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(Sports)India cruise to World Cup victory over UAE

Xinhua, February 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

India continued its ICC World Cup defense in emphatic fashion with a nine-wicket hammering of tournament minnows the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Perth on Saturday.

Relishing the bounce of a fast WACA pitch, India made the most of the conditions bowling first and dismissed the UAE for just 102 in its first innings.

Ravichandran Ashwin was India's main threat with the ball, claiming 4/25 from his 10 overs, before Rohit Sharma struck an unbeaten half-century as the reigning World Cup champions strolled to yet another comfortable victory.

Despite losing the toss and being sent into field, India was keen to ensure there would be no complacency against the World Cup lowest ranked side and did so with ultimate professionalism.

Only three UAE batsmen, led by 35 from Shaiman Anwar, made it into double figures as India's bowlers flourished against their opponents inexperience.

Bhuvneshkwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav claimed three quick wickets with the new ball, before Ashwin entered the attack and continued to trouble the middle order.

The spinner claimed three wickets in his first four overs, as the UAE slumped to 9/71 having not even made it to the halfway point of their innings.

Fortunately, Anwar combined in a handy 31-run partnership with Manjula Guruge at the death, as the UAE was saved the indignation of becoming the first side in this tournament to be bowled out for under 100.

Yadav (2/15 from 6.3 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/23 from 5 overs) joined with Ashwin as India's three multiple wicket takers, before India set about chasing down the small total.

Shikhar Dhawan made a scratchy 14 before he feel victim to a stunning one-handed catch from Rohan Mustafa at point, but it was a minor blip on India's radar.

Rohit struck 57 not out from 55 deliveries, while Virat Kohli was also not out on 33 from 41 balls as the pair combined in an unbroken 75-run partnership.

It was enough to see India home with nine wickets in hand and with more than 31 overs to spare. Endi