Craig Wright took two wickets for Scotland in Ayr

After a five-hour rain delay, the Scots grabbed the initiative with three quick wickets at Cambusdoon, Ayr.

However, a century stand between Saqib Ali and Khurram Khan put the visitors firmly back in contention as they closed the day on 174 for four.

With more rain forecast over the next three days, it may be difficult for either side to force a positive result.

There was early frustration when supporters were forced to sit and wait for the action to start in brilliant sunshine after overnight downpours left the ground sodden.

When play eventually began at 1600 BST, Warwickshire youngster Calum MacLeod became the youngest player to take part in a first class match for Scotland.

Craig Wright struck with his second delivery of the match, trapping Amjad Javed in front for a duck.

The former skipper removed Gayan Silva in identical fashion before John Blain found the edge of Arshad Ali's bat and Ryan Watson took a sharp catch at second slip to reduce UAE to 18 for three.

But the Scots let their opponents off the hook as Khurram and Saqib dug in well to repair the damage.

Khurram was snared by Majid Haq for 74 shortly before the close as the Scots raised hopes of a fightback in the morning - but Saqib is unbeaten on 71.