Vanuatu, who had to crowdfund some of their kit and equipment costs ahead of the tournament, have started their T20 World Cup qualifying campaign with a stunning victory over full member Zimbabwe today in the UAE. Elsewhere, Scotland beat Uganda heavily and Thailand lost to Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first against the Pacific islanders, but it proved to be a poor decision as they were bowled out for 61 with only three batters reaching double figures. Nasimana Navaika was the pick of the Vanuatu bowlers with 4-13, whilst Vanessa Vira took 3-14.

Nasimana Naviaka during her 4-13 for Vanuatu against Zimbabwe

Vanuatu's Nasimana Naviaka bowls for Vanuatu (ICC)

Vanuatu didn't score their runs quickly in reply, instead approaching the chase methodically, not trying anything spectacular.  Nasimana Navaika followed her 4-13 by top scoring with 21 as her team completed a six wicket win with 3.3 overs to spare, their first win over a full member at their first ever attempt.

Also taking place in the evening session was the Group A match between Scotland and Uganda, with Scotland put into bat by Uganda captain Janet Mbabazi. Saskia Horley top scored for the Scots with an unbeaten 61 from 52 balls, sharing in an unbroken 95 run partnership for the fourth wicket with Ailsa Lister, who contributed 55 from 34 balls in her team's total of 161-3.

Phiona Kulume was the only Uganda batter to reach double figures in reply as they were bowled out for 52 to lose by 109 runs. Rachel Slater was the pick of the Scottish bowlers with 5-17.

Earlier in the day, Thailand took on tournament favourites Sri Lanka, with the latter batting first after winning the toss. The Sri Lankans didn't do anything spectacular in their innings, batting out their overs to score 122-5.

Sadly for Thailand their batting let them down with only Nannapat Koncharoenkai reaching double figures as they were bowled out for 55, losing by 67 runs.

The next games in the tournament will be on Saturday. Netherlands and USA play their first matches of the tournament in the afternoon session, taking on Vanuatu and Uganda respectively, whilst hosts UAE play Zimbabwe and Scotland face off against Sri Lanka in the evening session.