ABU DHABI // The UAE had the perfect morale boost ahead of their trip Bangladesh for the Asia Cup, after claiming a first victory over Ireland in 15 years.
The national team had not beaten the Irish in any format since 2001, when they won a fixture at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Canada.
Ahead of their flight to Dhaka, where the UAE play in a four-team qualifier for the right to face the likes of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the main event, the success was a much-needed pick-me-up after recent poor form.
Read more: 'So depressing to watch': Aaqib Javed not happy as UAE batsmen fail again in T20 loss to Ireland
Amjad Javed, in his first series as captain of the UAE, oversaw the uplifting five-run win at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Having not previously known what victory felt like against this opposition in his 13 years in the national team, the captain said it felt sweet.
“For the first six overs, they went after us, then we came back,” Amjad said.
“It shows we have a good depth in bowling, fielding, and everyone is supporting each other. Inshallah, we will qualify for the Asia Cup main event.
“We have eight newcomers and it is a good boost for them. I think they will be doing well in the Asia Cup because the wickets there are similar to our wickets here, so they will enjoy it.”
The UAE start their Asia Cup qualifying campaign on Friday when they face their regular rivals Afghanistan in Fatullah.
Although the Afghans are the highest ranked non-Test nation in the Twenty20 international standings, Amjad says the national team are optimistic about their chances. “They will be under pressure, not us,” the all-rounder said. “We beat Ireland, who are going to the World Twenty20, and are the best associate team.”
Amjad himself hit two sixes to give the UAE innings some late impetus, but the target of 134 had seemed well within Ireland’s capabilities when they reached 61 for no loss in six overs.
Will Porterfield, Ireland’s opener and captain, made 72, but the home team fought back pluckily, inspired by two wickets from Mohammed Naveed.
Ahmed Raza, who captains the UAE in the four-day and 50-over formats, was the star of their effort in the field.
Starting his spell in the 12th over, he took two for 19, held a fine catch on the boundary and affected a crucial run out.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever lost a game to the UAE, and we know their side pretty well,” said Gary Wilson, the Ireland batsman, whose side play at the World Twenty20 next month. “I can only say it is disappointing in terms of the performance we have put in today. We have to move on.
“We are playing in the World Cup now, and we are not going to dwell on it.
“I’d be fairly confident that when we get to India we will be well drilled, have done our research, and be ready to go come the first match.”
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SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
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Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
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Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
