*OMAN VS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MATCH 8 PREVIEW: ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Oman as a side entered into the fray with the tag of underdogs and made their intentions very clear after handing over Ireland, one of the strongest in the tournament, a defeat. Oman have certainly started positively and this should give them a world of confidence having collected their first points already.
Zeeshan Maqsood, their skipper and their star all-rounder was instrumental as he racked up 59 runs and sent Balbirnie, the opposition skipper back to the pavilion for a mere 7. Oman would need this gem demolishing the enemy once again if they are to complete a 2 on 2 streak in the qualifiers. Such a head-start for the team carrying the underperformance tag would be a real charm.
UAE, on the other hand, are still recovering from the bashing that they received from a well horned Sri Lankan side which was successful in finishing the match early with 11 overs to spare. Teams generally do not recover from a 175 run knock out punch and what Hasaranga did in his opening encounter will still be playing on their minds. The expected trio of Mohammad Waseem- Aravind- Ali Haseer were among the runs with a 39, 39 and 34 and the fans of this middle eastern outfit would expect a reversal of fortunes and for these players to go big once they have dug in, to show the world what batting prowess UAE possess.
UAE would be aiming to get back to winning ways with a much improved performance and putting a full stop to Zeeshan’s men given how high they are flying after the world class upsetting victory against Ireland.
*OMAN PROBABLE XI*
Kashyap Prajapathi, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Mohammad Nadeem, Aayan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Naseem Khushi (Wk), Jay Odedra, Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan
I’d be keeping a close eye on the likes of Kashyap, Aqib and Zeeshan who were the highest run getters for Oman when they crashed against Ireland. Not only were these three hitting boundaries at will, but were mastering the art of strike rotation and playing the singles-doubles game. Naseem Khushi did not get a chance to bat but his glove work was nothing short of sensational. He’s another wicket keeper bat that I will be eagerly looking forward to watch.
Bilal khan and Fayyaz butt picked up 2 wickets each but were a tad expensive and conceded five wides combined. This is one aspect of their bowling which they would look to improve so that a proper hammering can be given to the United Arab Emirates.
*UAE PROBABLE XI*
Mohammad Waseem (C), Rohan Mustafa, Vriithya Aravind (Wk), Basil Hameed, Asif Khan, Rameez Shahzad, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Kartik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Mohammad Jawadulla
UAE would pin their hopes on Aravind and Ali Naseer, two very promising and talented batters who in the last year or so have been the back bone of UAE batting. Aravind is technically sound and would look to convert whatever start he gets versus Oman. Ali Naseer on the other hand, has been giving body blows to the opposition with his lower order power hitting. Oman would be vary of this threat come tomorrow’s game
What makes Naseer a handy bet is also his wicket taking abilities as he sent two Lankan batters with an economy under 5 back to the dug out, the last game. This makes him an all round package and someone who UAE can wholly rely upon.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THIS GAME:*
*FOR OMAN:*
Highest run getter- Zeeshan Maqsood/Kashyap Prajapati
Highest wicket taker- Bilal Khan/Zeeshan Maqsood
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Vriithya Aravind/Ali Naseer
Highest wicket taker- Ali Naseer/Zahoor Khan
*FOR THE GAME:*
Oman to win