'Why can't I hit like him?': Rohan Mustafa in awe of UAE batting partner Muhammad Waseem

Bearing in mind Rohan Mustafa once declined a motorbike as a reward for being player of a tournament, it might be assumed he is not one for mementoes.

As such, it was a surprise to see him lovingly holding on to a stump in the wake of the UAE’s victory in the T20 World Cup Qualifier final against Ireland in Muscat on Thursday.

It turns out the UAE all-rounder, who hit the winning runs in the seven-wicket win against the Irish, does appreciate keepsakes. Just so long as he does not have to pay import duty.

“In big tournaments, like when we played in Namibia [in 2018], I do this,” said Mustafa, who took three wickets and was not out on 37 when victory was sealed.

“The semi-final was an important game. We had qualified for the World Cup, but [the groundstaff] said no, and that I had to take it after the final.

“I don’t keep balls or things like that, but I do when the tournament is really big for us. I take them to Pakistan now. Last time I went I took 110kgs of trophies, because there is no space to keep it.

“I have a big home in Pakistan, Alhamdulillah, so I keep these things there.”

Mustafa had the best view in the house of another remarkable knock by Muhammad Waseem. The UAE opener scored the second century of his 12-match T20 international career to lay the platform for UAE’s win.

In the process, he shared in a 141-run stand for the third wicket with Mustafa.

UAE players celebrate their win over Nepal in the T20 World Cup Qualifier at the Oman Cricket Academy in Muscat. All images Subas Humagain for The National

“To be honest, when you bat with him, sometimes you feel ashamed and think, 'why can’t I hit like him?'” Mustafa said.

“He was talking to me the whole time saying, ‘Please don’t give your wicket away. Because