UAE 1st innings 142

Bermuda 1st innings 98-4

United Arab Emirates (UAE) paid heavily for electing to bat on a track skipper Saqib Ali had predicted would be a "batsman's paradise" in the lead up to his team's four-day Intercontinental Cup clash with Bermuda at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Dubai yesterday.

After being restricted to a modest 142 all out it became clear the hosts got it wrong as pace ace Kevin Hurdle exploited the conditions with lethal effect on the way to career-best figures at this level of six for 45 off 21 overs, with eight maidens.

The Social Club skipper bowled with exceptional control and was able to extract extra movement off the deck working in tandem with all rounder Janeiro Tucker whose three for 29 offered solid support at the other end.

By close of play, however, UAE had clawed their way back into contention after picking up the wickets of James Celestine (nought) and deputising wicketkeeper Jason Simons (15) just before stumps were drawn to reduce the Islanders to 98 for four.

But the day well and truly belonged to Hurdle who continues to shine on tour.

"We have seen Hurdle improve on this tour as he has shown he has the temperament and pace. He bowled with some pace and a bit of accuracy which is something that has been lacking," said coach Gus Logie, speaking from the team's hotel.

"It was a really good effort on his part as his extras have been minimum and I don't think he bowled any no balls today which is a credit to him."

The hosts had hoped to make the most of what was initailly thought to be batting friendly conditions by rattling up a big first innings total to put the pressure on the Islanders. But those hopes were dashed as the ball dominated the bat instead.

"It looked as though the pitch was going to be a good batting strip. But we knew on this ground (Sharjah) we would have some assistance with the new ball which swung around the whole day. The outfield is well grassed and so the ball kept its shine for a considerable length of time," Logie said.

Openers Silva Gayan (17) and Ali Arshad (18) added 42 runs for the first -wicket to get UAE off to a promising start. But once Malachi Jones (one for 27) made the breakthrough with the wicket of Arshad, Hurdle and Tucker kept the hosts' middle and lower order batsmen in a spin before they were eventually dismissed in the 50th over.

Bermuda Under-19 seamer Kyle Hodsoll also bowled economically as he gave up only five runs off six overs with one maiden.

In reply, an unbroken fifth-wicket stand between David Hemp (21) and skipper Irving Romaine (eight) steadied the ship after the swasbuckling Celestine and Simons both fell leg before late during the final session.

Simons, who added 20 runs for the third wicket with Hemp, appeared destined for a big score but fell prey to poor shot selection, while three balls later Celestine paid the price for hitting across the line.

Earlier, Under-19 skipper Rodney Trott blasted his way back into form with a dashing 43 off 61 balls after surviving an early chance in his innings. The budding all rounder capitalised on UAE's generosity in the field with some exquisite strokeplay before eventually falling seven runs shy of a maiden Intercontinental Cup half century.

UAE skipper Ali has taken two for 14 so far to carry the hosts' attack.

Bermuda will now look build upon their overnight score and open a healthy first innings lead when play resumes today.

"Hopefully we can build a lead in excess of 100 to 150 runs to try and put the game beyond UAE when we go back to bat," Logie said.