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The Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B has delivered exciting cricket, with UAE already securing a top-two finish and a place in the final. The second spot remains fiercely contested, with Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand vying for the opportunity.
Qatar, who looked set for a final berth, stumbled against UAE, suffering their first loss of the tournament. Now, they must regroup and deliver against Saudi Arabia, a team that has clawed its way back with three consecutive wins. Both sides have everything to play for in this high-stakes clash in Doha.
Team Previews
Qatar Preview
Qatar’s aspirations for a flawless campaign were dashed by UAE in a high-scoring encounter. Chasing a daunting 207, Qatar put up a respectable 177 but fell short. The batting trio of Muhammad Tanveer, Ikramullah Khan, and Mohammad Ahnaff impressed with quick-fire knocks, and they remain key to Qatar’s chances.
However, Qatar’s bowlers struggled to contain UAE’s powerful lineup. Only Muhammad Jabir, Arumugaganesh Nagarajan, and Ikramullah Khan managed a wicket each, and a collective improvement is vital if they hope to overcome Saudi Arabia.
Key Players:
- Ikramullah Khan: An all-round contributor with bat and ball.
- Muhammad Tanveer: A dependable top-order batter with the ability to anchor the innings.
- Arumugaganesh Nagarajan: A key bowler who needs to step up.
Predicted XI:
Imal Liyanage (wk), Saqlain Arshad, Mohammad Ahnaff, Mirza Mohammed Baig, Muhammad Tanveer, Mohammed Rizlan (c), Ikramullah Khan, Amir Farooq, Arumugaganesh Nagarajan, Mohammed Nadeem, Muhammad Jabir
Saudi Arabia Preview
After opening defeats to Bahrain and UAE, Saudi Arabia have rejuvenated their campaign with back-to-back wins over Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand. In their last outing, they chased down 123 against Thailand with ease, showcasing their batting depth.
Faisal Khan and Sidharth Sankar have been the mainstays with the bat, while Zain Ul Abidin leads the bowling attack with consistent performances. However, they will need a near-perfect game to overcome a strong Qatari side.
Key Players:
- Faisal Khan: A dynamic batter who has delivered under pressure.
- Zain Ul Abidin: Saudi Arabia’s most reliable bowler in this tournament.
- Sidharth Sankar: Steady at the crease, providing stability to the innings.
Predicted XI:
Abdul Waheed, Faisal Khan, Sidharth Sankar (wk), Waji Ul Hassan (c), Usman Khalid, Manan Ali, Zain Ul Abidin, Abdul Wahid, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Ahmad Raza, Saud
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Report
Doha will see a high of 26°C with high humidity. Although some rain is forecast in the late afternoon, it is unlikely to disrupt the game.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Doha is a balanced surface with consistent bounce and carry. Batters who can adapt to the conditions will benefit, but a par score is likely to be around 150-160. The surface will offer little for spinners, and seamers will need to focus on variations.
Toss Prediction
Both teams may prefer to bowl first, aiming to restrict the opposition and chase under the lights.
Winning Prediction
Qatar enters this match as favorites, boasting a more balanced lineup and home advantage. Saudi Arabia’s resurgence has been impressive, but Qatar’s batting depth and experience in pressure games tilt the balance in their favor.
Prediction: Qatar to win
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