ABU DHABI // Saqlain Haider took the time off from working at a bank and studying for a masters in finance to score his maiden century in first-class cricket.
In so doing, the wicketkeeper drove the UAE ever closer to their first win in the format for three and a half years, against Papua New Guinea at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The national team closed Day 3 of the four-day Intercontinental Cup tie with six wickets still to take, and a lead of 95 over PNG.
Saqlain’s unbeaten 102 was the second ton of the UAE innings, after Mohammed Usman had also scored his first international hundred a day earlier.
The United Bank Limited employee hopes his feats with the bat and gloves — Saqlain also has five dismissals in the match — will help endorse his claim to a central contract.
Eight UAE players have full-time professional contracts, while an extra four have part-time retainers. Saqlain hopes to join those ranks.
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■ Day 1: UAE take early advantage against PNG
■ Chirag Suri: 'Sticks a flag in the ground' for UAE cricket
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“According to my mind, cricket is all about confidence,” the 29-year-old keeper said.
“Yes, of course there is a difference between me and the contracted players. From 8am to 5pm they are working on fitness, net sessions, and fielding sessions every day.
“It is difficult, but I have strong confidence. I have the feeling I can come back. I have talked with the selectors and the board, and they have said that, Inshallah, in the coming months maybe I will get a contract.
“I am working and studying, so it is a tough life, giving time to the office, to studies and cricket as well. I am maintaining these three things in my life.”
From No 7 in the order, Saqlain batted for 65 overs to reach three figures, eventually getting there with a reverse sweep — a shot he used four times during the 90s.
“It is my best shot,” he reasoned. “I was reading the conditions really well by that point, and I thought I could do it.”
His teammates were willing him to his century. Qadeer Ahmed, the fast bowler whose hand is in a lightweight caste after he injured his thumb earlier in the match, was padded up ready to help get Saqlain to his milestone if needed.
Saqlain credited his colleagues, as well as the support of his family, for his success.
“It was a really, really proud moment for me,” he said. “It is difficult for me to perform on this platform, because I’m not a contracted player.
“I am very happy, and this is only because of my family, who support me really well, and my teammates, who told me to go for my hundred.”
After the UAE had declared on 441 for eight, with a lead of 247 on first innings, Imran Haider led the way with the ball, taking three wickets with his leg spin.
Despite the deficit, Assad Vala, PNG’s captain, is still confident his side can get something from the game.
“It was a tough day but we fought it out really well,” Vala said. “I thought we bowled well and created opportunities. We didn’t grab them, but I think we have put ourselves in a decent position with four wickets down.
“A hundred runs behind with a day’s play left. We are still positive and hopefully we can give ourselves a chance tomorrow morning.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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