Competing at T20 World Cup 'nothing short of a dream' for UAE

Chirag Suri says the UAE’s leading cricketers will be fulfilling a dream when the national team plays at a World Cup for the first time in seven years.

The side will return to the top stage when they face the Netherlands at Kardinia Park in Geelong on Sunday.

Of the 15-man tour party in Australia, only Ahmed Raza has any experience of playing at global event at senior level, having featured in the 2014 World T20.

“The guys are excited to be out here in Australia, as it is nothing short of a dream for all of the guys,” Suri, the UAE opener, said.

“We have come close a couple of times and missed out. Now to be in Australia in 2022 for the World Cup, we are super excited.

“There are nerves, of course. It is a big tournament with lots riding on it, and we don’t get opportunities like this all the time. For us, it is good platform and we are looking forward to it.”

The UAE will need to navigate preliminary round matches against the Dutch, Sri Lanka and Namibia if they are to make the main phase of the tournament.

Whether they advance or not, at least CP Rizwan can already say he has shared the top stage with the greats of the game.

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