United Arab Emirates (UAE) gained total control of the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.At the end of the third day's play, UAE had gained an overall lead of 346 runs. With just one day left in the contest, a draw looks the most possible result. But even that would fine for UAE as it will walk away with maximum honours from the match.After resuming the third day's play at its overnight score of 242 for three. Afghanistan lost wickets at regular intervals as its tail did not wag. Unlike in the case of UAE, where the tail added crucial runs, in Afghanistan's innings there was no resistance.Overnight batsman Mohammad Shahzad (42) and Mohammad Nabi (117: 195b, 11x4, 5x6) fell fairly early. Apart from Asghar Stanikzai's 41, there was no other worthwhile contribution from the lower order as Afghanistan was bowled out for 328 in 112.4 overs.The best bowler on view for the UAE side was Arshad Ali who ended with figures of 6-45 as he ran through the Afghan middle and lower order.Armed with a lead of 134 runs, UAE began its second innings. Bakthiyar Palekar (61: 58b, 7x4, 1x6) once again led the charge for UAE after the side slipped to 21 for two.Swapnil Patil (74 not out: 121b, 5x4, 2x6) and Palekar added 75 runs for the third wicket to revive the innings. Despite the fall of Palekar, Patil held one end together.Patil added 91 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Khurram Khan (39). Towards the end of the day's play, UAE had quietly progressed to 212 for five in 55 overs to gain total control.For Afghanistan, Dawlat Zadran (2-27) and Mohammad Nabi (2-54) shared the wickets around.An Afghanistan win looks improbable at the moment, as the lead for UAE is mounting all the time. It would require a miracle for Afghanistan to pull things back.
