Akshdeep Nath and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia (Source: X and AFP)
Former Uttar Pradesh and India U19 cricketer Akshdeep Nath believes the UAE cricket team should take inspiration from Ireland's historic T20I series win over India as they prepare for an important Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-series in Scotland.
The UAE will face Scotland and Canada in Dundee, and Akshdeep Nath is confident that his new team can improve despite an ordinary CWC league-2 campaign so far.
Akshdeep Nath Wants UAE To Be Inspired From Ireland
The UAE have never beaten Scotland in an ODI away from home and also suffered a heavy defeat against Canada the last time the two teams met. It is important to mention that the two teams (Canada and UAE) have faced each other in 3 ODI matches, of which Canada have won and lost 1.
Despite those stats, Akshdeep Nath believes the current squad has enough quality to change the team's fortunes.
He pointed to Ireland's surprise 2-0 T20I series victory over India earlier this year as proof that underdogs can achieve remarkable results.
It is vital to note that we have often heard the saying that 'nothing is impossible in cricket ', and Cricket Ireland proved it right. They used the home advantage to their best and made the series difficult for the Men in Blue.
“We are at the bottom of the table, but we won't be there for too long,” Nath said. “We are focused on what we can do better. We are doing our part.
"We’ve never beaten [Scotland] before, but Ireland didn't beat India ever before, and they whitewashed them. It’s a new start, and I think this group is much better and more connected.
"I don’t know what was before here, but definitely now we are gelled as a team. People are aware of their roles, what they need to do, and we're looking to win at least at least three matches out of four, if not all four, in the upcoming series."
Also Read: India’s WTC Final Player Joins UAE Team
The Lucknow-born batter also described representing the UAE as one of the most emotional moments of his career.
He made his international debut during the Cricket World Cup League Two tournament in Nepal earlier this year and said hearing the UAE national anthem before his first match was a dream fulfilled after years of waiting for an international opportunity.
“When we went to Nepal, entered the ground and as the national anthem played, that was a completely life-changing moment for me,” Nath said.
“To be termed an international cricketer is what you dream of when you start playing, and that came true.
“And then the nerves settled, and we won the first match as well. I got a little 15-20 not out; that helped me in gaining my confidence as well because when you go to a certain level you want to belong there.
“That happened with that innings, so I was very comfortable with that. We won a few games as well and hopefully we can do better from it.”
Why Did Akshdeep Nath Move To UAE?
Akshdeep Nath switched to the UAE after his domestic career in India did not gain the result despite consistent performances. He revealed that around 2022 and 2023, he was dropped from the Uttar Pradesh team without clear communication.
Looking for a fair opportunity, Nath explored cricket in the UAE after speaking with head coach Lalchand Rajput.
Akshdeep Nath first registered in UAE domestic cricket two years ago before moving permanently to Dubai last December.
Soon after, he became one of the first cricketers to receive UAE citizenship through naturalisation, making him immediately eligible to represent the national team.
The move also revived his dream of playing international cricket. Nath has made it clear that his long-term goal is to help the UAE qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Why CWC2 Is Important For UAE?
The UAE is currently placed at the bottom of the standings and has played 24 matches, winning 7 and losing 17.
It is important to mention that the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWC League 2) is very important for the UAE. Good performance in the tournament will give them a decent chance to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2027.
Also Read: Cricket Ireland Goes Against Own Countrymen For Afghanistan
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