UAE coach Kabir Khan hoping for an encore
United Arab Emirates (UAE) coach Kabir Khan is hoping to repeat the formula that helped him take Afghanistan to ICC World Twenty20 2010 in West Indies, during the upcoming ACC Twenty20 Cup.
Kabir is hoping that in his role as UAE coach, the same Afghan magic is repeated and his new charges go through to the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Qualifiers as one of the three Asia sides and thereafter to the event proper.
The ACC Twenty20 Cup runs from 3-11 December in Kathmandu.
"I have done it once with Afghanistan. Now I know what needs to be done for the squad to qualify. We have done well in the recent past against sides like Afghanistan and Kenya. I would therefore believe our side has a good chance to make it through to the next stage," said Kabir.
The recently concluded Pakistan v Sri Lanka series meant that UAE did not always get grounds to train for the ACC Twenty20 Cup. But Kabir believes his squad has had the best build-up.
"We announced the squad much in advance. We may not have had the grounds ready because of the international series, but the boys are in the right spirit. We are gelling well as a combination," opined Kabir.
The biggest challenge according to Kabir for his squad will be in the time taken to adjust conditions in Nepal. "Our batting order is very well settled, our fielding is improving all the time. We have to acclimatise to the conditions and pitches quickly. That will be the key for us," reckoned Kabir.
The make-up of the squad for UAE is fairly young with a few under-19 players being chosen for the tournament.
"The younger players have played in Nepal before. The pitches will be dry, but we have prepared for it. Also you will have a cool breeze blowing which will aid swing bowling. On low and slow pitches, usually even 120-130 is a fighting score," said Kabir.
Hence, Kabir believes that his spin attack will become a vital cog in the team?s attempt to make it through to the next stage.
"The batsmen are experienced, especially the likes of Khurram Khan. Our spinners are top quality who can do brilliantly if the pitches are a little helpful. We have a good pace attack as well. Overall the team is one of the best associate line-ups. We are one closely knit unit," said Kabir.
The target of UAE, according to Kabir, is to keep improving in every format they play. If UAE does make it through to the next stage, Kabir reckoned it will be a massive plus for the sport.
"We all know T20 is a fickle format. One bad shot can change the course of the game. There is not much scope for a recovery. So even if it means being cautious we have to take that option.
"We have the ability to beat sides like Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong on our day. But we will have to consistent in every department to achieve success," concluded Kabir.