Scots suffer UAE blow in cup build-up

SCOTLAND's I-Cup final preparations received a jolt last night when they slumped to defeat against a UAE Select in Dubai.

The Saltires, warming-up for their five-day clash with Afghanistan, could muster just 201-7 from their 50 overs, and despite fine bowling performances from skipper Gordon Drummond and spinner Majid Haq, the UAE overhauled their tally with just one wicket and seven balls to spare.

Gregor Maiden was again the pick of the Saltires batsmen with a battling half-century while Drummond weighed-in with 48 not out. Despite the setback, coach Pete Steindl will refuse to press the panic button ahead of Thursday's showdown with the Afghans.

He said: "It is difficult to read anything into the result as we didn't really approach it as a one-day game.

''We gave some of our bowlers extended spells and they also bowled in the nets for six overs while we were batting so that they could experience multiple spells in the day.

''Gregor and Gordon batted well again but everyone knows there is still lots of room for improvement."

The Scots will have a final practice session today before taking it easy on the eve of their first-ever five-day match, which gets under way at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.