Dubai: The UAE recorded a clean sweep over the touring Zimbabwe A team in the five-match series played at the ICC Academy grounds.
UAE skipper Rohan Mustafa through a consistent allround show paved the way for the team’s splendid performance well backed by pacer Zahoor Khan with 11 wickets from just three matches which included a five-wicket spell.
Speaking to Gulf News, Zahoor said: “I am delighted with my 11-wicket haul for the UAE. My five-wicket spell will sure remain special. I improved tremendously as a bowler while being part of the Al Nabooda Insurance Brokers (ANIB) XI team. I feel I have grown as a pacer and acquired many skills due to the support from Sukumar Rajagopal, the cricket-loving head of ANIB and the team management. They have motivated me and provided me lot of opportunities to give my best and reach the UAE team.”
The UAE won the first match of the series by four wickets and then won the second by five wickets. In the third one-day, the UAE secured a 25-run victory while recording a 77-run win in the fourth match. In the final one-dayer, the UAE won by four wickets despite having to chase a target of 312 for nine.
In the first match, Mustafa through a fine spell of three for 46 restricted Zimbabwe to 224 for nine. He then hit 23 runs backed by Ghulam Shabbir’s 71 runs.
The second match was won through splendid batting from Mohammad Boota (71) and Mohammad Usman’s unbeaten 76 runs.
In the third match, Zahoor was deadly with spells of three for 40 but the hero of the match was Amjad Javed who hit a breezy 39 studded with four sixes and one four and took two wickets for 28. In that match too Mustafa hit 46 runs.
In the fourth match, Zahoor was at his deadly best with five wickets for 45 runs and followed up with three wickets for 50.
