'We are a better side than UAE'

Dubai is the venue of the final of the inaugural ICC Intercontinental Shield between United Arab Emirates and Namibia, which begins on December 2 at the ICC Global Cricket Academy.

Namibia had lost to UAE in the league stage of the tournament, but Namibia's captain Craig Williams said his team had put that result behind them. "I do think we will be favourites," Williams said. "We are a better side than UAE and if we stay level headed and play to best of our abilities then we will do well. I will not take anything away from UAE but I back my side 110%."

UAE coach Kabir Khan, who coached Afghanistan in the league stage of the Intercontinental Cup, said the tournament served as a good platform to blood youngsters. "I want more competition for places that is the reason I have tried to get a few young players," Khan said. "It is a bit like India who keep winning but rest a few seniors just to give the coach a few options. You should be brave enough to throw your young talent at the deep end for stiffer tests whether it is in bowling or batting."

Namibia: Craig Williams (capt), Raymond van Schoor, Ewald Steenkamp, Sarel Burger, Gerrie Snyman, Louis Burger, Bjorn Kotze, Tobias Verwey, Kola Burger, Louis Klazinga, Bernhard Scholz, Louis van der Westhuizen, Nicolaas Scholtz, Chris Viljoen .

UAE: Khurram Khan (capt), Mohammed Touqir, Abdul Rehman, Arshad Ali, Ahmed Raza, Saqib Ali, Amjad Ali, Swapnil Patil, Naeemuddin Aslam, Qassim Zubair, Amjad Javed, Shoaib Sarwar, Shaiman Anwar, Aamer Ali, Nizel Fernandez, Arfan Haider, Riyaz Khaliq, Manjula Guruge.