West Indies survived a real scare before overcoming tournament outsiders UAE by 34 runs in Harare.

A spirited bowling display had reduced the two times world champions to a very modest 115, but dreams of a famous victory quickly evaporated as the Emiratis found conditions equally tricky.

There was no sign of the drama to come as West Indian openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis added 31 with little trouble before Mohammad Naveed (2-27) struck a double blow.

Shimron Hetmeyer (20) attempted a recovery but four wickets for Imran Haider (4-16) coupled with a brace apiece for Rohan Mustafa (2-10) and Ahmed Raza (2-14) had the West Indian innings in tatters.

Nikita Miller’s five-wicket haul shattered UAE hopes as they could only muster 81 in response, with Adnan Mufti’s 14 the top score.

Kemar Roach (3-15) and Ashley Nurse (2-21) were the other wicket takers in a game which should show West Indies the danger of taking any of their opponents lightly in the forthcoming tournament.

Bizarrely, the teams meet each other game in the opening round of the competition proper on Sunday.

The match between Hong Kong and Nepal fell victim to the wet weather which has dogged the warm-ups, being abandoned without a ball being bowled.

UAE v West Indies at Harare Sports Club.

Windies win by 34 runs

West Indies 115 (33.4 overs) (S Hetmeyer 20; Mohammad Naveed 2-27, Imran Haider 4-16, Ahmed Raza 2-14, Rohan Mustafa 2-10)

UAE 81 (29 overs) (K Roach 3-15, N Miller 5-20, Ashley Nurse 2-19)