Monday marked the first anniversary for Dougie Brown as the UAE head coach. The former Warwickshire supremo was named as Aaqib Javed’s successor following a successful three-month stint.
Here, we look at the three best achievements under the helm of the ex-England and Scotland international.
BEATING PAPUA NEW GUINEA BY NINE WICKETS, APRIL 2017
ICC INTERCONTINENTAL CUP
The UAE had not tasted a victory in the four-day game since September 2013 but that record ended in some style at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
After three defeats and a draw in their four previous games, the UAE was back to winning ways in the whites with a convincing nine-wicket triumph over Papua New Guinea. Muhammad Usman and Saqlain Haider both scored centuries as Dougie Brown achieved something that even Javed could not do during his four years in charge.
NETHERLANDS SERIES VICTORY, JULY 2017
50-OVERS
The former England all-rounder could not have asked for a better start to his stint as permanent head coach. The UAE faced a Netherlands side who had beaten them on their last visit to the Emirates in 2016 but there was no repeat this time as Brown’s boys continued their good form with a 2-1 series victory.
It was no ordinary series triumph. especially as it was their first away from home against the Dutch. Rohan Mustafa, Mohammad Usman and even an unlikely four-wicket haul from veteran batsman Shaiman Anwar who impressed on the tour.
@EmiratesCricket got this strong position due to these guys coach @dougie1brown and assistant coach @dom s hardwork. Really great moment to play n learn from these legends pic.twitter.com/oCzLD7ZSqE
— Muhammad naveed (@iamnaveedUae) April 28, 2018
BEATING ZIMBABWE BY THREE RUNS, MARCH 2018
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
A historic result that not only ended their wait for a triumph over a Test-playing nation but ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup. ODI status was already secured in the Super Six stage but with nothing but pride to play for in their final match, the UAE stepped up their game and were rewarded with a thrilling three-win win (D-L method) in the World Cup Qualifier.
After Rameez Shahzad scored a 59, Mohammad Naveed returned with the ball to take 3-40 and end the African’s hopes of booking their ticket to England. Just a few months earlier, the UAE had whitewashed Zimbabwe ‘A’ 5-0 in a home series in Dubai.
