West Indies series ideal prep for Cricket World Cup Qualifier, says UAE’s Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer says the UAE’s one-day international series against West Indies is an ideal tune up for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

The national team were soundly beaten by seven wickets in the opening game at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The sides will meet again in the second of three matches at the venue on Tuesday evening.

Both sides will participate in the 10-team Qualifier in Zimbabwe later this month – and they are also scheduled to play another official warm-up match against each other when they reach Harare.

The first game of the series in Sharjah was the third time the two sides have met in ODI cricket.

West Indies have been convincing winners on each occasion, but Naseer is hopeful the home team can make a mark against their celebrated guests.

“This is good practice for the World Cup Qualifier,” Naseer, the 19-year-old all-rounder.

“We have Sri Lanka in our group who are also a Test playing nation. In the next two ODIs hopefully we can get on their level or even get above them.”