United Arab Emirates and Ireland’s 2nd ODI postponed after UAE player tested COVID positive

United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ireland’s 2nd One Day International has been postponed after a UAE player tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Saturday, officials from both countries said.

The game, which was scheduled for Sunday, 10th January, will take place on January 16, according to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

It said batsman Alishan Sharafu is the third team player to have tested positive for the virus in recent days after results showed UAE batsman Chirag Suri and left-arm spinner Aryan Lakra are also infected.

“Alishan is currently in isolation awaiting transfer by the Health Authorities to a medical isolation facility,” the ECB said in a statement.

UAE lead the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first ODI by six wickets. The next game is scheduled to take place on January 12 followed by a match on January 14.

Batting first, Ireland put up a decent total of 269/5 in stipulated 50 overs with Paul Stirling scoring 131. Skipper Andy Balbrine scored 53 but the other players couldn’t contribute much.

UAE’s Chundangapoyil Rizwan scored 109 while Muhammad Usman was unbeaten on 102. The duo put up a 184 run partnership for the fourth wicket. Chundangapoyil Rizwan was awarded Man of Match in the 1st ODI. All the ODIs will be at Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland have confirmed that all of its touring members have tested negative.