Asif Iqbal states his UAE intent with Danube’s SuperStars T20 title

Danube Mumbai Warriors defeated beat Alubond Hyderabad Nawabs by 20 runs. Navin Khianey for The National

DUBAI // The leading players from the UAE and Ireland on Friday had contrasting preparations for their meeting next month in the Intercontinental Cup.

At Malahide in Ireland, the home team endured a damp squib of a one-day international against neighbours England as the fixture was washed out by heavy rain.

There were no such problems in Dubai, of course, where several leading lights from the UAE’s World Cup campaign were in action in the final of the SuperStars T20.

Asif Iqbal, who is likely to make his debut for the UAE when their squad travels to Ireland for the Intercontinental Cup match, was the star turn as Danube Mumbai Warriors beat Alubond Hyderabad Nawabs by 20 runs.

The Pakistan-born all-rounder scored a half-century at the top of the innings for Danube, then took two crucial wickets as they successfully defended their total and picked up a cheque for Dh60,00 for their efforts.

It was a fine way to celebrate a first call up to the national team for a player who has lived in the UAE for the past eight years.

“I am very happy to be selected and then to win this tournament,” Iqbal said. “I have been trying my best for a long time, so to be picked for a team coached by [former Pakistan international] Aaqib Javed is fantastic. He is a great coach and has been very supportive to me.”

The tournament’s name proved to be something of a misnomer, but only because of the excellence of the less-celebrated players from the UAE.

Grand Midwest had employed international players from Pakistan and England – including Sharjeel Khan, Shahzaib Hasan and Owais Shah – for this 20-over format event.

The “SuperStars” were humbled in the semi-final, though, by the amateur players of Alubond, thanks in large part to Shaiman Anwar, the sales officer who headlined the UAE’s efforts at cricket’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year. As the team names suggest, this is supposed to be the UAE’s equivalent of the Indian Premier League.

There was even music and live commentary over loudspeakers to complement the action – albeit a little late.

The master of ceremonies was also late after being held up by an accident as he made his way to the ground.

With prominent UAE players like Shaiman, Amjad Javed and Nasir Aziz in their ranks, Alubond began the final with high expectations.

They were immediately blunted by the national team’s newest recruit.

Iqbal hit three sixes in an innings of 55 at the top of the order, as Danube made 165 for seven from their 20 overs.

He then took two for 28 as Alubond were bowled out for 145 in 18.3 overs in reply, with only Umair Ali, who made 40, providing any serious resistance.

“I got runs and took wickets but this was a team effort,” Iqbal said.

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