Ireland win a balm for under-fire UAE players

Rohan acknowledged his eyes lit up seeing George Dockrell open the bowling

The UAE's Rohan Mustafa backed his career-best four wicket haul with a rapid 39 off 16 balls against Ireland. - Photo by Ryan Lim
abu dhabi - After a damaging loss to Oman in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier opener, the UAE players were under pressure and an emphatic victory over Ireland has infused positive energy in the team.
Man of the match Rohan Mustafa, after guiding the UAE to five-wicket win in the Group B clash, said the players were in relaxed mood now.
"We were down after the loss (to Oman). Winning against Ireland has relieved pressure. We have to do well against Hong Kong. They can upset us."
While chasing, Rohan smashed 29 runs from first nine balls, including seven boundaries. But he noted it wasn't part of efforts to up the net run rate but a routine affair.
"We played very normal cricket. We were chasing 126 runs. We had to just play our basic shots."
Rohan acknowledged his eyes lit up seeing George Dockrell open the bowling attack as he has a penchant for spinner and scored 16-ball 39.
"To be honest they started with a spinner. And I have played spinners very well in past many matches. So I went for it. I haven't had good performance against Ireland. While batting I wanted to do well. Unlucky I missed my fifty."
He said the pitch was slow, which justified both teams starting attack with spinners. "It worked for us. They also tried it but as Asian players we have grown playing spinners and we did well."
Rohan had a splendid outing finishing with personal-best four-wicket haul, role in three run outs and a catch. The former captain stressed the need to be fully committed and proactive while fielding - an area the UAE did well on the night. "What happens with your batting and bowling is part of cricket but I have to give 100 per cent in the field."
The UAE will play Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday (2.10 pm). Entrance is free.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com