UAE lost their first match in the World Cup League Two after a fine innings of 95 from Aaron Jones carried United States to a three-wicket win at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The fixture was the first match of a three-team series also involving Scotland, which marks the start of the qualifying process for the next World Cup. Mohammed Usman top scored for the UAE with 59 not out as the home side posted 202. They were bowled out with eight balls left of the 47 overs they were due to face, after a damp outfield following overnight rain had caused a delay to the start. Saurabh Netravalkar, the USA captain, was outstanding with the ball as he picked up five for 32. The national team were fielding six ODI debutants, with a variety of changes enforced by the ongoing <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/cricket-in-turmoil-where-the-uae-stands-in-bid-to-make-the-t20-world-cup-1.927897">ICC investigation into corruption in cricket</a> in this country. Junaid Siddique, the fast-bowler who was making his first ODI appearance for UAE, gave them hope as he took two early wickets in successive balls. He ended the innings with three, but Jones took the USA to the brink of victory, before falling to an extraordinary one-handed catch on the boundary rope by Waheed Ahmed. USA clinched the win with 10 balls to spare. It was their fourth win in five matches since the league started, and put them top of the table.