The second game of the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 sees Kuwait take on Saudi Arabia at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai. Both teams come into the match on the back of respectable recent form, making this contest an intriguing one. Kuwait has shown consistency in T20 cricket and boasts a deeper lineup, but Saudi Arabia’s explosive batting can turn the tables at any moment.
Team Previews
Kuwait Preview
Kuwait has been in excellent form, winning three of their last four T20Is. They were runners-up in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier A, winning four out of six matches. A strong batting lineup and a reliable bowling attack make them a tough side to beat.
Key Players:
- Usman Patel: The opener has been Kuwait’s standout batter, scoring 186 runs in 5 innings in the Asia Qualifier, including a century.
- Clinto Anto: A dependable batter, Anto amassed 168 runs in the Qualifier.
- Yasin Patel: The star bowler with 15 wickets in 6 innings at an economy of 7.66.
Predicted Playing XI:
Usman Patel (wk), Clinto Anto, Ravija Sandaruwan, Meet Bhavsar, Mohammad Amin, Bilal Tahir, Mohammed Aslam (c), Mirza Ahmed, Shiraz Khan, Yasin Patel, Mohamed Shafeeq
Saudi Arabia Preview
Saudi Arabia enters the tournament with a balanced squad and has won three of their last five T20Is. In the Asia Qualifier B, they finished fourth with a mix of impressive performances and moments of inconsistency.
Key Players:
- Faisal Khan: A consistent performer, Khan scored 224 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 191.
- Abdul Waheed: Another prolific batter, Waheed accumulated 208 runs in the same tournament.
- Ishtiaq Ahmad: The spearhead of the bowling attack, picking up 8 wickets in 6 innings.
Predicted Playing XI:
Abdul Waheed Ghaffar, Faisal Khan, Sidharth Sankar (wk), Waji Ul Hassan (c), Usman Khalid, Hisham Sheikh, Abdul Manan Ali, Zain Ul Abidin, Usman Najeeb, Abdul Wahid, Ishtiaq Ahmad
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Ground offers a balanced surface, favoring batsmen slightly more. Pacers might get some early movement, while spinners will find assistance as the game progresses.
- Average First Innings Score: 156
- Highest Score at Venue: 197/7 by Papua New Guinea
- Chasing Advantage: Teams chasing have won 3 out of 5 T20Is played here.
Weather Report
- Temperature: 32°C
- Conditions: Hot and sunny with no chance of rain.
Fantasy Team XI
Player | Role |
---|---|
Usman Patel (C) | Batter/Wicketkeeper |
Faisal Khan (VC) | Batter |
Clinto Anto | Batter |
Ravija Sandaruwan | Batter |
Abdul Waheed | Batter |
Yasin Patel | All-rounder |
Mohammed Aslam | All-rounder |
Ishtiaq Ahmad | Bowler |
Shiraz Khan | Bowler |
Mohamed Shafeeq | Bowler |
Zain Ul Abidin | Bowler |
Winning Prediction
Both teams come with strong credentials, but Kuwait’s depth in batting and bowling gives them the upper hand. Saudi Arabia’s explosive batting lineup can’t be underestimated, but Kuwait’s recent consistency makes them the favorites to win this clash.
Prediction: Kuwait to win.
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