New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for its third appearance at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, commencing their Group D journey against New Zealand in Chennai on Tuesday evening.

This Gulf nation earned its place in the prestigious tournament by finishing third in the Asia-EAP regional qualifiers, marking their return since 2022, when they achieved their first-ever T20 World Cup victory against Namibia.

Right-handed batsman Alishan Sharafu has been in impressive form since the last T20 World Cup in 2024, amassing 1,105 runs in 37 innings with an average of 32.5 and a strike rate of 134. In a dedicated interview with IANS, Sharafu discusses his batting style, the UAE's objectives in the tournament, and the impact of captain Mohammad Waseem and head coach, former India opener Lalchand Rajput.

Q. Your performance has been remarkable post-2024, with over 1,000 runs and 10 scores above fifty. What has contributed to your success, and how do you sustain that level?

A. I'm thrilled to have scored runs, and batting at the top for UAE in T20Is has been exciting. I’ve had some great games, contributing to our victories, especially in crucial tournaments like the Asia Cup qualifiers and the T20 World Cup qualifiers. I hope this momentum continues.

Q. You have a significantly better strike rate against pace (147) compared to spin (118). What steps are you taking to enhance your performance against spin in Indian conditions?

A. I enjoy facing pace early in my innings and take risks against fast bowlers during the power play. In the middle overs, it’s crucial to consolidate and work with other batters. While I enjoy playing spin, I find pace more engaging.

Q. Competing alongside and against top players in the ILT20 – who have you learned from, and what elements of their game are you trying to integrate?

A. The ILT20 has been a vital opportunity for UAE cricketers, and I’ve been fortunate to play for the Knight Riders for three years, where I’ve been supported and have played every match, gaining invaluable experience from world-class players.

Q. Transitioning from top-order to middle-order batting—how challenging has this been, and what are the key differences in mindset?

A. I’ve always batted at the top, but I first tried the middle order in ILT20, which was a rewarding challenge. Adapting to different roles is essential, and I’m excited to bring that experience to the UAE.

Q. How did you develop your power-hitting ability? Was it innate or the result of dedicated training?

A. My approach to power hitting has been intentional, especially for this World Cup. Like many kids, I loved watching sixes and hitting them myself. I’m unsure if it’s natural or due to focused training, but I love playing that aggressive style.

Q. You only batted once in your last World Cup. How eager are you to make a larger impact this time?

A. At the previous World Cup, I played just one game, which we won against Namibia—a memorable experience. This time, I look forward to contributing significantly to the team's success with a fresh group of players.

Q. The UAE has yet to advance past the group stage. What does success mean for this team in the upcoming World Cup?

A. As I mentioned, our last World Cup victory was monumental. We aim to surpass that this time and hope to win several games, which could lead us to the next round. A positive mindset is crucial for our collective goal.

Q. What's it like being part of a culturally diverse UAE team? How does this diversity enhance the group? Also, share your thoughts on the support from Captain Waseem and Coach Rajput.

A. Our team's diversity is a strength. We have players from various backgrounds, and we gel well together, having played alongside each other in the UAE. Our coach and captain have been incredibly supportive, and I enjoy batting with Waseem Bhai. It’s been a fun experience, and I appreciate all the support from both him and our coach.