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The 1st game of the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship, 2024, will see Bahrain lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. Both teams aim for a strong start in this opening encounter. UAE enters as favorites, boasting a superior record and a well-balanced squad. Bahrain, on the other hand, will look to punch above their weight and put up a tough fight.
The UAE has dominated this matchup historically, winning the last three games against Bahrain. Their formidable batting lineup and experienced bowling attack give them a strong edge. Bahrain will need to address their batting inconsistencies and deliver a complete performance to challenge their opponents.
Team Previews
Bahrain Preview
Captain Haider Butt leads a side that has struggled against higher-ranked teams in recent matches. Bahrain’s primary concern is their fragile batting order, which has failed to deliver in crucial situations. The openers Umer Toor and Asif Ali must set a strong foundation against UAE’s potent bowling attack. The middle order, comprising Imran Anwar, Haider Butt, and Junaid Aziz, will need to stabilize the innings and build partnerships.
The bowling unit will have a critical role, with Ali Dawood and Abdul Majid tasked with making early inroads. The likes of Rizwan Butt and Imran Khan must capitalize in the middle overs, while Sachin Kumar and Asif Ali provide support.
Key Players: Haider Butt, Umer Toor, Ali Dawood
Predicted Playing XI:
Haider Butt (c), Asif Ali, Umer Toor (wk), Fiaz Ahmed, Rizwan Butt, Ali Dawood, Imran Khan, Abdul Majid, Imran Anwar, Junaid Aziz, Sachin Kumar
United Arab Emirates Preview
Led by Muhammad Waseem, the UAE boasts a balanced squad with depth in both batting and bowling. The openers, Waseem and Vriitya Aravind, are capable of giving explosive starts. In the middle order, Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, and Basil Hameed provide stability and firepower. The lower middle order, including Rahul Chopra and Ali Naseer, adds finishing strength.
On the bowling front, the UAE has a formidable attack, with Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah leading the pace department. Spinners like Basil Hameed and Simranjeet Kang are expected to exploit the conditions, making run-scoring challenging in the middle overs.
Key Players: Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed
Predicted Playing XI:
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Ali Naseer, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique, Simranjeet Kang
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai is a batting-friendly surface with short square boundaries, making it a paradise for stroke-makers. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, offering minimal assistance to pacers. Spinners, however, can play a key role in controlling the game during the middle overs.
- Average First Innings Score: 160
- Chasing Teams’ Record: Teams chasing have an edge due to the consistent pitch.
Weather Report
- Temperature: 30°C
- Humidity: 60%
- Conditions: Clear skies with no rain interruptions expected.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (C) | Batter |
| Vriitya Aravind (WK) | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Haider Butt | Batter |
| Asif Khan | Batter |
| Basil Hameed (VC) | All-rounder |
| Umer Toor | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
| Ali Naseer | All-rounder |
| Junaid Siddique | Bowler |
| Ali Dawood | Bowler |
| Simranjeet Kang | Bowler |
| Imran Khan | Bowler |
Winning Prediction
Bahrain faces an uphill task as they go up against a strong UAE side playing in their home conditions. UAE’s depth in batting and experience in the bowling department gives them a clear advantage. Unless Bahrain’s key players step up and deliver exceptional performances, UAE is likely to dominate and secure a win in this opening clash.
Prediction: United Arab Emirates to win.
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