-up matches, slumped to a 59-run defeat at the hands of the UAE. There was no inkling of an upset in the early stages as UAE slipped to 109 for 6, but a captain's innings of 79 from Khuram Khan nursed them to 200 all out with more than 10 overs of their innings unused. USA started solidly, but from 30 for 0 they lost eight wickets for 56, five of them to Ahmed Nadeem (5 for 28), and only a last-wicket stand of 41 gave their total any respectability.

Ed Joyce made an early impression on the tournament with 103 as Ireland ran out comfortable 97-run winners against Bermuda. Joyce added 180 for the fourth wicket with Eoin Morgan, which formed the backbone of Ireland's impressive 315 for 6. Bermuda never threatened to approach the target and suffered a blow when Clay Smith, their captain, was forced to retire hurt. However, Janeiro Tucker struck a half-century so that Bermuda at least batted out their allotted overs. "I was a bit nervous before the start so it was a bit of a relief to get some runs," said Joyce, who was outshone for much of his innings by the crisp hitting of Morgan who made 93. "That was my first century for Ireland but I'm really pleased for Eoin, he was hitting it really well. I think that's the best I've ever seen him bat."

Tom Hansen took 6 for 30 to carry Denmark to a 28-run win over Uganda. Chasing 197, Uganda slipped to 73 for 6 but Kenneth Kamyuka struck 59 to keep them in the game. However, Hanson return to mop up the tail with a three-wicket burst. It was a good day for the Hanson's as Hendrik provided the backbone for Denmark's innings with 71. Kamyuka produced an impressive all round performance, taking 4 for 39, but it wasn't enough to swing the match.

Group B

John Davison reminded everyone of his World Cup heroics, making 125 as Canada held their nerve to seal a thrilling two-run victory over Namibia in one of the early heavyweight clashes. For a full report click here.

Scotland launched their campaign in emphatic style by making short of Oman, easing to six-wicket win with 31 overs to spare. Paul Hoffmann put in a starring all round performance, taking 5 for 12 as Oman were skittled for 83 as only Tariq Syed made any impression with the bat making 32. Hoffmann then took charge of the run chase, as 39 ensured that the loss of four wickets was nothing more than a blip

Holland dispatched Papua New Guinea in clinic style, completing a nine-wicket win in a match that lasted barely 40 overs. Papua New Guinea's batsmen had no answer to Holland's seamers, with Edgar Schiferli claiming 5 for 20 from his 10 overs. Ryan ten Doeschate, the Essex allrounder, provided a fine supporting role with 4 for 18. Bas Zuiderent and Daan van Bunge, the batsman who has spent time with MCC, added 68 as Holland reached their target of 70 within 15 overs.

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