DUBAI // A historic win over a Test-playing country in the six matches the UAE played as part of the U19 tri series was part of a “very satisfying performance” for their coach, Aaqib Javed.
The UAE lost to Pakistan by 73 runs in their final match at the ICC Global Cricket Academy Oval-1 on Wednesday, after an impressive three-wicket triumph over England a day earlier at the Fair Grounds Oval.
“Our goal was to win at least one game playing against two Test-playing nations and we achieved it, which was great for the boys and for UAE cricket,” Aaqib said.
“It was a learning curve for our players and they can take a lot of positives and the experience from these games, and take it forward when they play in the Asia Cup next week.”
The UAE faces India on December 28, with games on the 29th and 31st against Pakistan and Nepal, in the Asia Cup U19 at the Sharjah stadium.
“Our players were exposed to some good bowling from both England and Pakistan,” Aaqib said.
“They did pretty well to put up some decent scores on the board, apart from the two games at the Sharjah stadium, where the toss had a lot to do when sent in to bat first.”
On Wednesday, Sami Aslam, the Pakistan captain and opening batsman, hit 129 for his team to post 261 for eight.
The UAE were bowled out for 188 in reply, with Dan D’Souza top-scoring with 56.
On Tuesday, Moaaz Qazi, took four for 22 from 10 overs, to restrict England for 250 for nine. He then stroked a breezy 40 off 34 balls and shared a 98-run stand for the fifth wicket with Rohit Singh Jamwal, who smashed 70 of 68 to set the platform for victory.
The team plays in the U19 World Cup in February.
apassela@thenational.ae
