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UAE (Image source: Twitter)
The second One Day International match between UAE and Ireland has been delayed after one of the players tested positive for COVID-19. Alishan Sharafu is the third player of UAE's squad to return a positive result, following Chirag Suri and Aryan Lakra. All tests conducted on December 29 turned out to be negative. Alishan Sharafu made his One Day International debut in the first ODI on Friday but contributed just one run from nine deliveries.
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All the cricketers are going to isolate in their separate rooms in the team hotel for at least three days. Chirag then tested positive on January 7, followed by Aryan Lakra on January 8. Both the cricketers are also going to isolate in their hotel rooms immediately after testing positive. After the tracing app data was reviewed, there were no further close contacts traced. Both the teams have agreed to postpone Sunday's scheduled match until January 16.
UAE lead the 4-match series 1-0
The Emirates Cricket Board has also advised the entire team of a further positive COVID test. The Director of Cricket Ireland has both agreed the safest course of action is to postpone the second ODI scheduled until January 16.
In the first ODI, the hosts defeated Ireland by six wickets. Paul Stirling's unbeaten century positioned Ireland well in the first ODI, but a neutral run chase by UAE saw its first-ever ODI win.
UAE is now leading the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first ODI. The next white-ball leg will take place on January 12, followed by the third on January 14 and the final match of the series on January 16. The two heroes of this historic win are the two centurions, Rizwan and Usman. CP Rizwan scored 109 off 146 balls, and Muhammad Usman scored an unbeaten 102 off 107 balls. Both the players have helped UAE chase down the target of 270. At one instance, with UAE at 51/3 in 12.5 overs. The score looked like the chase will fall short as it would be an easy win for Ireland.