Only way to stop South Africa scoring 400 is to win toss and bat first: UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir
UAE Captain Mohammad Tauqir feels the only way to stop the dominant South Africa Team from scoring 400 in their next World Cup encounter against them is by winning the toss and batting first.
"It seems the only way they cannot score 400 runs is ( if we) win the toss and bat." said the UAE Captain.
South Africa has already posted 400 plus scores twice in this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup, both of which resulted in victories with huge margins – doing a world of good to their net run rate.
"The way they are going, they're scoring 400 runs against West Indies and Ireland. I think we need to bowl well, need to field well to restrict them. Now even considering 400 is not an embarrassing total, you know. So, yeah. We will be putting in a lot of effort against South Africa."
Shaiman Anwar nicknamed Sir Viv in dressing room: Tauqir
The 36-year old right-hand batsman Shaiman Anwar has undoubtedly been the star of UAE’s batting lineup in their World Cup Campaign. He has performed consistently for his side and has been an unlikely star.
He has amassed 270 runs at an average of 67.50 courtesy two half centuries and a century in the 4 matches UAE have played so far in this World Cup . He is currently the leading runscorer in this World Cup ahead of greats such as Kumar Sangakarra, who is 2nd, and Chris Gayle who is 3rd.
"I think Shaiman is a brilliant batsman. He's a very, very confident individual on the team. I'm very, very happy for him. He's doing very well for himself and the team.” said the UAE captain.
“He's such a confident individual that we call him Sir Viv in the dressing room. His nickname is Sir Viv. Even today I think he missed a hundred I think. If we would have stayed to the end, he would have scored 90 to 100 runs, but an excellent performance." added Tauqir.
UAE lost to Pakistan by 129 runs in their 4th World Cup group match making it 4 losses in the row for the associate nation. Shaiman Anwar top scored for the side again, as he scored 62 runs to reduce the margin of defeat considerably.
UAE next face South Africa on March 12, Thursday in Wellington, New Zealand.