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The Gulf Cricket T20I Championship continues with an intriguing clash between the in-form United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a determined Kuwait team. UAE are flying high with two wins in as many games, while Kuwait has split their two games with one win and one loss. UAE’s dominant record this year and their undefeated streak in the tournament make them the favorites. However, Kuwait’s bowling depth could pose a challenge in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Teams Preview
United Arab Emirates Preview
The UAE team has been nothing short of exceptional in 2024, winning 17 out of their 22 T20I games. Their current form is intimidating, with 10 consecutive T20I victories, including two dominant wins in the ongoing Gulf Cricket T20I Championship.
In their opening game, UAE bowled out Bahrain for a meager 113, thanks to a stellar performance by Ali Naseer, who picked up 2/9 in 4 overs. UAE chased the target comfortably in just 17 overs, with Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan leading the charge with half-centuries.
Their second match against Oman was a tougher challenge, but UAE posted 157/7, with Waseem scoring 48 off 31 balls. Their bowlers, led by Ali Naseer and Junaid Siddique, defended the total, restricting Oman to 133/8 and securing a 24-run win.
With a balanced side that excels in all departments, UAE are the team to beat in the tournament.
Key Players:
- Muhammad Waseem
- Ali Naseer
- Junaid Siddique
- Rahul Chopra
Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Muhammad Waseem (c) | Batter |
| Tanish Suri (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Alishan Sharafu | Batter |
| Asif Khan | Batter |
| Rahul Chopra | Batter |
| Dhruv Parashar | All-rounder |
| Ali Naseer | All-rounder |
| Zuhaib Zubair | Bowler |
| Simranjeet Kang | Bowler |
| Junaid Siddique | Bowler |
| Muhammad Jawadullah | Bowler |
Kuwait Preview
Kuwait has been a competitive side in 2024, winning 14 of their 22 T20I matches. However, they’ve shown inconsistency in the Gulf T20I Championship, losing one and winning one. They’ll need to be at their best to challenge a strong UAE side.
Kuwait started the tournament with an emphatic win over Saudi Arabia, restricting them to 136 and chasing the target in 17 overs, thanks to a brilliant spell by Mohammed Aslam (4/22) and a half-century from Usman Patel (50 off 35).
In their second game against Bahrain, Kuwait’s bowlers did well to restrict the opposition to 125, with four bowlers picking up two wickets each. However, their batting faltered, as they were bowled out for 121, losing by just 4 runs.
Kuwait will rely on their bowling attack to contain UAE’s power-packed lineup, but their batting needs to step up if they are to have a chance in this game.
Key Players:
- Muhammad Aslam
- Mirza Ahmed
- Meet Bhavsar
Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Meet Bhavsar (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Ravija Sandaruwan | Batter |
| Clinto Anto | Batter |
| Muhammad Umar | Batter |
| Mohammed Aslam (c) | Bowler |
| Bilal Tahir | Batter |
| Yasin Patel | All-rounder |
| Adnan Idrees | All-rounder |
| Sayed Monib | Bowler |
| Mohamed Shafeeq | Bowler |
| Mirza Ahmed | Bowler |
Fantasy XI Prediction
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Muhammad Waseem |
| Vice-Captain | Mohammed Aslam |
| Batsmen | Usman Khalid, Asif Khan, Meet Bhavsar |
| All-rounders | Ali Naseer, Dhruv Parashar, Yasin Patel |
| Wicketkeeper | Tanish Suri |
| Bowlers | Junaid Siddique, Mirza Ahmed |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai offers a batting-friendly pitch with consistent bounce. Spinners have enjoyed success in the middle overs due to the pitch’s tendency to slow down. Teams batting first will aim for a target of 160 or more, which has often proven challenging to chase.
Weather Report
Dubai will experience pleasant weather with clear skies and temperatures ranging between 25°C and 18°C. There’s minimal chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Match Prediction
UAE comes into this match with an impeccable record, having won their last 10 T20Is. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling attack make them a formidable opponent. Kuwait, despite their strong bowling, has shown vulnerabilities in their batting lineup, which could be exploited by UAE.
Prediction: UAE to continue their winning streak
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