UAE’s Andri Berenger aims to score a century at Cricket World Cup

Denzil Pinto 15:45 07/02/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Aiming high: Andri Berenger.

    UAE opener Andri Berenger has set himself a target of scoring a hundred in the World Cup, following his fine half-century in his team’s six-wicket victory over Central Districts on Thursday.

    – PLAY: Sport360 World Cup Stick Cricket 
    – UAE's new captain Mohammed Tauqir aims for positive start

    The 23-year-old struck 78, while vice-captain Khurram Khan smashed 66 as the UAE chased 251 inside 42 overs in their practice game at Nelson Park, New Zealand.

    “My goal is to score at least one century in the World Cup,” he said, who arrived with his team-mates in Australia yesterday for their final two-warm up games against the co-hosts (February 11) and Afghanistan two days later.

    “The first two matches are against Zimbabwe and Ireland and I feel there’s not much difference between the two sides, so scoring a century is definitely possible. 

    “This innings will be a big confidence boost for me to score some big runs ahead of the World Cup.”

    Berenger is no stranger to the conditions in New Zealand having been part of Sri Lanka’s squad that reached the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals in 2010.

    His UAE stint began in 2012, when the right-handed batsman moved to Dubai before becoming eligible to play for the country.

    His big scores for domestic club Danube Lions caught the attention of the UAE selectors, paving the way for his inclusion in the national fold towards the end of last year.

    Having returned to New Zealand five years on, he felt there was not much change in the pitch.

    “The wicket was a bit slow but the summer (of the 2010 Under-19 World Cup) was quite similar. The wicket here was very good and it was good to see some batsmen score runs,” he said.

    The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground awaits the UAE on Wednesday, when they take on tournament favourites Australia in a warm-up. And Berenger insists the team won’t be fazed by the occasion of coming up against top internationals like Mitchell Johnson.

    “It’s going to be a huge experience and occasion for us,” he said. “It will be a great chance to test ourselves against the big players and we want to make a good impact in that game.”

    Recommended