Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised UAE for their historic victory over New Zealand, marking their first win against a Test-playing nation. This achievement underscores the transformative impact of franchise cricket in nurturing growth and opportunities for emerging cricketing nations.
In a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over New Zealand, UAE demonstrated their prowess in white-ball cricket, resonating with cricket enthusiasts globally. Asif Khan’s outstanding batting performance and the contributions of UAE’s bowlers played a crucial role in the match’s outcome.
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“UAE beating New Zealand is a big achievement and shows us what franchise cricket has succeeded in doing. There is hope for the next generation cricketer coming from countries that aren’t mainstream test nations and that’s good news for the game,” Ashwin expressed on X.
UAE beating New Zealand is a big achievement and it’s also showing us what franchisee cricket has succeeded in doing.
There is hope for the next generation cricketer coming from countries that aren’t mainstream test nations and that’s good news for the game.
When @rashidkhan_19…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 20, 2023
This victory exemplifies the transformative effect seen in players like Rashid Khan, whose breakthrough in the Indian Premier League (IPL) elevated Afghanistan’s cricketing status. Afghanistan, once underdogs, have emerged as formidable competitors, attributing much of their transformation to the exposure and experience gained through franchise cricket.
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UAE’s triumph over New Zealand underscores the potential for more cricketing nations to find representation in franchise cricket worldwide. UAE’s journey from underdogs to victors becomes a beacon of hope for emerging cricketing nations, proving that with dedication, opportunity, and the right platform, even the most unexpected victories are attainable.
With the ongoing three-match T20I series tied at 1-1, all eyes are now on the decisive match scheduled for August 20
