Rain and Amar rob UAE's deserving win

Dubai: Khurram Khan, the UAE skipper, attributed his team's defeat in the final of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to the superb century from Hong Kong's Najeeb Amar.

Amar hit a 100 off just 80 balls studded with nine boundaries and six sixes to guide Hong Kong to an exciting three-wicket win, after target was revised by Duckworth-Lewis method due to rain interruption. It shattered the UAE's hopes of winning the tournament for the fifth time.

"It was unfortunate that the rain stopped play for nearly an hour after our first over. Sixteen overs were then reduced and set a target of 203 runs for victory. Our spinners took some quick wickets but Amar's knock took the match from us. It was a knock that was apt for the situation," said Khan.

Making the grade

Though UAE lost the final, they have once again qualified to take part in the next Asia Cup. The two top teams from the ACC Trophy will get to play along with top Test teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the next Asia Cup.

"We lost in the final, but our boys tried their best. Our score in the final (243 for 7 in 50 overs) was our highest in the tournament. So we were confident of winning the final. As we had good spinners, it would have been tough for them to reach the target. The revised target, however, upset all our chances," added Khan.

The UAE skipper hit 56 runs in the final to put on an invaluable 144-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Saqib Ali after UAE were left struggling at 14 for 3 in 3.3 overs.

Ali went on to hit a 102 off 134 balls with 12 boundaries and two sixes.

"All our players tried their best. Saqib's knock in the final was excellent. Arshad Ali was also consistent and our spinners bowled very well. We are happy that we have once again qualified for the Asia Cup," he said.

When asked why UAE got off to a bad start losing to Saudi Arabia in the first match, Khan said: "The wicket was sub standard. There was a bad patch and all our players got hit all over their bodies.

Stiff competition

"Generally the wickets were not good. In previous years we could sure close to 300 to 350 every match. This time the wickets were uneven and at times the ball kept very low."

Khan also revealed that the standard of competition has also improved. "Though we beat Afghanistan, they are a very good team. All the countries fought well.

"By qualifying once again for the Asia Cup we can gain more exposure. Right now our aim is focused on the World Cup qualifying matches, set to be held during early 2009," said Khan.

Dubai team for Sixes event

Global Process Systems (GPS) Dubai will take part in the Singapore Corporate Sixes tournament under the auspicious of Singapore Cricket Association. Sixteen teams will take part in the tournament to be held on August 9 and 10.

"It is proud moment for GPS and UAE to participate in the prestigious Singapore Sixes tournament and we will definitely show our talents. GPS is the only team from UAE and it is a great opportunity for us to do our best and winning matches there," said Varma.

GPS team: Raghu Varma (captain), Shiju KP, Gopal Jasapara, Mohammad Mashood, Tony Wright, Gopakumar Bhaskaran, Suresh Patil, Suraj D'Souza and Dilip Nampi.