Cricket: Richie Berrington century puts Scots in charge

Berrington’s superb 110 helped the Saltires establish a first-innings lead of 205. Despite a late fightback from UAE who reached 74 for two at the close, Scotland remain strong favourites to notch their first win of the campaign during the weekend.

Berrington and Simon Smith dug in to add 99 runs during the morning session on day two with Smith recording his first international half-century. Smith faced 131 balls and stroked seven boundaries but, perhaps distracted by the extended Friday lunch interval, was out for 54 shortly after the resumption.

However, there was no stopping Berrington who edged closer to three figures during a 55-run partnership with Calum MacLeod. The latter was beginning to look set on 19 when he became one of six Scottish lbw victims as the UAE left-arm spinners Fayyaz Ahmed and Ahmed Raza continued to cause problems.

Berrington was certainly wary of the danger they posed, playing out a maiden over from Raza while stuck on 99. He waited for his moment to pick off the single that took him to the landmark which came from 230 deliveries and included 13 fours and two sixes. Berrington added one more maximum before being last man out with the lead in excess of 200.

Faizan Asif launched a counter-attack in the final session, hitting a rapid 46 before being bowled by Gordon Drummond, while Preston Mommsen also claimed a wicket thanks to an excellent catch by Freddie Coleman to keep the Scots on top.

However, despite enjoying the initiative, coach Pete Steindl is taking nothing for granted.

He said: “There is a lot of cricket still to be played and we will have to apply pressure in the field tomorrow.

“Richie fully deserved his first century because he played to his strengths and showed great character. Hopefully it will be the first of many.”

The Scots still enjoy a lead of 131 runs and spinners Mommsen and Majid Haq will hope to force victory on day three.