by Abhai Sawkar It's sports season! A lot of events have been in full swing around the world, and of course; plenty of cricket. UAE recently toured the Netherlands for three 50-over games and came back with a 2-1 win and the trophy. The UAE players were very disciplined and showed plenty of skill throughout each game. They may have narrowly lost the third game, but this was a monumental moment for the team: first series win this year, and that too in Europe. How about that? With all that being said, I got a chance to speak to one of UAE's bowling spearheads, right-arm seamer Qadeer Ahmed. Here's what he had to say: Me: This is your first series win in Europe. What's going through your mind and how's that feeling for the team? Qadeer: Yes! It's our first series win in Europe. Definitely feeling very proud to be part of the team and we are extremely happy with the results. Me: The ICC World Cup Qualifiers are next year. How prepared do you feel team UAE is? Qadeer: Before the Qualifiers, we have to play ICC WCL matches against Namibia, so our focus is on the upcoming series first and then we should be ready for the Qualifiers. Me: UAE hasn't had too much cricket this year. As a fan, I strongly believe that you guys should have more games. What are your thoughts? Qadeer: Exactly. We must play more and more matches to get better day by day. Matches against top sides will improve our confidence and we will learn how to handle different situations in the game. Of course, we will get this experience only by playing more matches. Me: You only took two wickets in the tour but your economy was great. What's your secret to consistency? Qadeer: As a bowler, I know my limits. I am not a speedster but I am better at hitting a good line and length on a consistent basis and I try to swing the ball both ways. The Netherlands pitches suited my bowling style best, so that's why I am able to keep the run rate down, but I'm a bit disappointed not to get more wickets. Me: Finally, what's your message to your fans from home and around the world? Qadeer: First of all, thanks a lot to each and every person who's supporting UAE cricket. All the fans from UAE: back home, India, Pakistan, wherever you are, I just want to say, "Please keep praying for us, and keep supporting us. We will do the best we can. Love you all." My thanks to Qadeer for his time, and hopefully UAE can secure a spot in the Qualifiers, and maybe land a position in the Super 10 two years from now. I have seen them last play in the 2015 World Cup, but now their squad has several new players. It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out for them in the next year and a half. This series win has been a great achievement for their cricket, and hopefully the upward trend continues. We saw Afghanistan and Ireland win full member status just recently, and if UAE can stay consistent, they can be the next addition to the Full Member club sooner than they realize! Best of luck to them in their future series.
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AuthorsAkseli Pitkänen Archives
September 2020
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