UAE Secures Third Straight Win Against Oman, Boosting Confidence for Nepal World Cup Qualifier Clash

Basil Hameed expressed that the UAE squad is heading to Nepal for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier Play-off next month with a significant surge of confidence, following their third consecutive victory. The national team achieved a commanding 42-run win over Oman in the final match of Cricket World Cup League Two, held at the ICC Academy. This triumph marked their third win in a tri-series that also featured the Netherlands. Although these successes did not elevate them from the last position in the eight-team league, they have provided a crucial morale boost ahead of their assignment in Kathmandu.

The play-off, which includes Nepal, Namibia, Canada, Jersey, Kuwait, Italy, and Uganda, represents the final opportunity to advance to the final phase of World Cup qualifying. This global qualifier is scheduled to take place in Namibia and South Africa in February and March. More critically, the UAE's One-Day International status, along with the substantial ICC funding associated with it, will also be on the line in Nepal.

Basil Hameed was named player of the match against Oman for his rapid 43 runs, which helped the hosts post a total of 226-8 in their 50 overs. During Oman's pursuit of the target, he made two excellent catches, notably returning to the side after sustaining an injury while performing the same action in his previous outing of the series. He also claimed a wicket as Oman was restricted to 184-9, and he emphasized that the UAE is carrying strong momentum into the qualifiers in Kathmandu.

"This will definitely add some confidence," Basil stated. "We've been unlucky to have some losses, especially when we scored 330 against USA [in a tri-series in Dallas last month]. We could have cashed in and won that match, which could have brought us even more momentum into these games. But we are happy to be on a winning side, winning three on the trot, so we'll definitely take some good confidence for the qualifiers."

Earning the match award to cap off the series was also a positive personal milestone for Basil. The 34-year-old all-rounder had been absent from the UAE's ODI side for nearly two years before being recalled for the Dallas tour. "I've been putting in the hard yards behind the scenes, having faced some injuries recently as well," Basil shared. "As a senior pro, people expect a little more from, especially when you have played more than 100 matches [55 ODIs and 65 T20Is]. So, there is baggage behind you. I was taking away all those things. I just wanted to contribute in any aspect of the game, irrespective of which number I bat. I will happily do whatever team requires at that stage. Alhamdulillah, I did it in a very strong manner, I believe."

His all-round performance was particularly noteworthy given the difficulty he had gripping the ball while bowling due to his hand injury. "When you play cricket, I always believe that if you have three aspects of the game, you make more chances as a player," he remarked. "I've always been working on the fielding and bowling, irrespective of what outcome it was, if I get to bowl or not. I've always stood up with my bowling in domestic matches. Obviously, I love batting the most, but it doesn't matter; in international cricket you cannot wish for your spot. No matter whatever spot you get, my mindset is to contribute in my way, and think how the team can get the best benefit out of me."