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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B 2024 kicks off with hosts Qatar taking on Thailand in the opening match at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note. Qatar, led by Mohammad Tanveer, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing run in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, while Thailand, under the captaincy of Austin Lazarus, comes into this game with momentum from their recent unbeaten run in the Bhutan Quadrangular T20I series.
| Tournament: | ICC Mens T20 World Cup Qualifer B |
| Format: | T20 Format |
| Venue: | West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha, Qatar |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bowl |
Teams Preview
Qatar Preview
Qatar will be aiming to capitalize on their home advantage as they look to start their qualifier campaign with a victory. Despite a disappointing showing in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, where they failed to reach the knockout stages, Qatar has some in-form players who can turn the tide in their favor.
Batting Strengths:
- Captain Mohammad Tanveer: Tanveer has been in terrific form, scoring 350 runs in his last seven innings at an impressive strike rate of 148.93. His experience and leadership will be crucial at the top of the order.
- Supporting Cast: Qatar will also rely on contributions from Saqlain Arshad, Himanshu Rathod, and Shahzaib Jamil to put up a competitive total.
Bowling Attack:
- Spin Dominance: Left-arm spinner Musawar Shah has been a standout performer, leading the bowling charts for Qatar with 10 wickets since November 2023. Himanshu Rathod and Gayan Munaweera will also play pivotal roles in the bowling department.
- Pace Support: The likes of Amir Farooq and Gayan Munaweera will be expected to provide early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Key Players:
- Mohammad Tanveer: His aggressive batting at the top can set the tone for Qatar.
- Musawar Shah: A consistent wicket-taker, his spin could be vital on a slow pitch.
- Himanshu Rathod: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Qatar Predicted Playing XI:
Mohammad Tanveer (c), Saqlain Arshad, Mohammad Ahnaff, Kamran Khan, Shahzaib Jamil, Mohammad Irshad, Himanshu Rathod, Gayan Munaweera, Muhammad Jabir, Musawar Shah, Amir Farooq.
Thailand Preview
Thailand, led by Austin Lazarus, has been on a roll, having won all their matches in the Bhutan Quadrangular T20I series. They will be hoping to carry that winning momentum into this tournament. Thailand’s players have shown significant improvement in their T20 performances, and they will be keen to make a strong statement in the Asia Qualifier.
Batting Strengths:
- Captain Austin Lazarus: The leading run-scorer for Thailand in recent times, Lazarus has amassed 435 runs in 16 innings at an average of 36.25, including four half-centuries.
- Solid Middle Order: Thailand will depend on Akshay Kumar Yadav and Chaleomwong Chaphaisan to stabilize the innings, while Jandre Coetzee can provide the big hits down the order.
Bowling Attack:
- Pace and Spin Combo: Left-arm quick Jandre Coetzee has been the star bowler for Thailand, claiming 23 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive economy rate of 5.36. Sarawut Maliwan and Nopphon Senamontree will support him in the middle overs.
- Spin Options: Thailand’s spin attack, led by Mukesh Thakur and Sarawut Maliwan, can be a threat on the slower surfaces of Doha.
Key Players:
- Austin Lazarus: The skipper’s batting form will be crucial to Thailand’s chances.
- Jandre Coetzee: His ability to take wickets with the new ball could trouble the Qatari batters.
- Akshay Kumar Yadav: A dependable middle-order batter who can anchor the innings.
Thailand Predicted Playing XI:
Austin Lazarus (c), Akshay Kumar Yadav, Jandre Coetzee, Mukesh Thakur, Chaleomwong Chaphaisan, Yodsak Saranonnakkun (wk), Satarut Rungrueang, Anucha Kalasi, Nopphon Senamontree, Sarawut Maliwan, Kamron Senmontree.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Pitch Report at West End Park International Cricket Stadium: The pitch in Doha generally favors batters, offering decent bounce and carry. However, spinners can play a key role as the game progresses. The average first-innings score here is around 132, but teams should aim for a score above 150 to feel comfortable. The highest total at this venue was Qatar’s 201 for 7 against Maldives.
- Weather Forecast: The weather is expected to be sunny with a gentle breeze. There is no rain forecast, ensuring a full match. Temperatures will hover around 25°C, providing ideal conditions for cricket.
- Toss Prediction: The West End Park Stadium has favored teams chasing, with 10 of the last 12 matches being won by the side batting second. Both captains are likely to opt to bowl first if they win the toss, aiming to exploit the dew factor later in the evening.
Winning Prediction
Qatar will be playing at home and have an edge, especially with in-form players like Mohammad Tanveer and Musawar Shah leading their batting and bowling efforts, respectively. Thailand, however, comes into the tournament with confidence from their recent victories. Given the conditions and current form, Qatar is expected to dominate, but Thailand could pose a tough challenge.
Prediction: Qatar to win and start their campaign on a positive note.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain: Mohammad Tanveer
- Vice-Captain: Austin Lazarus
- Top Picks: Musawar Shah, Jandre Coetzee, Himanshu Rathod, Akshay Kumar Yadav
- Differential Picks: Saqlain Arshad, Sarawut Maliwan, Shahzaib Jamil
Suggested Fantasy XI:
- Mohammad Tanveer (C)
- Austin Lazarus (VC)
- Akshay Kumar Yadav
- Shahzaib Jamil
- Himanshu Rathod
- Saqlain Arshad
- Musawar Shah
- Jandre Coetzee
- Sarawut Maliwan
- Mukesh Thakur
- Gayan Munaweera
Expect an exciting contest as both teams look to set the tone for their tournament with a victory in this opening clash!
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