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The second round of matches in the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier features the United Arab Emirates (UAE) squaring off against Saudi Arabia. UAE comes into this game with a commanding victory over Bhutan, while Saudi Arabia fell agonizingly short in their chase against Bahrain, losing by just 3 runs. For UAE, it’s an opportunity to cement their position at the top, while Saudi Arabia will be desperate to bounce back and register their first win.
| Tournament: | ICC Mens T20 World Cup Qualifer B |
| Format: | T20 |
| Venue: | West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bowl |
Teams Preview
Saudi Arabia Preview
Saudi Arabia showed plenty of promise in their opening match, with standout performances but fell short of a winning start. Against UAE, a stronger opponent, they will need their entire lineup to step up to pose a serious challenge.
Batting Strengths:
- Abdul Waheed Ghaffar: The opener was exceptional in the previous match, smashing 110 off 55 balls, including 10 fours and 7 sixes. His form will be critical for Saudi Arabia’s chances.
- The middle-order trio of Faisal Khan, Abdul Manan Ali, and captain Waji Ul Hassan must deliver under pressure to back up Waheed’s efforts.
Bowling Concerns:
- Key Performers:
- Usman Najeeb: Impressed with figures of 2/32 but needs better support from his fellow bowlers.
- Ishtiaq Ahmed: Took 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 42 runs in 4 overs.
- The bowling attack must reduce errors, particularly wides and no-balls, which proved costly in the opening match.
Key Players:
- Abdul Waheed Ghaffar: Needs to replicate his heroics at the top of the order.
- Usman Najeeb: Can provide crucial breakthroughs if he maintains accuracy.
- Waji Ul Hassan: The captain will need to inspire with both bat and ball.
Predicted Playing XI:
Sajid Cheema, Abdul Waheed Ghaffar, Faisal Khan, Sidharth Sankar (wk), Abdul Manan Ali, Waji Ul Hassan (c), Usman Najeeb, Usman Khalid, Zain Ul Abidin, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Abdul Wahid.
United Arab Emirates Preview
UAE announced themselves as the team to beat with a resounding 63-run win over Bhutan in their opener. With a balanced side firing in both batting and bowling, they look poised to extend their winning run.
Batting Dominance:
- Muhammad Waseem: The UAE captain led from the front, blasting 46 off 24 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, giving his team a flying start.
- Alishan Sharafu: Anchored the innings with a composed half-century, ensuring a solid platform.
- Middle Order Contributions: While the middle order was relatively quiet, Muhammad Zuhaib provided a late flourish with a quickfire 22 off 9 balls.
Bowling Brilliance:
- Dhruv Parashar: The 19-year-old off-spinner was the star of the show, picking up 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his 4 overs.
- Nilansh Keswani: Supported Parashar with tight lines, drying up runs and applying pressure.
- UAE’s bowling unit looks well-rounded, with contributions from both pacers and spinners.
Key Players:
- Muhammad Waseem: The explosive opener is key to UAE’s aggressive starts.
- Dhruv Parashar: A game-changer with the ball, capable of dismantling opposition lineups.
- Alishan Sharafu: The dependable batter who can stabilize the innings.
Predicted Playing XI:
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Rahul Chopra, Syed Haider Shah (wk), Zuhaib Zubair, Ali Naseer, Nilansh Keswani, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Pitch Report:
The West End Park International Cricket Stadium is a batting paradise, offering consistent bounce and carry. With multiple totals over 200 recorded here, batters can dominate if they settle in. That said, bowlers who vary their pace and use the pitch’s slight grip can still make an impact.- Average 1st Innings Score: 175+ runs.
- Weather Forecast:
The weather in Doha is expected to be warm and sunny with no rain interruptions, ensuring perfect conditions for cricket. - Toss Prediction:
Teams chasing have historically dominated at this venue, winning 30 of the 49 completed matches. Both captains are likely to opt to field first and exploit any dew factor under lights.
Winning Prediction
UAE’s clinical display in their opening game underlines their status as favorites for this match. Saudi Arabia, while showing promise, lacks the depth and consistency to trouble a well-rounded UAE side.
Prediction: United Arab Emirates to win convincingly.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain: Muhammad Waseem
- Vice-Captain: Abdul Waheed Ghaffar
- Top Picks: Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu, Usman Najeeb, Muhammad Zuhaib
- Differential Picks: Nilansh Keswani, Sidharth Sankar, Ishtiaq Ahmed
Suggested Fantasy XI:
- Muhammad Waseem (C)
- Abdul Waheed Ghaffar (VC)
- Alishan Sharafu
- Faisal Khan
- Muhammad Zuhaib
- Dhruv Parashar
- Usman Najeeb
- Nilansh Keswani
- Junaid Siddique
- Ishtiaq Ahmed
- Sidharth Sankar
With UAE looking dominant and Saudi Arabia seeking redemption, expect a thrilling encounter at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium!
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