(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) The UAE have been handed a relatively tough draw for the pre-entry groups to the main pool phases, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe standing in the way of a place among the last 12 overall
Javed exudes confidence despite a tough draw for pre-entry group
UAE cricket team coach Aaqib Javed insists his squad won’t just be making up the numbers at the ICC World Twenty20 later this month in Bangladesh, with the onus on challenging and competing, not merely participating.
The UAE have been handed a relatively tough draw for the pre-entry groups to the main pool phases, with Ireland, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe standing in the way of a place among the last 12 overall.
However, with the boys buoyant and confidence high in the camp amid conditions that should suit the UAE contingent better on the Indian subcontinent, they could surpass expectations and spring a surprise or two in a format that’s conducive to shock results.
“We have a good enough team and good enough options in our batting and our bowling,” Javed said.
“We have a very strong spin bowling attack, which could lead to us going to the next level because the conditions here and in Bangladesh are similar and spinners will have a great impact. We have a good chance.
“The players believe in themselves now. They’ve worked hard over the years to come to this stage and we’re not going to stop here. There’s only one way and that’s upwards.
“These guys have waited so long to do something at the top level, so they’re really excited. They don’t just want to participate. Our aim is to do well and prove a point. We want to become one of the best associate countries. That’s our first goal and then to be there for a longer period and playing with the top nations.”
Ahmed Raza meanwhile admitted he would have preferred to face the likes of Afghanistan, hosts Bangladesh, Hong Kong and/or Nepal in Group A, but the B equivalent may yet have its benefits.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and the first goal is of course to reach the second round by beating Ireland, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. We’ve nothing to lose. We’re just going to go there and show our skills,” the Sharjah-born 25-year-old said.
“We’ll be looking to qualify by beating the three other teams. I would have liked to be in Group A because we’ve beaten Hong Kong and Nepal and Afghanistan have hardly done well against us.
“It would have been nice to be in that group, but I’m pretty happy that we’re in Group B as all of the other three teams are not from Asia, so they’re not familiar with the conditions, whereas we are. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”
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