Veteran all-rounder Janeiro Tucker is confident Bermuda can regain their footing ahead of their upcoming opening World Cup qualifying match with United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday.

The Islanders slumped to a six-wicket defeat against fellow ICC Associates Namibia on Saturday and must now find a way to rebuild confidence before World Cup qualifiers commence in earnest on Wednesday.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette following his team's humbling loss, Tucker said: "I actually thought we should've won the match. We just didn't put enough runs on

the board and came up short in the end. But nevertheless I think the game is still coming for us and we will be alright for the tournament."

Batting on an even track that had plenty of bounce on offer, Bermuda posted 219 for eight in their allotted overs with Tucker top scoring with a belligerent 54 off 37 balls.

"It just feels good to get back into the groove. I sighted the ball well and played each delivery on its merit," he added.

Tucker arrived at the crease with his team in trouble at 125 for five in the 39th over.

Asked whether he felt he had a heavy burden to carry, the Southampton Rangers stalwart replied: "A burden, I don't think so. It was just my type of game and if anything is

being put in the slot then I am going to play my shots.

"They (Namibians) bowled in my slot and I was able to put them away."

Reflecting upon Tucker's robust innings, national coach Gus Logie, commented:" This was Janeiro's highest score for some time. He played with a lot of authority and

produced the kind of innings we know he is capable of."

Tucker had minor knee surgery late last year and judging by the manner in which he batted, bowled and fielded over the weekend he appears to have made a complete recovery.

"I am constantly working with the physio (Craig Brown) and the knee actually feels pretty good," he said.

Defending a total under 250 was always going to be a daunting task for Bermuda's bowlers on the spacious Willowmoore pitch. And missed run-out attempts, dropped

catches and mental lapses didn't help their cause any.

"I thought we had a lapse in the field for maybe a five-over spell which really hurt us," Tucker said. "But the guys bowled well, Tamauri (Tucker) and Rodney

(Trott) bowled really well and I think they are going to get better as the tournament progresses."

Though wicketless, Tucker was unlucky on a few occasions to pick up a deserved wicket with his swing bowling. "I am just there to try and chop down a few overs and get us through the power plays," he explained. "I just go out there and try and do whatever I have to for the team."