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The Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 heats up as Saudi Arabia takes on Bahrain in the 7th match of the tournament. Both teams head into this clash on the back of morale-boosting victories. Saudi Arabia dominated Qatar with a comprehensive 9-wicket win, while Bahrain pulled off a narrow 4-run win against Kuwait in their previous game. This encounter will test Saudi Arabia’s batting prowess against Bahrain’s resilient bowling unit.
Teams Preview
Saudi Arabia Preview
Saudi Arabia impressed with a clinical performance against Qatar in their last outing. The team looks balanced, with both batting and bowling firing in unison. Captain Waji Ul Hassan will rely on his in-form players to deliver another victory.
Usman Khalid showcased his power-hitting skills with a quickfire 75 off 48 balls, and opener Faisal Khan provided solid support. In the middle order, players like Abdul Waheed Ghaffar and Abdul Manan Ali add depth and stability.
The bowling department, led by Ishtiaq Ahmad, who claimed 4-12 in the last game, has been the highlight for Saudi Arabia. The likes of Usman Najeeb and Ahmad Raza have consistently chipped in with crucial wickets.
Saudi Arabia Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Waji Ul Hassan (c) | All-rounder |
| Abdul Waheed Ghaffar | Batter |
| Faisal Khan | Batter |
| Abdul Manan Ali | Batter |
| Choudhry Md Imran | Batter |
| Ahmad Raza | Bowler |
| Nawazish Akhtar (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Usman Najeeb | Bowler |
| Zain Ul Abidin | Bowler |
| Usman Khalid | Bowler |
| Ishtiaq Ahmad | Bowler |
Bahrain Preview
Bahrain’s victory over Kuwait showcased their bowling strength, but their batting lineup remains a concern. Haider Butt will need his team to step up and improve their consistency in this department.
Prashant Kurup, who scored 33 off 27 balls in the last game, will need support from fellow opener Sarfaraz Ali. The middle order, featuring players like Ahmer Bin Nasir and Fiaz Ahmed, has been underwhelming, but Sai Sarthak showed promise with a handy 26 in the previous game.
Bowling has been Bahrain’s strength. Rizwan Butt, with figures of 4-10 in the last match, and Imran Anwar, who claimed 3 wickets, will spearhead the attack. Spinners Sarfaraz Ali and Abdul Majid Abbasi can also make a significant impact on the slow Dubai surface.
Bahrain Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Haider Butt (c) | Batter |
| Asif Ali | Batter |
| Prashant Kurup (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Sarfaraz Ali | All-rounder |
| Ahmer Bin Nasir | Batter |
| Fiaz Ahmed | Batter |
| Imran Anwar | Bowler |
| Sai Sarthak | Batter |
| Rizwan Butt | Bowler |
| Imran Khan | Bowler |
| Abdul Majid Abbasi | Bowler |
Fantasy XI Prediction
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Waji Ul Hassan |
| Vice-Captain | Rizwan Butt |
| Batsmen | Usman Khalid, Faisal Khan, Prashant Kurup |
| All-rounders | Sarfaraz Ali, Abdul Waheed |
| Wicketkeeper | Nawazish Akhtar |
| Bowlers | Ishtiaq Ahmad, Imran Anwar, Ahmad Raza |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai has consistently provided a balanced pitch. While batsmen can capitalize on the flat surface, spinners often play a pivotal role in the middle overs. The average first-innings score is around 140-150, with teams often looking to post 160+ to feel secure.
Weather Report
The weather in Dubai will be warm, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 23°C. Humidity levels will be moderate, and there is no forecast for rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Match Prediction
Saudi Arabia comes into this contest with a well-rounded team and strong momentum after their emphatic win against Qatar. Bahrain’s bowlers have been impressive, but their inconsistent batting lineup remains a concern. Given Saudi Arabia’s depth in both batting and bowling, they hold the edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia to win the match.
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