ABU DHABI // Waqar Younis, the Pakistan coach, said a 121-run win over Nepal was perfect preparation for his side ahead of the one-day series against England.
Azhar Ali and Shoaib Malik both looked in fine touch as they posted half centuries before retiring in a 50-over match against the emerging Associate side.
In reply to Pakistan’s 326 for five, Nepal made 205 for five, keeping the respected trio of Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Irfan and Yasir Shah to just two wickets between them.
“We wanted everyone to have a chance,” Waqar said. “We have played enough cricket and the guys are tired, it has been very draining. I think this game will be good for us.”
Waqar praised the defeated side, suggesting the way the batsmen stood up to Pakistan’s vaunted bowlers was evidence of the advance Nepal cricket is making.
“I think this game speaks for them,” the coach said.
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“Not only this, but I was part of the commentary team last time for the World Twenty20 qualifier, and they all looked really competitive.
“It is obviously a different story playing against a full member, it is a little bit tougher, but they still fight. They have a lot to prove when they play against a bigger side. It is a great incentive and I think they will have learnt a lot from it.”
Pubudu Dassanayake, who will be leading Nepal in his last series against Papua New Guinea in the UAE this month, was grateful for the respect Pakistan had afforded his side.
“Nepal and Pakistan are different countries and it does not matter what level you are at in cricket, you are representing the country,” Dassanayake, the Sri Lanka-born coach, said.
“We needed to come and show we belonged here. After the match, we said it was fine to talk, mingle with them, or take a photograph with their stars, but when we play the 100 overs, we need to believe we can compete with them.
“We said to take the names out, and just to play the ball. I think the guys did really well, and thanks to Waqar and Pakistan for respecting us and playing their best team.”
On the neighbouring academy oval at Zayed Cricket Stadium, England enjoyed a similarly comprehensive 163-run win over Hong Kong, who start their series against the UAE in Dubai later this week. Moeen Ali (71), Alex Hales (64) and Jos Buttler (38) top scored.
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