by Abhai Sawkar The Middle East tour for Team USA has been a bittersweet experience. The win against Nepal was one to savor, while the losses against Kenya and Oman proved to be a valuable learning curve. Considering they entered the series as underdogs relative to the opponents, I'd say they fared quite well. USA progressively showed glimpses of improvement over the course of the Oman leg of the tour, and the third game was the closest of the contests. The USA squad for this event had the players from the successful Auty Cup campaign, and allrounder Usman Rafiq was called up for the first time. Rafiq got two games; one against Kenya and the next in the second game against Oman. Both were very difficult outings, and he bowled well against Kenya, delivering an economical spell and taking a wicket in his first run. Shortly after the tour, it was great to get a chance to interview him, and here's the Q&A: Me: This was your first run in national colors. How did it feel when you first heard about the call-up? Usman: it definitely feels amazing to represent your country. I was truly honored, and very humbled for the opportunity. Me: It definitely was a relatively difficult tour to start your international career. Share your thoughts on how the experience was. Usman: It was an incredible experience to play outside of the country, and to be able to compete against the best teams. Me: What went well for you? What didn’t go so well for you? Usman: Majority of the tour went well for me. I feel that I came back more positive with a better mind set for myself. I look forward to continue to work hard, and go back to perform at my level best. Me: What goes through your mind immediately before a game? How would you best describe your playing style, how you go about doing what you’re doing with bat, ball, or fielding? Usman: Honestly, I try to stay as positive as possible. You have to stay hungry and ready for every opportunity that comes your way weather it is with ball, bat or fielding. Me: Cricket aside, you guys went to see two great cities. Where did you like it better and why? What was interesting there? Usman: Both places were quite nice, but personally I enjoyed Oman. We had more time to spend there, and the city is amazing. The architectural structures, natural scenery and people were lovely. Me: What are your cricketing resolutions for the new year? Usman: My resolutions for the coming year is to continue to keep working hard on my fitness and skill level. An international debut in testing overseas conditions is one to savor and take positives from. The tour on the whole may not have gone as well as Team USA would've liked, but some progress has been made. The thorough victory against Nepal highlighted the willpower and confidence we have. It was a nice way to round off what was a mixed bag of a cricketing year in 2017, and hopefully this year, there will be more international assignments on the schedule. More cricket means more improvement for sure. A big thanks to Rafiq for his time, and wishing him and the team a very Happy New Year and a great, prosperous 2018 ahead!
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AuthorsAkseli Pitkänen Archives
September 2020
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