India continued their defence of the ODI World Cup with another dominant display against the UAE in Perth today. The likely outcome of the match was more or less determined after the cricketing minnows had been bowled out for just 102 runs, a score that represents the lowest by any side at this year's competition so far. India were never really troubled in reply, as they reached their small target with more than 31 overs remaining in their innings, to claim a nine-wicket victory. The win puts India in a strong position at the top of Pool B, with three successive victories so far.
By contrast, UAE have lost all of their three matches in the tournament and look likely to finish bottom of their pool by the end of the group stages.
UAE's only moment of success in a one-sided contest was the correct 'call' of the coin toss, which prompted them to bat first. They were soon regretting their choice as wickets tumbled at a rapid pace. The only notable resistance from their batsmen came from a gutsy 35 from Shaiman Anwar, but even his efforts could not ensure any sort of total that was ever likely to cause India concerns, when their turn to bat came along. Their score could have been even worse, but for a battling last-wicket stand of 31. Ravichandran Ashwin was particularly ruthless in the Indians' bowling attack, taking his first 'four-for' as he returned match figures of 4-25 from his full 10 over spell.
By contrast, India were able to cruise to their success, as they lost just the one wicket in their innings in reaching 104-1 off 18.5 overs. The unlucky man out to deprive them of the 'perfect' victory was Shikhar Dhawan, as he made just 14. His fellow opener Rohit Sharma remained unperturbed and undefeated on 57 at the end, as he and Virat Kohli (33) put on 75 for the second wicket partnership to see their side home safely.
India stay on course to top Pool B, having already defeated the likely challengers for that honour, South Africa, in an earlier group match and seem to be gaining momentum as the tournament progresses.
