Vriitya Aravind’s quiet resurgence personifies UAE’s return to form

While Asif Khan has unquestionably been the headline act in the UAE team’s rebirth over the past three weeks, he has had the backing of a strong support cast.

The 33-year-old batter has announced himself as an international cricketer of substance with two centuries and a 96 in the space of the past five matches.

Records have tumbled in the process, and it has helped revive his side, who are now one win away from securing one-day international status, and potentially advancing to the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

In each of the matches in which Asif made his mark so vividly, Vriitya Aravind posted scores of 94, 57 and 93 not out, often largely unnoticed because of the pyrotechnics at the other end.

When Asif made the fastest century ever by an Associate cricket, his 41-ball effort against Nepal in Kathmandu, Aravind was his partner in a stand worth 135.

When Asif made 96 against Namibia on Sunday, it was again in harness with the young wicketkeeper. This time they put on 160.

Given they dovetail so well together, it was a surprise their alliance in the victory in Windhoek was curtailed by a miscommunication when running between the wickets, leaving Asif four short of his century.

“We have played a lot of domestic games together in Ajman, so we know how to play,” Aravind said.

“It was unfortunate he got run out. That was the only negative. I love batting with Asif. He knows my game and I know his, and I think we complement each other.

“In the game against Nepal, I was on 80 and he was on 20. He got a hundred and I was still in the 80s. He knows I will give him strike and back him to do his thing, and it works out pretty well for us.”

Aravind acknowledged he does sometimes feel the urge to try to match Asif’s strike rate. He