Mumbai: In T20s, minnows always have a chance. A chance to punch above their weight, a chance to give the favourites a run for their money and a chance to even topple them.
Taking inspiration from the past examples, and their recent series win over Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are hoping to upset one of the giants when the Asia Cup kicks off on Sept 9. The hosts UAE are placed in Group A with India, Pakistan and Oman and play the Men in Blue in their opening encounter on Sept 10 in Dubai.
When asked about the possibility of upsetting the tournament favourites, UAE coach Lalchand Rajputwas optimistic. “The shortest format gives smaller teams more opportunities to create an upset. It gives them a license to express and play fearless cricket. If you do that, I think anything can happen. It needs just one batter, or a bowler, to take the game away from you,” Rajput said.
Besides doing well in the tournament, the former India and Mumbai opener is looking at the larger picture — his goal is to improve UAE cricket.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Smaller teams don’t get many opportunities to play against the big teams. So, for UAE players this is a big opportunity. It also gives our players a chance to showcase their talent. And once you do that, you get more confidence and your game improves. If our players do well, it may unlock a lot of doors (in T20 franchise cricket) for them as well,” said the 63-yearold who was India’s coach when they won the inaugural World T20 in 2007 and has also coached Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Most UAE players are either of Indian or Pakistani origin and Rajput said a “good dressing atmosphere” was one of the major reasons for their series win over Bangladesh.
“I always keep saying that it’s a team sport. The dressing room atmosphere should be good and weshould play as one unit. We have gelled well, and you can see from our performances. We always say it’s TEAM — Together Everyone Achieves More — sport, and we stick to it,” said Rajput.
With the tournament being played at the start of the season in UAE, it will be interesting to see how the pitches will behave. Rajput believes the pitches at both the venues will be good for batting. He feels the Dubai wicket will be slightly on the slower side, while the one at Abu Dhabi will have some bounce and may seam as it is an open ground.
(Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of the Asia Cup which starts on Sept 9. Watch India vs UAE on 10th September from 7:30pm.)Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here Expand
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