Two all-Emirati teams make cricketing history in Al Ain exhibition

Denzil Pinto 07:36 04/08/2015
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  • The two Emirati teams.

    History was made over the weekend as two all-Emirati teams took part in an exhibition 15-over match for the first time in Al Ain.

    Sanctioned by Al Ain Cricket Council and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), the game, sponsored by Al Ain Water, saw Emirates ‘B’ defeat Emirates ‘A’ by six wickets, as part of a drive to attract more Emiratis to the sport.

    With support from their families and friends, the teams, which consisted of players between 10 and 30 years of age put on a spirited show, with ECB chief executive officer David East in attendance.

    A batsman plays and misses.

    After winning the toss, Emirates ‘A’ were sent in to bat at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club. Openers Sultan Murad (18) and Abdul Aziz (15) started well with a 26-run partnership.

    Wickets fell, but Sameer Baloushi (21) and Hamad Habib (16) added some valuable runs to post 95-5 in their allotted 15 overs. Altaf Mohammad was the stand-out bowler for Emirates ‘B’ finishing with figures of 1-12.

    In reply, Emirates ‘B’ captain Hamdan Aziz (16) and Altaf Mohammad (30) were in fine form with the bat, with a opening stand of 55. Both departed but their partnership laid the platform for victory, with Waseem Baloushi adding 10, to win by six wickets with five balls to spare.

    The event was deemed a huge success with Dr Ahmad Tariq Ansari, senior vice-president of Al Ain Cricket Association, who helped organise the match, impressed by what he saw.

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    “The players put on a good show,” he said. “They were disciplined and focused throughout the game. Even before the match started, they were practising hard and obeying the captain’s orders. Their behaviour off and on the fields was excellent.”

    While this is the start of a new initiative, he is in no doubt that more Emiratis will represent the national team in the future.

    He said: “I’m really glad because they have the potential there and we have the infrastructure and the facilities. There’s no reason why we can’t have a national team of Emiratis in a couple of years.

    “If you give them the right conditions, I think we can attract more teams in the future and hold further exhibition matches like this.”

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