ACC Trophy: Saeed Al Safar predicts Bangladesh-UAE Final (7 October 1998)

7 October 1998

ACC Trophy: Saeed Al Safar predicts Bangladesh-UAE Final

From Al-Amin

Saeed Al Safar, the double centurian in limited-over cricket, is happy of reaching the unique landmark. But the UAE captain is not ready to consider it a mouthful achievement since he scored it agianst a sub-standard team.

Saeed hammered an unbeaten 209, the highest individual score in over-limit competition, against Thailand in a Group B match yesterday.

"This is the highest score in my life. But, then, I do not treat it as a stupendous achievement. Luck was on my side. I have taken a few chances. And those let off helped me a lot", said the 28-year-old right-hand batsman.

Saeed, who is also a useful left-arm medium pacer, however was more inclined to talk about the predicatble final clash between Bangladesh and UAE.

"Bangladesh is the defending champions. But we are the runners-up. I think the final battle will once again be pitted between the two", Saeed hoped.

"This is a better side than the previous one. We have some quality batsmen as well as some good spinners. I'm hopeful of turning the table around this time", said the confident UAE captain.

"UAE would have been a real force in international cricket. But the ICC rule has destroyed us", said Saeed who learned cricket while studying at the St. Xaviers College in Bombay.

"What we lack is experience. But we are looking forward to getting the ODI status in the near future," said Saeed.

Source:: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)