UAE leg-spinner Imran Haider hopes to take more wickets in World Cup Qualifier

Denzil Pinto 18:58 02/03/2018
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  • Imran Haider

    Imran Haider ranked his four-wicket haul against the West Indies as his career best but was disappointed it went in vain as the UAE fell to a 32-run loss in their World Cup Qualifier warm-up game on Thursday in Harare, Zimbabwe.

    Haider, 30, took 4-16 as his leg-spin rattled the reigning World T20 champions. The Caribbean side, who has Chris Gayle in their ranks, were all out for 115 in 33 overs.

    But the UAE were unable to seal a famous victory as slow left-arm orthodox bowler Nikita Miller finished with 5-20 as the Associate outfit were dismissed for just 83 runs.

    Haider was disappointed at the result but is encouraged by how he is performing going into the World Cup Qualifier, which begins against Papua New Guinea on Sunday.

    “To get four wickets is really good and it’s right up there among the best,” he said. “It has given me the confidence that I can do well in the World Cup Qualifier and hopefully I will get more chances to get more wickets when the tournament begins.

    “But I’m disappointed we couldn’t get the win but I’m sure we’ll bounce back. I never play just for myself, I play for a team and we all have a part of play if we want to go far.”

    The UAE have been drawn alongside West Indies, Ireland, Papua New Guinea and Netherlands in Group A, meaning they can look forward to another fixture against Gayle and Co.

    The majority of the UAE players are playing in their first World Cup Qualifier including Haider who is relishing the opportunity of testing himself against some big names.

    “We have some big matches coming up and it would be great if we could get a victory over a Test playing nation,” he said. “It’s going to be very interesting because in our two practice matches I don’t think there was much difference for any side. I’m excited to be part of the UAE squad and hopefully we can go to the World Cup.”

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