What the United Arab Emirates can do to improve their cricket
Pakistan kept their hopes alive in the 2016 Asia Cup on Monday night after defeating the United Arab Emirates(UAE) by 7 wickets in Mirpur. A supporter of the Men in Green might say it was a convincing victory, but it didn't look too commanding at 17 for 3 when the Top 3 were dismissed cheaply inside the opening Powerplay.
The UAE bowlers, as they did in the previous two matches, kept it tidy in the starting overs, maintaining a good line-and-length to induce faults in the batsmen. Once the pacers did their part of the job, the spinners managed to keep it tight albeit not for long.
Fielding-wise, it seemed as though as the innings went deep, the pressure got to them, particularly in the case of the out-fielding where they dropped several catches.
But UAE’s biggest worry in the entire competition has been their batting. The lack of one or more substantial partnerships has meant that they have found the going tough, even though last night they did show that they had the ability to clear the rope.
In the first Powerplay, they have failed to get off the blocks and to make matters worse, lost wickets. Last night they were 20 for 3 after 6 overs, against Bangladesh, it was 32 for 2 and against Sri Lanka, they were rattled early Lasith Malinga, who reduced them to 27 for 4.
Clearly, from the above examples, it can be seen that the lack of matches with the top sides is hurting them. Discounting the match against the Lankans, the UAE batsman had a chance of starting well in the other two, but couldn't quite do so.
What can be done to solve this issue?
The International CricketCouncil (ICC) has often spoken about globalising the game and have done so, by conducting qualifying tournaments for many major events. But the fact remains, that if associate nations are to compete with the top countries, then they will certainly need to face them with more regularity and not just directly in a big match.
This isn't to take away the fact that associates haven't performed against the big guns when they were up against them in a major competition, as we saw what Netherlands did to England, not once twice at the World T20.
But it all boils down to, at the end of the day to consistency. Can the associates upscale the big boys regularly?
Ireland Cricket, in this regard, has been smart. For any team that comes to play a full-fledged in the English summer, also plays a few matches with their neighbours, before starting the main matches.
This provides the Irish, regardless of the eventual result, an opportunity to find out where they need to improve so that in their off-season they can work on those aspects.
On similar grounds, the UAE cricket board should also perhaps look to tie up with nations when they come to Dubai to play Pakistan.
A three-match series, prior to the actual tour, would definitely give the players an idea of what they are doing right and what they aren't. Also, it gives them an opportunity to also interact with some players and pick their brains.
The associates form a key component of the game in terms of its development and spread, but a lack of competitiveness on their part, doesn't quite project a good image for the average cricket fan and in order to keep the top officials confident that there is a lot to be hopeful about, the fight needs to be shown by them.