*UAE VS WINDIES PREVIEW-2nd ODI*
*THE BUILD UP:*
The Caribbean’s finished off the first ODI with 88 balls to spare, completing a proper assault on UAE having coursed through an easy win in the first ODI. While Brandon King starred for the visitors with a sparkling century, it was a collective show by the bowlers to restrict UAE to just 202 at Sharjah. The result that came out of the first meeting between these two sides was on expected lines but the hosts will hope for a better showing come the 2nd ODI, tomorrow (within a two day gap). There were, however, a few bright spots in different departments for UAE including the likes of Aravind and Ali Naseer with the bat as well as Afzal Khan and Mustafa with the bowl. The middle eastern outfit, banking on the experience of a few, would be keen on turning this around and making this series a competitive affair.
*UAE PROBABLE XI:*
Muhammad Waseem(c), Aryansh Sharma(wk), Vriitya Aravind, Rameez Shahzad, Asif Khan, Rohan Mustafa, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan
UAE would like their skipper to take charge with the bat, after a disappointing show last game. He has been in fine form lately, having accumulated more than a 1000 runs since last year in ODI cricket. On a wicket that aids the batters most often than not, a display of dominance will be expected out of Waseem.
Mustafa and Aravind, with the bowl and the bat respectively, showed what they are capable of even last game where UAE received a bashing vs WI. The hosts would bank on their confidence and another impressive performance from the duo should help their cause.
*WI PROBABLE XI:*
Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope(c)(wk), Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Yannic Cariah, Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes
In an otherwise one sided affair, the Windies side will be keen on cruising past a weak UAE outfit at Sharjah. Banking on how they assaulted them in game 1, the men from the Caribbean lead by Hope, will look for another showing of this kind and take UAE to the cleaners. Brandon King who suffered a minor injury should be fit and ready to fire from upfront, solidifying the case of West Indies cricket.
Sahi Hope surprisingly came lower down the order in the first ODI but if a cluster of wickets fall in the second game, we could see this ODI giant compete for glory and hit shots right out of the cricketing manual. The Windies Skipper has a fabulous game plan to kill the UAE bowlers with his delightful stroke play and boasts of a great record in this format specially in UAE. On a surface where 270 is an ideal total, the situations demands for a Hope special and a promotion for himself today, could be a treat for all WI fans out there.
Shamarh Brooks has also scored 756 runs at 32.86 since last year. He scored a decent 44 off 58 balls last game and would be looking to make the most of the opportunity that is given to him, in order to go big, in the second ODI. WI have a strong top order and despite some of the guns not available for WI here, they still have all the resources up their sleeves to come out on top against this UAE side. Roston Chase, who generally bats in the Top 4, batting at 7 goes onto show the depth in batting for WI, which makes the scene tough for UAE.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Vriithya Aravind/Muhammad Waseem
Highest wicket taker- Rohan Mustafa/Zahoor Khan
*FOR WI:*
Highest run getter- Brandon King/Shai Hope
Highest wicket taker- Odean Smith/Yannic Cariah
*FOR THIS GAME:*
WI expected to seal the series with this game. The visitors would aim for another smashing performance, to dismantle this UAE side at their own home ground.