Nithin Gopal justified the Emirates Cricket Board's decision to fast-track him straight into the national team by paving the way for the UAE's triumph over Afghanistan in their final ICC World Cup Qualifier pool match yesterday. His side were already sure of their place in the next phase going in to yesterday's game, but the win over Afghanistan now leaves them well placed for the Super Eight stage.
The points gathered in beating the Afghans and the Netherlands, who both advance with the UAE, will be carried over to the next phase, which starts on Saturday. Their latest success was built around the batting prowess of the all-rounder Gopal, whose 81 provided the bedrock for their pursuit of their 257-run victory target. Gopal, 33, was ushered straight into the national team set-up as soon as he completed his four-year residency qualification earlier this year. He has always been a prominent performer in domestic cricket after moving to Abu Dhabi from his native India.
He had not played an official international for his adopted country before arriving in South Africa. Yet he is now firmly established in the starting line-up. Amjad Javed returned to earth with a bump following his sparkling century against Denmark last time out. He fell to the very first ball of the UAE's reply, but Arshad Ali (41), Gopal and Saqib Ali (69) rebuilt the innings. It was left to the in-form wicket-keeper batsman Naeemuddin Aslam to hit the winning runs as the UAE sealed victory by five wickets.
Earlier, Zahid Shah had continued his fine form with the ball by taking four for 59. pradley@thenational.ae
