Hot weather no barrier to big matches in UAE

Despite the UAE’s intense summer heat, both Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain are preparing to stage title clashes.

Umm Al Quwain will host two finals this weekend, with Al Manal Development taking on Malik Contracting in the sixth Umm Al Quwain Invitation Premier league and Globe Link West Shipping meeting Golden Tower Metal Industries in the Umm Al Quwain Cricket Association Premier Twenty20 league.

Al Ain will stage the final of the Al Faraa Ramadan Twenty20 tournament on Thursday, with Wel-Kin meeting KPK.

Mushtaq Ahmad, of the Umm Al Quwain Cricket Association, told Gulf News: “Cricket never stops in Umm Al Quwain as teams are always ready to play here. We provide the best facilities to counter the heat by supplying enough water, regular breaks and also comfortable timings.”

The Al Faraa final is just the start of a drive to play more cricket in Al Ain.

Mohammad Ali, chief organiser of the tournament, said: “Our final on August 7 on the new clay wicket will be special. Everyone can look forward to more tournaments here.”

In the Umm Al Quwain Invitation Premier league semi-finals, Al Manal beat Thrissur Tigers by eight wickets, while Malik Contracting scored a five-wicket win over Al Jabeen Cricket Club.

In the Umm Al Quwain Cricket Association Premier Twenty20 league semi-finals, Globe Link beat Al Futtaim Motors by three runs and Golden Tower Metal Industries downed Unicon Real Estate by three wickets.

Wel-Kin beat GMS by 45 runs in their Al Ain semi-fina, while KPK defeated Friends Cricket Club by two runs.