The United Arab Emirates are preparing for their third T20 World Cup campaign, hoping to cause an upset in a tough group. They open against New Zealand on Tuesday at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Fast bowler Junaid Siddique said one strong performance could help them beat any team.
UAE have won only one match in their previous two World Cups and missed the last edition. Siddique believes those experiences have strengthened their hunger for success. “Two to three years back, we could only imagine an upset. Now we believe we can beat any team,” he said.
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The domestic International League T20, launched in 2023, has boosted UAE players’ confidence. Siddique, who played for Sharjah Warriors this season, said local players now learn from global stars. He added that exposure to top talent has helped UAE prepare for high-pressure matches.
The group is challenging, with South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan all strong contenders. Siddique has previously faced New Zealand and Afghanistan and believes experience can help UAE compete. He also stressed the importance of more matches against full member nations for growth.
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The UAE’s campaign will test their skills against cricket’s best teams. Siddique emphasized that with one good innings or spell, they can make an impact. Fans will watch closely to see if UAE can pull off a memorable World Cup upset.