TRENT JOHNSTON: Qualifiers can hold their heads high after first half of pool stage matches

Would UAE have anything left in the tank in this ICC Cricket World Cup? Losing to Ireland would have deflated their tyres. With matches coming quick and fast they would need to regroup. Next up, the current World champions, India......

For a team that should be used to spin, UAE were torn apart by the wizardry of Ravichadran Ashwin. Only three players achieved double figures and after winning the toss, Mohammad Tauqir would have felt bitterly disappointed. Once again, Shaiman Anwar offered the strongest resistance with 35 runs. The UAE need to find a way to score runs up front or this tournament will dwindle away.

The second innings was no more than a glorified net for India. One positive during UAE's fielding was Rohan Mustafa's catch.

All the associate nations can hold their heads up high, they've done ok. However, the second half of pool stage matches will tell a truer story with some big fixtures in store.

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