Muhammad Waseem backs UAE to bounce back against Oman after Sri Lanka loss

After one match of the Qualifier in Zimbabwe, UAE are already playing to maintain their World Cup hopes.

Their opening day thrashing by Sri Lanka in Bulawayo means they realistically need to win all three of their remaining games in the first round to progress.

The 175-run loss was the third heaviest the UAE have suffered in one-day international cricket. It says much about their recent inconsistency that the second worst happened as recently as March against Nepal.

The damage suffered to their net run-rate leaves them with little wiggle room if they are to make the Super Six phase.

If they are to revive their prospects they need to win on Wednesday against an Oman side with whom they are very well acquainted.

The Gulf neighbours have met seven times in ODI cricket. Each has won three times, while they also shared a tie in a bilateral series in Muscat.

While the UAE’s spirits were sapped by Wanindu Hasaranga and Co in their tournament opener, on the other side of Bulawayo city centre Oman were enjoying one of their finest days yet in cricket. Their five-wicket success over Ireland represented their first ODI win over a Test nation.

Despite the contrasting moods in the respective camps, Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain, insists his side are capable of fighting back.

“I’m a little disappointed in the performance of my team, but I have faith and confidence in them,” Waseem said.

“We will take some positive points from [the Sri Lanka match] and hope we come back strongly.”

Sri Lanka register a massive win against UAE to boost their net run rate early in the #CWC23 Qualifier