CP Rizwan said he was proud of the way the UAE’s bowlers almost dragged their side to the point of victory, but was left ruing missed chances on the opening night of the T20 World Cup.
The national team succumbed to a three-wicket defeat to the Netherlands, in their first match at a global event in seven years.
They stood little chance after an insipid batting display allowed them to post just 111-9 in their 20 overs, with opener Muhammad Waseem top scoring with 41 off 47 balls.
Junaid Siddique belatedly breathed life into the defence with a fine spell that brought him three wickets. He was denied a fourth when Rizwan himself shelled a catch, which proved seminal to UAE’s chances. “I’m really proud of the effort,” Rizwan said. “They put their heart and soul into it, especially the bowlers, Junaid, Zahoor Khan and Karthik Meiyappan. “They did a wonderful job to put the batsmen under pressure.