*SRILANKA VS UAE MATCH 3: PREVIEW- ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Try putting yourself in Lanka’s place. They competed at the ICC World Cup 2011 and reached the finals only to lose a close game against India. But eversince that phase, 12 years have passed and the Island nation has seemed to have lost its charm. They are expected to play their first Qualifier game tomorrow and domination is the most likely scenario. The situation which the Srilankan Cricket is in at the moment isn’t a comfortable one but Dasun Shanaka and co would give it their all to first cement a spot at this years World Cup then start looking ahead with the greater goal of qualifying for the semis.
In their opening encounter in this Pre World Cup stage in Zimbabwe, they are going to lock horns against a rising UAE side who have a lot of potential and skill backing them. The side comprises of players from the subcontinent and their game would surely be tested on these pace friendly Zimbabwe wickets that are likely to support the act of pacers all along. It would be a nice change for the boys that represent the Middle East who are accustomed to low bounce wickets which aid spin and turn a mile.
Infact, both Srilanka and UAE, whose more potent weapon is their spin department will look forward to this stiff challenge that is going to come right in front of them. With Srilanka starting as clear favourites, The United Arab Emirates have a golden and a fascinating opportunity to upset one of the strong units here and position themselves in the record books.
*SRILANKA PROBABLE XI:*
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(wk), Dhananjaya Desilva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka(c), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
I have placed Dasun Shanaka at no6 given his rock solid finishing abilities but the Lankan skipper has shown what he boasts of even if he promotes himself up the order. He needs to bat more balls in order to create a greater impact for Srilanka as a middle overs batter and someone who can up the ante even in pressure building situations. In Srilanka’s last game at the Warmups, he was at his brutal best smashing 61 off 30, striking at over 200 and in the process hitting 2 sixes and 7 fours. This knock should act as a much needed confidence booster as Srilanka’s skipper prepares to battle it out tomorrow.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis are two stroke makers whose ability to tackle pace will be key not just here in Zimbabwe but later on, in India as well. In such pitches where the ball tends to come quicker and bouncier, these two lankan batters have what it takes to emerge victorious. They are being backed by scores of 111 and 105 respectively after they bashed the USA bowlers a few days ago.
I would prefer the pace of Lahiru Kumara, who could be a real asset on these wickets ahead of the searing Yorker producing Matheesha Pathirana. The latter is inexperienced and isn’t as exposed to the One day format as Kumara while the former would look for impressive returns to start off with so that it acts as a boon for the rest of his campaign here in Zimbabwe.
*UAE PROBABLE XI:*
Muhammad Waseem(c), Asif Khan, Vriithya Aravind(wk), Basil Hameed, Rameez Shehzad, Ali Naseer, Ethan Desouza, Rohan Mustafa, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah
Zahoor Khan, one of the most experienced bowlers of this group has produced mediocre returns so far- picking up just a single wicket in the two warmup games but would look forward to getting back to his best specially against a strong SL setup as this would boost his confidence heading into the later stages of the tournament and would help in sending a message to the rest of the teams.
We have often heard that captains who lead from the front get succesful returns from their team most often than not. Waseem, one of the seniors of this side and an important opener hasn’t found it easy in the warmups being dismissed for an under 30s score both times. He wasn’t at his fluent best even against WI lately in Sharjah but come this qualifiers, a reversal of fortunes is expected. The team itself gets refined once the skipper starts controlling the proceedings in his skill of expertise and Waseem is aware of this development.
The runs that are accumulated at the back end of an innings are always a crucial point- just as much as the start of an innings. Rohan Mustafa against Nepal was destructive, and it paid dividends as UAE chased down 276 with 3 wickets remaining. Smashing 77 off 56 is no ordinary feat coming so late down the order and he has been able to nail the role that Shanaka has mastered over the years.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THIS GAME:*
*FOR SL:*
Highest run getter- Dimuth Karunaratne/Kusal Mendis
Highest wicket taker- Lahiru Kumara/Wanindu Hasaranga
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Vriithya Aravind/Muhammad Waseem
Highest wicket taker- Zahoor Khan/Karthik Meiyappan
*FOR THE GAME:*
SL to win with a comfortable margin