be heading for a draw. By the time they declared on 282 for 9, with Suji top-scoring on 72, they had set a theoretical target of 248, and they looked as though they would sneak it on points. By the time they had reduced Namibia to 68 for 5, they had secured their semi-final qualification. Asia Group 24–26 April: United Arab Emirates (30pts) beat Hong Kong (12.5pts) by 7 wickets Hong Kong, making their ICC Intercontinental Cup debut, showed their inexperience in Sharjah. The first day saw them dismissed for 127, with the UAE moving to 126 for 7 by close. They only added onto their score on the second day, to leave the game as a tie on first innings. Hong Kong were then dismissed cheaply again, this time for 184, and then let the UAE move to 144 for 3 at close. The game ended early on the third day, with no more wickets falling. The UAE had taken only 46 overs to knock off the runs. 30 April-2 May: Nepal (8.5pts) drew with Hong Kong (5.5pts) In Kathmandu, the first day was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The second day was also severely hampered by rain, but there was time for the Nepalis to bowl Hong Kong out for 91 after putting them into bat. The third and final day allowed for 54 overs, in which Nepal scored 101 for 7 declared and Hong Kong moved to 37 for 3 as Nepal tried to pick up as many points as possible before their group decider with the United Arab Emirates. 7–9 May: Nepal (32pts) beat the United Arab Emirates (11pts) by 172 runs Nepal won the toss in Kathmandu and batted first. After losing two quick wickets they consolidated and finished a rain-affected first day on 246 for 5. On day two they declared on 287 for 7. Nepal's bowlers then performed well, dismissing the United Arab Emirates for 164, with Arshad Ali carrying his bat for 81. In reply, Nepal proceeded to 45 for 2 by stumps on the second day. On the third and final day, Nepal declared on 125 for 6. Binod Das then took 5 for 27 to help dismiss the Emiratis for 76. And so, despite Nepal clearly showing their dominance in the group they do not progress to the next round. Nepal thrashed UAE and were well on top against