Aayal QureshiSharjah, UAE: In preparation for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, the West Indies men’s cricket team is gearing up for a thrilling battle against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a series of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to be held in Sharjah.
The day-night matches are scheduled to take place on Monday, June 5th, Wednesday, June 7th, and Friday, June 9th, setting the stage for an intense showdown between these talented teams. With the World Cup qualifying campaign set to kick off on June 18th, the series holds paramount importance as it will determine the final two spots among the ten teams competing in the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted by India.
Mubashshir Usmani, the General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), expressed his delight in hosting the West Indies, a former World Champion side, ahead of the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. Usmani lauded the UAE team’s remarkable performances in the ODI format over the recent months, which have significantly elevated the profile of cricket in the region.
“We are delighted to host a former World Champion side like the West Indies ahead of the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. In recent months, our team has produced some sensational performances in the ODI format, which have helped raise UAE cricket’s profile,” said Mubashshir Usmani, highlighting the UAE’s progress in the sport.
Usmani further emphasized the significance of the series in Sharjah, stating, “Our qualification for the tournament in Zimbabwe exemplifies our recent achievements. We want to ensure we provide the best possible preparation to our team, and this series will most certainly help in achieving that goal. We look forward to welcoming the West Indian team and express our gratitude to Cricket West Indies for their continuous support towards cricket development in the UAE.”
As the countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier begins, cricket enthusiasts and fans alike will be closely following the West Indies and the UAE, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament. The series in Sharjah is expected to serve as a crucial stepping stone for both sides, offering them an opportunity to assess their form, address any weaknesses, and further strengthen their squads in pursuit of their World Cup dreams.
