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The Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 continues with a key clash between Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the 6th game of the tournament. Both teams are looking to register their first win of the season, having lost their respective opening matches. This encounter at the ICC Academy, Dubai, is a crucial opportunity for both sides to bounce back and revive their campaign.
Teams Preview
Saudi Arabia Preview
Saudi Arabia’s T20I form in 2024 has been impressive, with 13 wins from 20 matches. However, they started this tournament with a loss to Kuwait, where their batting collapsed after a strong start, and their bowlers struggled to contain the opposition.
Faisal Khan’s explosive 49 off 18 balls was the highlight of their batting against Kuwait. Abdul Waheed and Usman Najeeb also made valuable contributions but could not sustain momentum. The team will need to address their middle-order issues to put up a competitive total against Qatar.
On the bowling front, Zain-ul-Abidin was the standout performer, taking 2 wickets at a reasonable economy rate. Waji-ul-Hassan and Usman Najeeb also chipped in, but the overall bowling unit must step up against Qatar’s aggressive batting lineup.
Key Players: Faisal Khan, Abdul Waheed, Zain-ul-Abidin, Ishtiaq Ahmad
Predicted Playing XI:
Waji Ul Hassan (c), Abdul Waheed Ghaffar, Zain Ul Abidin, Usman Najeeb, Abdul Manan Ali, Faisal Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Zuhair Muhammad, Sidharth Sankar (wk), Usman Khalid, Mohammad Zuber Sunasara
Qatar Preview
Qatar also started the season with a loss, falling short against Oman despite a spirited chase. Their batters, led by Muhammad Asim’s sensational 63 off 28 balls, showed promise, but the bowling lacked discipline and conceded 204 runs.
Muhammad Tanveer and Mohammad Ahnaff have been consistent run-scorers for Qatar in recent games, and they will be critical in this match. Tanveer’s experience and calm approach at the crease make him a key asset.
In the bowling department, Ikramullah Khan and Amir Farooq are expected to lead the charge. While they have been consistent performers in the past, their inability to restrict runs in the last game against Oman raises concerns that need immediate addressing.
Key Players: Muhammad Tanveer, Mohammad Ahnaff, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Amir Farooq
Predicted Playing XI:
Mohammed Rizlan (c), Imal Liyanage (wk), Mohammad Ahnaff, Saqlain Arshad, Muhammad Tanveer, Muhammad Asim, Mohammed Nadeem, Mujeeb ur Rehman, Mohammad Ikramullah Khan, Amir Farooq, Muhammad Jabir
Fantasy XI Prediction
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Abdul Waheed, Muhammad Asim, Mohammad Ahnaff |
| All-Rounders | Waji Ul Hassan, Amir Farooq, Saqlain Arshad |
| Wicketkeeper | Imal Liyanage |
| Bowlers | Zain-ul-Abidin, Ikramullah Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rehman |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai is a batting-friendly venue with short boundaries and a flat pitch. While fast bowlers might struggle, spinners can extract some turn as the game progresses. The average first-innings score here is 150-160 runs.
- Average First-Innings Score: 156 runs
- Ideal Target for Teams Batting First: 170+ runs
Weather Report
Dubai is expected to have clear and pleasant weather on the match day. Temperatures will range from 18°C to 25°C with no chances of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Match Prediction
Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have their strengths, but Saudi Arabia’s recent overall T20I performance gives them a slight edge. Qatar’s batting is formidable, but their bowling must improve significantly to challenge Saudi Arabia.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia to win.
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