New Twenty20 skipper Amjad Javed is relishing the opportunity of leading the UAE during the Asia Cup qualifiers in Bangladesh later this week.
The 35-year-old all-rounder was appointed captain for the tournament, taking over from Ahmed Raza, who will still remain in charge of the ODIs and four-day matches.
His task is to steer the UAE to their third Asia Cup by overcoming Oman, Hong Kong and Afghanistan for the only qualification berth available for the February 24 to March 6 event, where hosts Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka await in the main event.
With 115 international caps since 1996, Javed said it’s an honour to be given the arm-band.
“I’m very proud and thankful to the selectors to have the faith in me as a captain,” said Javed, who was chosen by the new Emirates Cricket Board selection committee which includes former skippers Khurram Khan and Mohammad Tauqir.
#UAE #Cricket make their century in the 19th losing the final wicket next ball. Well done @Irelandcricket - see you Tuesday for our 2nd T20i
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) February 14, 2016
“They’ve seen something in me and that’s why they’ve chosen me. I’m one of the most experienced players in the squad. I will do my utmost to ensure we have a good qualifying campaign.”
Even though Javed led from the front in UAE’s two Twenty20 friendlies this month, the team has endured contrasting results.
The nine-run victory over Scotland saw Javed score a half-century and claim two wickets, while his three-wicket haul against Ireland on Sunday went in vain in their 34-run loss. In the latter game, only four batsmen reached double figures with the UAE all out for 100.
His players have a chance to redeem themselves when they meet Ireland again for their final warm-up game in Abu Dhabi today but Javed is under no illusion of the challenges he faces.
“We haven’t been doing well in batting for a long time and we need to solve this problem,” said Javed, who insists it’s the selectors’ call whether he will continue beyond the Asia Cup.
“They just need to believe in themselves that they can play at the top level. They just need to play their natural game and apply themselves because the quality is certainly there.”
Selectors will be banking on youth and experience with Javed, wicket-keepers Swapnil Patil (vice-captain), Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar, all-rounder Rohan Mustafa and pacer Mohammad Naveed, the only survivors from the World Cup party that travelled to Australia and New Zealand.
Among the 15-man squad are Muhammad Usman and Raza, and Javed says he is happy to learn from his captain in other formats.
“He always has a strong approach to the game and is very attack-minded,” he said. “It will be good to learn from him and ask him for advice at crunch times.”
Coach Aaqib Javed added: “Javed’s a match winner and can win you a game as he has great batting and bowling abilities,” he said. “I’m happy with my squad as we have depth in bowling as well as batting.”
