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UAE's destiny in their own hands, says coach Brown

Abu Dhabi - The hosts will play Canada in a must win

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The UAE will play Canada in a must win Group B game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.
Ireland and Oman, with eight points each, have advanced to the next stage and it is now a tussle between the UAE and Canada, with six points apiece, to book the third available semifinal play-offs spot.
The UAE enter the fray on the back of a morale boosting win over Nigeria, while Canada lost to Oman. The UAE coach Dougie Brown felt that the momentum is with his team.
"With Oman doing us a big favour (by beating Canada), if we win the game on Sunday, we go into the play-offs, which is a real position of strength. We know our destiny is in our hands. Hopefully, we go out there and play a perfect game. We should be good enough to manage the conditions as a team and get ourselves into that match-winning position after the first 20 overs," said Brown.
Brown noted Canada, unbeaten in first three matches, have got some good players and the UAE need to be fully focused to win.
"Canada look to dominate games. For us, it's really important that we identify that aspect and make inroads as quickly we can. Canada lost their last two games but they are a dangerous side. For us, if every single one of the starting XI does their job and somebody has a really good day, then we set up a match winning position," he felt.
Brown said the UAE's game plan is to play consistent cricket, nicely blended with one or two cameos.
"This is exactly what has happened in games that we have won. Rohan Mustafa has had an excellent tournament so far. We are looking for more of the same. Junaid Siddique has bowled really well with the new ball. Ahmed Raza and Sultan Ahmad bowled very economically. We can build around that," added Brown.
Meanwhile, the UAE are still left with 13 players as they haven't received the ICC approval to find a replacement for Ghulam Shabbir, who left unannounced for Pakistan.
"There is a process we have to go through. At the moment, discussions are going on. We will make any adjustment to the squad when we are allowed to by the ICC," he revealed.
For now, the squad has kept all distractions aside and the sole focus is to earn a win over Canada and move into the play-offs. The action starts at 7.30 p.m and entry is free.

Brief scores Ireland beat Nigeria by 8 wickets Nigeria: 66/9 in 20 overs (Sesan Adedeji (19n.o.); Craig Young (4-13). Ireland: 67/2 in 6.1 overs (Kevin O'Brien (32); Daniel Ajekun (1-10). Man of the Match: Craig Young (Ireland) Netherlands beat Bermuda by 92 runs Netherlands: 206/3 in 20 overs (Ben Cooper (58), Max O'Dowd (58), Colin Ackermann (43 n.o.). Bermuda: 114/9 in 20 overs (Kamau Leverock (31); Paul van Meekeren (3-26). Man of the match: Colin Ackermann (Netherlands)

 

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