There is an extra incentive for the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Greens when they compete in the ongoing ACE-Pan Global Ramadan Trophy in Abu Dhabi.
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While silverware may not be the priority, the 25 youngsters are focused on securing a spot in the UAE squad for August’s Under-19 ACC Premier Cup where they take on Afghanistan, Nepal, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in.
Only 18 places are available and with fierce competition expected in Asia, the ECB are keen to see the youngsters test themselves against seasoned players.
The hopefuls were chosen from the ECB Under-19 tournament in April, where over 100 promising players from Sharjah, Dubai,
Ajman and Abu Dhabi competed in the 50-over format. Each player will get a chance to impress and based on their performances in the capital, and training camp later this month at Dubai’s ICC Academy, the ECB will select the best 18 to travel.
So far the ECB Greens have excelled in the T20 format, recovering from an opening defeat to register two consecutive victories to keep their knock-out hopes alive with one game remaining.
Their latest on Tuesday evening at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, saw them reach their 83 target with two wickets to spare against ADNOC HQ.
It was an impressive performance and assistant coach Mohammed Hyder, in charge with head coach Aaqib Javed in the UK with the seniors, backed the decision to play in this tournament.
He said: “Normally squads are selected on their performances in inter-school and tournament matches. Here, they will get to play in tough conditions and learn what is needed to play in competitive games. I think there’s plenty to gain from just taking part.”
He added: “In our first game, we played against Unicorns, who had former Pakistan international Hasan Raza, so it’s a very good opportunity for them to play against former international players.”
Among the players in contention is medium-pacer Mohammad Nihal Anwar, who took two wickets in Tuesday’s win. The 16-year-old travels from Sharjah to the capital for the tournament and makes no secret of what his aim is.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the UAE and the experience to play against the seniors is good. It’s very tough but we need these matches to improve as players,” he said.
Captain Yodhin Punja was named in the UAE’s 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup as well as playing at Under-19 level last year, and the 16-year-old pacer says the squad is relishing the opportunity.
He said: “Everyone is getting a chance for a spot in the team and they are pretty serious and having a good time at the same time.”
Leg-spinner Naseeruddin Khan, 15, who took four wickets in ECB Green’s second victory against Al Fahim, added: “It was a big achievement to be in the squad but now I’m working really hard as it’s a big dream to play for the UAE. We know that no games will be easy but I’m confident that I can step up.”
Their winning efforts didn’t go unnoticed with ADNOC HQ’s wicketkeeper Mohammed Suhil suitably impressed.
“They really played well especially in the fielding. They have a strong team bond and never gave up in the end. They deserve full credit for the win.”
