Harriet Robson and Helen Fenby put in a strong performance with the bat as Durham Cricket earned a much-deserved victory over the United Arab Emirates Women at Vision Cricket Ground in their third group game of the Gulf Cup.
The UAE Women won the toss and asked Durham to bat, their decision proving wise in the opening stages of the game with Durham finding themselves 19/4 after four overs as Chaya Mughal and Khushi Sharma made good work of the new ball.
As Durham needed to rebuild, Harriet Robson and Helen Fenby came to the crease and put in the hard work which was required to enable Durham to reach a respectable target. Both batters made light work of the bowling to build a partnership of 156 to help Durham reach 175 from 30 overs.
Robson top-scored with an 81-ball 74 including five fours and one six backed by 60 from skipper Fenby in 70 balls.
Ellie Tiffin struck early to dismiss UAE opening batsman Samaira Dharnidharka but a 47-run partnership steadied the ship for the home side.
Some tight bowling from Durham saw the side claim wickets throughout as Madeline Atkinson (1/19) and Lucy Hughes (1/21) bowled well throughout the middle period of the match.
Lavana Kevy came to the party as she tried to get her side over the line with 14-ball 13 with three fours however Tiffin claimed the last wicket to fall and a run out was forced as Durham restricted the national side to 155/6 from 30 overs, coming out on top by 20 runs.