Asif Khan urges UAE to avoid basic mistakes after defeat to USA

Asif Khan says UAE need to avoid basic mistakes if they are to bounce back in their crucial remaining games after defeat to United States at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Namibia on Thursday.

The in-form batter hit his second century in last three one-day internationals for the national team, but they were ultimately soundly beaten by five wickets.

United States have been regular tormentors of the UAE. Since they first met in ODI cricket back in 2019, the national team have won just one of six matches against them.

This time, USA's hero was someone new. Saiteja Mukkamalla was only playing because of injury to experienced opener Steven Taylor. A day earlier, he had made just one in a fractious loss against their North American rivals Canada.

The youngster navigated his side through a fine run chase against UAE, though, scoring 120 not out as they chased 281 with an over to spare.

Despite Mukkamalla’s excellence, UAE were largely culpable for their own demise. Their fielding was tatty at best, and three of their batters were run out.

Two games since getting his maiden ODI ton in 41 balls, Asif Khan has another. This time took him 81 balls. Fair to say he’s got the hang of international cricket now.