Anwar's 106 lifts UAE to 278/9 against Ireland

Brisbane, Feb 25 (IANS) In-form Shaiman Anwar's 106 powered the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to 278/9 against Ireland in a World Cup Pool B game at the Gabba here Wednesday.

Ireland bowlers had put up a fine display to reduce the UAE to 131/6 in 31.4 overs before Anwar, who scored his maiden One-Day International (ODI) ton, and Amjad Javed (42) stitched a 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. They not only rescued their team but also helped the UAE post a highly challenging total.

UAE opening batsmen did very well in the first 10 overs. But off-spinner Paul Stirling picked up two quick wickets to dent the UAE. The 24-year-old dismissed Andri Berenger (13) and Krishna Chandran (0) to reduce the UAE to 53/2 in 13.1 overs.

Opener Amjad Ali (45) was looking very good before he lost his wicket to medium pacer Kevin O'Brien. Next batsman Swapnil Patil offered a catch to Stirling at slip off an O'Brien delivery to leave the team in trouble at 78/4.

The 35-year-old Anwar joined Khurram Khan (36) and the duo put up a 47-run stand before the latter lost his wicket to left-arm spinner George Dockrell. Alex Cusack sent new batsman Rohan Mustafa (2) back early to leave the UAE reeling at 131/6.

Javed, 35, joined Anwar in the middle and the duo stabilised the innings before going for big shots. During his knock of 42 off 35 balls, Javed belted five fours and played a perfect foil to Anwar.

Anwar, who scored 67 against Zimbabwe during their Cup opener, hit 10 fours and a six during his 83-ball knock. He got his three-figure mark in 79 balls. And when he got out -- scooping medium pacer Max Sorensen to land in the safe hands of the wicketkeeper Gary wilson -- his team was in command at 269/8 in 48.4 overs.

For the Irish team, Stirling, Cusack, O'Brien and Sorensen picked up two wickets apiece, while Dockrell bagged one.

Brief score: UAE 278/9 (Shaiman Anwar 106, Amjad Ali 45; Paul Stirling 2/27, Alex Cusack 2/54) against Ireland.