Berenger aims to reinforce Qatar batting in upcoming Asian sub-regional qualifiers

 

 

Berenger aims to reinforce Qatar batting in upcoming Asian sub-regional qualifiers

 

 

DOHA

Former UAE World Cupper and opening batsman Andri Raffaelo Berenger îs all set to make debut for Qatar in the upcoming Asian Sub-regional qualifiers for the 2022 ICC World Cup T20 and launch his chase for a rare distinction.

 

The Group A matches, involving Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, will take place at the Asian Town Stadium in Qatar from October 23 to 29, while the six-team Group B will be hosted by Malaysia from November 9 to 15.

 

The 30-year-old Berenger played for Sri Lanka in the 2010 Junior World Cup. Then he chose to don the UAE colours in the 2015 Senior World Cup. And now he has qualified to play for Al Annabi. If he can help Qatar go through to the next stage and then the World Cup, he would join Anderson Cummins, Kepler Wessels, Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan as the only players to have represented two different countries in Cricket World Cup.

 

He commented about his move to Qatar: “I arrived in Qatar in 2018 and used the time to settle down here well. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck and I utilized this opportunity to stay fit and focused.

 

“I am finding Qatar really good…the spirit of the guys is really amazing. Coming into the Qatar squad has especially been really good. The practice is very organised here. The important thing is that there are some very experienced players out here.

 

“Hopefully the way things are going at the moment, we look like doing well in the upcoming tournament,” added the player, who has two fifties in 10 ODIs and one half-century in seven T20Is.

 

The new season is starting afresh for all the teams. Berenger however feels the home conditions and the start of the domestic league would give the hosts some edge over the rivals.

 

“It has been a long layoff for all the teams, which may be a disadvantage for all. But the only good thing for us has been that all the guys have had some weeks of domestic matches under their belt before going into the tournament. Plus we have the home conditions to exploit.

 

“We know the ground well as we have been playing here for some years. Also we have a few debutants, including Murad (Khan), coming to the team, who have already played the international cricket before. So i think our side is pretty strong enough to go through the qualifiers,” Berenger added with confidence.

 

Talking about the opponents, Berenger said, “I think we can’t take anybody lightly especially in the Gulf. After three years, you can play for any team. History shows Kuwait should be pretty tough and are practising hard. They have been performing well. We have beaten Kuwait before but we have to take each match seriously. We will go one match at a time. Hopefully we will win the series and move forward.”

 

The Group A qualifiers have five teams but only the champions will progress into the next stage. It is needless to say that it is bringing a great deal of pressure on the participating teams and players.

 

Berenger said, “The challenge is amazing. It is good for players as well. I can lift my game and go to another level, which is good thing to do. I feel cricket has given me a good life. I will hopefully do well and repay for the faith shown in me by Qatar.

 

“One spot in the qualifiers will bring pressure on all. I should not take anything lightly right from the game 1. I hope other guys also won’t do either. It is very important event all of us. Winning this event will bring a brighter future for Qatar.

 

“it is not just a pressure for me. It is a pressure for all. I feel the players also understand the value of this event. If we stay motivated and confident towards the tournament, we will have good results. Everybody is here to win. Everybody is here to support each other. It is a young bunch. he most important thing is everybody wants to go to the next stage and then the ICC World Cup,” Berenger added.