UAE U19s to host Hong Kong ahead of World Cup

Denzil Pinto 18:33 26/08/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Dominiic Telo will lead the team against Hong Kong and in Malaysia.

    An Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) official has confirmed the UAE Under-19 squad will play Hong Kong in a home series next month in preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia.

    The two teams are to meet in three 50-over matches on September 20, 21 and 23 at unconfirmed venues ahead of their departure to Kuala Lumpur later that week.

    The news comes after plans to host Saudi Arabia failed to materialise and ECB national development manager Andy Russell insists the three encounters will provide the UAE perfect preparation.

    “The matches against Hong Kong is great preparation because it’s so close to the actual tournament,” he said.

    “It’s going to be a very competitive event and it’s a good chance to see where we actually stand. Playing three games against Hong Kong will be a great test for the players as they will get to know what to expect in Malaysia.”

    Russell has confirmed ex-Derbyshire cricketer Dominic Telo, who has been involved in the national set-up at both Under-19 and senior level, will take charge of the side and will be assisted by team manager Shah Hussain.

    The UAE will face the Asian outfit again in Malaysia having been drawn together alongside Thailand and Oman in Group B.

    If the UAE top the 10-team tournament they will advance to Division One, where a further tournament will be held in Sri Lanka in December with a place in the showpiece event in New Zealand up for grabs.

    Captain Yodhin Punja has welcomed the Hong Kong series, saying it’s a boost in getting match fitness.

    “We haven’t played a lot of cricket as a team and although we have trained a lot, I think definitely it will help us gel well as a side,” said the 17-year-old.

    “It’s a good move by the ECB because they’ve never organised anything like this for the Under-19s. There’s really no negatives in playing matches as a team. You can only gain positives because you learn more with each other.

    “For me as a captain, I can learn how players respond to situations and there’s no real harm in preparing for a tournament like this. All of us really want to play in the World Cup so this is the first step to making a strong statement.”

    Punja, who made his ODI debut for the UAE against Hong Kong in November 2015, added: “Hong Kong will be the strongest team in the group and definitely think it will be a good challenge.

    “It will help us get ready and get an idea of what we need to work on before we go to Malaysia.”

    Recommended