Crucial lower-order runs have helped the United Arab Emirates post a total of 285-7 in their first World Cup game against Zimbabwe in Nelson.

The UAE were 40-2 in 10.5 overs before a promising partnership between Krishna Chandran (34) and Khurram Khan (45) helped them to recover after being put into bat in the Pool B game.

Shaiman Anwar came in at number six for the UAE to top score with 67 before becoming one of two victims for Sean Williams in the 45th over of the innings.

Tendai Chatara led the Zimbabwe bowling attack with impressive figures of 3-42 from his 10 overs, but an erratic finish allowed the UAE to put the pressure back on.

There was support for Anwar lower down the order as Amjad Javed (25*) and Mohammad Naveed (23*) shared an unbroken partnership of 53 to lead their side to a competitive total.