CP Rizwan says UAE 'have only ourselves to blame' for shock loss to Kuwait

CP Rizwan said UAE had let themselves down in their shock defeat to Kuwait in the Asia Cup Qualifier.

The national team suffered a one-wicket loss to their Gulf neighbours in Muscat on Sunday night.

It was their first match in the four-team competition, which carries with it a place at the main event in Dubai and Sharjah.

They now face Singapore on Monday and Hong Kong on Wednesday knowing that only two wins will give them a chance of advancing.

The game against Kuwait was the first under new leadership, with Rizwan assuming the captaincy from Ahmed Raza on the day the side flew to Oman.

“I would like to congratulate Kuwait for their extraordinary victory [but], to be honest, we have only ourselves to blame,” Rizwan said.

“We had our moments but were unable to grab those opportunities. We would have liked to start with a victory.

“We could have done better in the field. With the wickets in hand, we were short by about 15-20 runs, and this was crucial in the end.

“Now we have to try to win the remaining matches, but if we don’t play to our potential, we can only blame ourselves.”

The UAE’s tally of 173 for five from their 20 overs should have been beyond Kuwait, but they rallied brilliantly. Photo: ACC

UAE seemed well set for a huge score after Chirag Suri, who made a career-best 88, shared stands worth 78 with Muhammed Waseem for the first wicket, and 81 with Vriitya Aravind for the second.

A faltering close to the innings meant they set Kuwait 174 to win.

Kuwait, who are ranked 15 places below UAE in the ICC standings, were not deterred.

They achieved the win off the penultimate ball of the match. They know that two more wins in the competition will guarantee them matches against India and Pakistan at the main event.

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