‘We’ve seen associate cricket is going from strength to strength’ – Mark Chapman squashes calls of complacency after New Zealand’s loss to UAE

Mark Chapman. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Saturday, August 19 was a historic day for UAE cricket. They sealed their first win against New Zealand in the second T20I in Dubai by seven wickets. Opting to bowl first, the UAE bowlers managed to restrict the visitors to 142/8 in 20 overs on a used pitch. Tim Southee got the Kiwis off to a fine start as he dismissed Aryansh Sharma for a duck in the first over itself. However, destructive knocks from Muhammad Waseem (55 off 29) and Asif Khan (48* off 29) helped the hosts secure a monumental win and level the three-match series 1-1.

After the shocking defeat, New Zealand batter Mark Chapman clarified that his team wasn’t complacent and pointed out that associate cricket is improving with every passing day. He also praised the various local tournaments in the UAE which have helped in developing some fine talents.

“I think we’ve seen associate cricket is going from strength to strength. The T20 World Cup in Australia highlighted that with some associate nations turning over some Test nations,” Chapman was quoted as saying by The West Australian.

“It’s certainly no surprise to see the way they’ve played and the confidence they have with some really strong local tournaments here. It’s producing some good talent.”

They outplayed us in all three facets: Tim Southee

UAE almost managed to beat New Zealand in the first T20I itself as they fell short by only 19 runs while chasing a gettable target of 156 for a win. Experienced Kiwi skipper Tim Southee admitted that his team didn’t learn from their mistakes in the first encounter and lauded Muhammad Waseem and Co. for being the better side in all three facets of the game in the second T20I.

“A lot of the credit has to go to the UAE team. They outplayed us in all three facets. We probably didn’t learn enough from the other day, we made a few mistakes that were similar to the other day and we were made to pay for that. We just have to be bettered in all three areas,” Southee said.

The series decider is scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. The UAE players will be buoyant after their historic win but will be wary of a strong comeback from the tourists.