The ACC Under 19 Premier League went from bad to worse for the UAE after they were humbled by hosts Malaysia, their second thrashing in consecutive days.
The malaise was aptly summed up by the fact “Extras” top scored as the national team were shot out for a pitiful tally of 53.
Nine wides and a no-ball from the Malaysian bowlers bettered anything any UAE batsman could muster, as no-one even reached double figures.
If the manner of defeat to Afghanistan, by 10 wickets on Monday, could perhaps be explained away by the fact their opposition train like professionals and are experienced cricketers, this was a stunning capitulation.
The UAE comfortably beat Malaysia a year ago in Kuwait. Mohammed Hyder, the assistant coach, admitted the players were shell-shocked by the five-wicket loss.
“It was bad batting, a sudden collapse against ordinary medium-pace bowling that was nothing special, and it is difficult to explain,” Hyder said.
“Aaqib [Javed, the head coach] spoke to them for half an hour after they had finished and tried to motivate them because all of their shoulders were down.
“He told them to try to forget about this game, and to concentrate on the Kuwait game. What has happened is finished but they need to make things better.
“The boys were shocked. The batsmen fell one after the other, were not able to stay at the wicket for 50 overs.”
The only redeeming feature of the fixture for the UAE was the fact Yodhin Punja, the Abu Dhabi-based seamer, was able to pick up four wickets before Malaysia sealed victory.
It was the UAE’s third loss from four matches in the competition. They are hopeful of adding a win against Kuwait in their final match on Thursday to their lone success against Saudi Arabia.
pradley@thenational.ae
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