The UAE are out to capitalise on Scotland’s defeat to the Netherlands in the World T20 Qualifier tournament.
Scotland thrashed the UAE with 10 overs to spare in the Group B opener but a victory over the Netherlands on Sunday can improve the UAE’s chances of qualification.
“This game is anyway crucial for us after the two defeats in two games,” said Mansoor Pasha, the UAE team manager. “The worst is over for us. We were up against the two strongest teams in the group on paper but Netherlands’ win over Scotland has left the group wide open.
“In the T20 format, it takes only a few good overs either batting or bowling to change the course of the result. So we can’t take any team on the face value but just go hard at every opponent and try to win the remaining matches in the group.”
The UAE were let down by their batting in the first game but improved significantly in the second game against Afghanistan. Their bowling, though, was carted around the ground in both games.
“There may be a couple of changes with more spin options. It is for the coach to decide on the morning of the match,” Pasha said.
“We have discussed on the areas we need to improve at the team meeting. The squad have also had a good training session and are looking forward to a good result against the Netherlands.”
The Netherlands bounced back from their 32-run defeat to Afghanistan and are out to take that momentum forward.
apassela@thenational.ae
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