The UAE suffered a chastening 3-0 one-day international series whitewash to West Indies on the eve of the ICC World Cup Qualifier where both teams are slotted in different groups.

Ahead of the June 18 start in Zimbabwe, both teams naturally tried to count it as a learning experience, but UAE interim manager Mudassar Nazar took the boys out of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium early without addressing the media.

UAE lose the plot

It did not help that the third game finished two hours earlier than time, due to a collapse of the batting order which needs the most urgent attention. West Indies reached the target of 185 in 35.1 overs but lost six wickets in the process to some fighting performances by the UAE bowlers.

The couple of players who spoke during the prize distribution ceremonies over the course of the three matches could only talk about how they are soaking in the experience, because most of them are finding their way to the top. There was Ali Naseer who hit back-to-back 50s in the first two games – also his international career’s first, a steady bowling performance from Aayan Khan and Karthik Meiyappan as well as two wickets for the debutant in the third ODI, Muhammad Jawadullah.

Kevin Sinclair does a flip in his signature-style celebration on course to taking four wickets. Emirates Cricket

West Indies fly high

For West Indies, there was more validation to the revival of Brandon King as an opener which materialised by captain Shai Hope dropping down the order. King was adjudged Player of the Series. Kevin Sinclair, 23, took four wickets on Friday.

Along with two run-outs, he was instrumental as UAE lost eight wickets for the addition of 42 runs in less than 14 overs. Then Alick Athanaze, 24, served notice in the ODI format in blazing fashion. His 65 from 45 balls comprised the joint-fastest half-century by a debutant, matching India’s Krunal Pandya 26-ball effort against England.

Visitors show spunk and attitude

The heat made for challenging conditions and gave a stark reminder to the Asian Cricket Council officials, who are deliberating the hybrid model of staging the Asia Cup by Pakistan. The 2023 hosts are trying to accommodate India at a neutral venue at the latter’s insistence and Sri Lanka is winning the battle currently over the regular option of UAE.

“We are professionals and we have to adapt to every condition that we have in front of us,” said Darren Sammy, the West Indies coach. “In fact, we are trying to be where we were (as two-time world champions in the 1970s) and the road is very long. We need to first recognize our position, where we stand and then take one step at a time.

“Seven of the players heading to Zimbabwe were part of this squad. We tried a few things and achieved some things with a lot of positives. Getting to bowl the opposition out in two games given the conditions has given us a lot of confidence,” he said.

Former legendary all-rounder Carl Hooper has joined the team and he, too, exuberate positivity with his trademark swagger and calm confidence. “We are getting there one day at a time. The weather will be cold in Zimbabwe but we are also not playing much cricket. So coming here and challenging ourselves has been good for our preparations. We must adapt and accept the challenges that come our way.”

Still needing direction

Meanwhile, in the local camp, coach Nazar has been left holding the rebuilding team after the departure of Robin Singh in March. The UAE were due to fly on Sunday, but there was no official communication until the time of writing this on late Saturday evening. The UAE squad will be the last to be announced out of the 10 teams in action.

Captain Muhammed Waseem and the recalled Rameez Shahzad had mixed fortunes with the bat, while Aryansh Sharma, Lovepreet Singh, Aayan Khan and Asif Khan failed to make an impression on the scoreboard. It was left to Ali Nasser to hit two back to back half-centuries in the first games to prop up some fighting total for the hosts to have a go at.

Nasser revealed to Headline UAE that he bats at No 8 on the domestic circuit. It was perplexing to see him continue to arrive at No 7 in the third ODI as well. The other senior player Rohan Mustafa also proved to be a hole in the top-five batting order that the UAE needs to still fix going into the Qualifier. Ten teams will whittle down to a Super Six stage before two teams make it to the grand stage. Based on this showing, Nazar’s UAE side has its task cut out if it wants to avoid disappearing without a trace.