UAE coach Mudassar Nazar happy despite loss in third T20I

New Zealand beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) convincingly by 32 runs in the 3rd T20 International at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The win helped them win the three-match series 2-1.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 166 runs for 5 wickets. In reply, UAE were restricted to 134/7 in 20 overs.

Will Young was the top-scorer for the Kiwis, making 56 in 46 balls. Mark Chapman also played well, scoring 51 runs off 32 balls.

For UAE, bowling all-rounder Aayan Afzal Khan, who helped his side win the second T20I scored 42 runs and added 68 runs with Basil Hameed (24 not out) for the sixth wicket.

Mudassar Nazar, the UAE coach, said, “We were better in the first two T20Is. But we lost the first game because of inexperience. A lot of players have made debut for us. If you look at all three T20 matches, it has been encouraging for us. The most impressive part has been fielding. In all three matches, the fielding has been outstanding.”

Tim Southee, the winning team captain, said, “Today was the best performance of this series. Great to finish the series this way. Knew it was going to be hot and sweaty here.”

Young, the batting all-rounder, said after the match, “Interesting to sit the two games out. UAE are a fantastic side. I just had my game-plan to go out there and do it. It looked a similar wicket to the first game. Bit two-paced early on but played out well later.”

Ben Lister bowled well and took three wickets for 35 runs.

Brief scores: New Zealand 166/5 in 20 overs (Will Young 56, Mark Chapman 51, Junaid Siddique 3/26) beat UAE 134/7 in 20 overs (Aayan Afzal Khan 42, Basil Hameed 24 not out).

cricket, UAE vs NZ, T20, New Zealand,