Saqib Ali urges UAE to hold nerve against Ireland

Denzil Pinto 10:48 14/02/2016
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  • Leading by example: Amjad Javed of the UAE.

    Former skipper Saqib Ali believes the UAE batsmen are lacking in mental strength and has urged them to toughen up when they meet Ireland in a Twenty20 friendly today in Abu Dhabi.

    Although the hosts ended their four-game winless run with a nine-run triumph over Scotland 10 days ago following a superb half-century and two-wicket haul from newly-appointed T20 skipper Amjad Javed, the UAE have struggled with the bat.

    Only Shaiman Anwar (71) and Mohammed Usman (52) struck fifties in the 50-over World Cricket League Championship defeats to the Netherlands last month, with the team scoring 210 and 112.

    With their first Asia Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on Friday in Bangladesh, Ali admits it’s crucial the batsmen begin to find form.

    “The Scotland victory was a huge boost for the whole team,” said the 37-year-old, who scored 3,336 runs in his 96 international appearances before retiring in July last year.

    “They can take this momentum with them against Ireland but the batsmen must take more responsibility and handle the situation when things get tough.

    “When you play international cricket, you need to have two or three batsmen who can carry them through. Although T20 cricket is widely played here, they still need to improve their mentality because the game can change very quickly in one or two overs.

    “They need to calm down and stay positive and let them play. It’s down to mentality because when you play international cricket you have to be focused and take pressure. If you’re not taking the pressure, you can’t adapt to the situation.”

    Coach Aaqib Javed has kept faith with the same side that beat Scotland and while he acknowledges Ireland will provide a stern test, the former Pakistani pacer wants his players to up their game.

    “It’s not going to be easy but I really want all my players to show their worth and give them a tough time,” said the 43-year-old.

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