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Sharjah: UAE skipper Khurram Khan has warned his teammates they face a tough task defending their Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Trophy.
The competition begins in Malaysia next Friday and the captain said they would have to be at their best.
Khan told Gulf News: "The competition will be very tough this time. We will have to really work hard if we have to defend the title."
The experienced left-handed all-rounder has been appointed as skipper for the third time.
Khan was the UAE skipper when the team created history in the ACC Trophy in 2004.
The side beat Oman in the final by 94 runs to register a hat-trick of victories in this tournament.
"Oman has improved a lot and is a strong team now," said Khan.
Strong opposition
"We saw their strength in the final of the six-nation tournament. Similarly, Hong Kong after their recent performance in the Asia Cup is also a very good team. Afghanistan, has also some very good players."
The captain said the consistency would be key.
"Our players must perform consistently in this tournament.
"It is not enough to do well in one match but they should perform in all the matches," said Khan, who was in top form this season.
He bagged the best batsman award in the Bukhatir League A division scoring 357 runs in five matches at an average of 119 runs.
Khan admitted he did not expect to be made captain for a third time.
He said: "Frankly I am surprised that I have been given the captaincy again.
"Giving me a third stint as captain shows the faith that the selectors have in me.
"I will try my best to live up to their confidence.
"Our exposure to top teams in the recent Asia Cup will go a long way to boost our chances.
"Our team is a good mixture of young talent and experienced players.
"It will be a good learning experience for our youngsters."
The captain went on to praise UAE coach Vasbert Drakes.
He said: "Drakes is technically very good. We have also become a much fitter team under his guidance."
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