Captain CP Rizwan 'proud' of UAE despite T20 World Cup defeat against Netherlands

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. They attacked the stumps, which was crucial.

“On this wicket, it is not that easy to chase. Had we taken those chances, it would have made a slight difference.

“I’m really proud of the effort and the energy they put in the field. It was really heart-warming to see.

“It would have been really good if we could have picked up that win, but I am really proud of the boys.”

After the meagre batting effort, it seemed the Dutch would race to victory, especially after a productive powerplay.

But it took until the penultimate ball until they got the job done.

“We were saying between sessions that it is not that easy to chase here,” Rizwan said.

“We saw what happened with Sri Lanka [who well comprehensively beaten by Namibia in the opening game].

“They literally collapsed. There is always something happening in the wicket, and it is not easy to