ACC Trophy: UAE deserved winners in well organised tournament
In a country where a weather forecaster's job is one of the easiest in the world, (this month: no rain; next month: no rain) it was guaranteed the two best teams at last month's ACC Trophy would meet in the final
Played probably the most calculated cricket of any team at this tournament. Their tight approach meant they were always capable of retrieving a game which was slipping away, as happened in their opening match against Malaysia and the semi-final against Nepal. Good fielding team, as well as a generally good unit. Relied heavily on opener Saleem Malik, player-of-the-tournament, Rahul Sharma and captain, Stewart Brew. No other batsman topped 40, although in most cases, it wasn't necessary. Brew, the tournament's second highest wicket-taker, was its best bowler, while off-spinner Jawaid Iqbal was economical bowling in the middle of the innings. It has young players of potential in off-spinner, Alex French, and medium-pacer, Mohammad Zubair.
That its campaign should be perceived to end due to luck was somehow characteristic of its overall ACC Trophy assault. It began by utlising its main strengths, its fielding and bowling to have Hong Kong at 101-6 before allowing a sizeable target and collapsing in the run chase. It was then somewhat fortunate to sneak home against Kuwait to win by five runs, but still needed to beat Singapore in its final game to secure a semi-final place. A missed run out opportunity gave all-rounder Rohan Selvaratnam the chance to play a match-winning knock to guide Malaysia back from a potential 60-5 to overhaul Singapore's 196-9. It improved sharply against the UAE, with openers, Rakesh Madhavan, and Shankar Retiunam proving a solid foundation. In the UAE innings, it had the hosts in trouble at the time of the infamous 'no-third-umpire' run out decision. Navaratnam, and the Suppiahs, Arul and Vishnu, were the pick of a more than useful attack.
Months before the tournament, Kuwait's master strategist and captain, Taher Bastaki, declared his team would win its first game against Singapore and then make the semi-finals. Well, they achieved the first goal handsomely, and very nearly the second. Only over-enthusiasm prevented a shock win over Malaysia, when it was seemingly coasting to victory. Kuwaiti-born middle order batsman Asif Ahmed and opener Mohammad Nawaz were the foundations of the Sheikhdom's batting with both getting fifties in two of the three games. Another Kuwaiti born, 20-year-old student, Saud Qamar, also made useful contributions. Leg spinning accountant, Zahid Noor Butt, was Kuwait's main wicket taker, with seven scalps and one of the best strike-rates in the tournament.
While obviously disappointed at not making the semi-finals, the Singaporeans achieved their second goal of giving their batch of youngsters vital experience at the international level. With at least seven of the squad aged 20 years or younger, the benefit of the Singapore Cricket Association's youth policy will be seen in future tournaments. Nineteen year-old medium-pacer, Rishi Kaul, who took six wickets, is likely to lead the attack for some time to come, while 17-year-old Singaporean born wicket-keeper batsman, Zeng Rengchun, is another prospect set to be the basis of Singapore's future ACC and ICC Trophy campaigns. Adelaide resident, Andrew Scott, was the backbone of the Singaporean batting, scoring more runs than any other player in the group matches, with a century and two fifties.
It was a fitting result for the best team in the tournament. It team exuded confidence and had the performances to back it up. Its greatest strength was its depth, especially in batting emphasised by the fact it had more players (six) score half-centuries than any other team. Someone always put their hand up when needed. Lahore-born Kashif Khan and Naseer Siddiqui were arguably the pick of the UAE batsmen, in a team stacked with all-rounders. The attack was led by 21-year-old Al Ain-born Asim Saeed, a chance to play with an English County Second XI next northern summer. Mohammad Tauqeer, a Dubai born off-break bowler very handy with the bat, played a vital role, tieing down batsmen in the middle order. Good competitor. Eleven of the squad were born in the UAE.
It was possibly the US$100,000 catch. Had poor Mahboob Alam, normally a safe fielder, held a catch from Rahul Sharma before his assault in the semi-final, it may have been Nepal and not Hong Kong facing Shoaib Akhtar and co. at the Asia Cup next year. Generally regarded as a talented team on the rise which will benefit from increased match practice on tours, as has been promised by their Board. Three good medium pacers in Binod Das, Raju Khadkha and Alam, a solid opener in Kiran Agrawal and tight ground fielders. Had it held its catches (eight went down) in its opening match against the UAE, could things have been different? With the team based around its Under 19 squad which qualified for the last World Cup, there is plenty to work with.
Scored its first ever win at the ACC Trophy in its defeat of Japan. Battles public apathy and poor facilities back home to field an all-indigenous team. Maldivian officials are putting plenty of work into resurrecting cricket in a country where it was once the national sport. Need outside help. Captain, Moosa Kaleem, and all-rounder, Ismail Nadeem, are players who would not look out of place in stronger outfits. Stretched Nepal somewhat despite five wicket margin.
Well, where to now for Japan? ACC Trophy veterans say the Japanese show improvement with every tournament. Their genuine love of the game makes them everyone's sentimental favourites. Lack of a decent ground and debate over the future structure of the game in Japan are elements that need to be addressed. There is potential with Japan possessing more indigenous players than a couple of ICC Associate members. Climaxed their tournament nicely by reaching 1-50 against the UAE before capitulating, and then taking four UAE wickets.