DUBAI // Mudassar Nazar, the UAE batting coach, says the national team have forgotten how to win, after they slumped to another hefty defeat against Hong Kong.
Having been thrashed in a four-day Intercontinental Cup game at the end of last week, the home side were comprehensively outplayed by the same opponents in the first of two World Cricket League fixtures.
Since the World Cup campaign started in New Zealand earlier this year, the UAE have won just two of 16 matches.
Even though the side facing Hong Kong is much changed, with only four of the XI for this game having played in the World Cup, confidence is entirely sapped.
“Winning and losing is a habit, and they have got into that habit,” Mudassar said.
“As soon as they lose a wicket, the are thinking ‘Oh no, it’s happening again’. There is a lack of experience and certainly a lack of confidence among the batsmen.”
Mudassar said that was “not something new”, and that the whole of the World Twenty20 qualifier in July “was the same”.
“There are times when they can be in a good position, like today, then have just given it away to the opposition.
“Good teams don’t need a second invitation, and that is what this team is doing at the moment. I can only put it down to a lack of confidence.”
After Hong Kong posted an imposing 298 in their 50 overs, the UAE were optimistic when Shaiman Anwar provided a glimpse of his World Cup form.
He made a fine 76, before falling limply, and the lower order crumbled quickly as the tourists won by 89 runs.
“Shaiman needs to take the initiative and think like a senior batsman,” Mudassar said.
“Wonderful batsman as he is, he needs to finish the game. He has tons of ability, especially in the one-day game, but he has to finish the game.
“I’ve seen him do it in club cricket, but he has to do it at a different level.”
Victory was well deserved for a young Hong Kong side who have been highly impressive on tour in the UAE.
It was founded on a sparkling century by Mark Chapman, a 21-year-old left-hander who missed the four-day match as he was studying for a university exam in New Zealand.
“On Day 3, I was still in New Zealand,” said Chapman, whose 124 not out was the second highest score on one-day international debut.
“I’m studying engineering, and I sat my last exam at 11.30am, hopped on the plane at 2.30pm. I nearly missed my flight, so I just got here.
“I was happy to be with the boys on Day 4 and witness the first, first-class win for Hong Kong.” The second fixture is tomorrow.
pradley@thenational.ae
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