21 Dec 2015 | Cricket
The Glamorgan Development Programme Dubai tour ended with a comprehensive 94-run victory against the UAE Academy with opener Sam Pearce (123) and Mujahid Ilyas to the fore.
Pearce hit 50-run partnerships with Joe Voke and Chris Matthews to help the tourists post 285-8 from their 40 overs, with Pearce's impressive top score coming off only 85 balls, including 7 sixes, whilst an unbeaten 37 from Prem Sisodiya ensured Glamorgan's innings finished with a flourish.
In reply, after a solid start UAE Academy lost their first wicket in the 11th over (41/1). However the damage was done just after the half way point of their innings, when already trailing behind on the run rate and a second wicket down they lost 4 more wickets in only 20 balls as the Cardiff CC connection struck repeatedly with spinners Sisodya, Ilyas and Bevan all producing results from their hard work in training throughout the week. UAE Academy were reduced to 99/6, which became 127/8 as Bevan (2-25) and Ilyas (3-38) turned the screws.
Despite an unbeaten 50 (off 87) from opener desouza UAE Academy finished 191 all out in the last over, with Oliver Pike claiming the wicket of Abdullah (40 off 24) and the run out of last man mendis. It was an excellent performance by the bowling unit who all demonstrated control and mentions also to Cheshire (0-25) and Sisodya (2-25) from their 6 overs for the best economy rates.
All in all a superb tour and two excellent victories. Scorecards, pictures and videos will be uploaded in due course. Congratulations all involved.