UAE can surprise Australia: Mustafa

abu dhabi — The UAE will take on Australia in a T20 international at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium’s Oval 1 ground on Monday afternoon. On paper, this is a no contest between ICC ranked No. 3 and 13 but UAE skipper Rohan Mustafa chose to differ.

“We have nothing to lose. After their loss in Test series, the pressure will be on them to perform. Yes, it will be a great learning experience but we will surely push to win the match.”

Australia had availed the services of UAE spinners Imran Haider and Ahmed Raza to prepare for the crucial Test decider against Pakistan. Haider and Raza had bowled to the likes of Australia’s T20 skipper Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh. Rohan thinks such an experience has enriched the duo and their insight will be helpful during the match on Monday.

“They (Haider and Raza) are aware of the strategy and their level of thinking. Australian batsmen have a liking for pace and we hope to beat them with our spin attack.”

Rohan said elevating the status of the match to an international has boosted morale in the side and there’s lot more riding on such matches than what meets the eye.

“This is a great opportunity for the UAE to play Australia and do well against them. A decent show by our players will get them instant recognition,” he said hinting at the franchise scouts who follow such matches. “This will be good to get into some League or somewhere similar.”

The skipper said the UAE players have more hunger to win.

“If you are able to pull an upset win over Australia, you will be making a great statement. We know the opportunity we have in front of us. Such a chance to play an international team has come after a long while and we are ready to make the most out of it. Two or three players putting a good show can change the course of a T20 match. We will go all out to against them.”

The team had training schedule on Sunday.

“We are all ready for Australia,” Rohan added.

Entry is free for the match.