Time: 24 Feb, 3.30 IST
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Oman
Pitch Report
Over the past three games at this venue, the team defending a score has won comfortably. Batting first appears to be the best option.
Teams
Probable XI for UAE: Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Muhammad Usman, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Zawar Farid, Kashif Daud, Ahmed Raza (c), Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique
Probable XI for Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Harry Tector, Andy McBrine, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Joshua Little
Fantasy Tips
We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Power Players
Vriitya Aravind is the leading run-scorer (267) in the tournament, scoring three fifties and two forties. He will also be donning the gloves – a fact that helps fantasy players accumulate handy points.
For many years, Craig Young has been leading the pace attack for Ireland. Once again, he stands as the highest wicket-taker (8) for his side.
Andy McBrine walked away with the Player of the Match award in the semi-finals. Note that he scripted Ireland’s famous ODI series win over the West Indies recently, bagging 10 wickets and scoring 128 runs.
Smart Picks
Rohan Mustafa hasn’t been at his very best. That said, he comes with a reputation of having won multiple games for UAE with his all-round skills.
With scores of 7, 50, 2, and 70, Muhammad Waseem has been the top run-getter for UAE.
Spinner Ahmed Raza will be brimming with confidence, after picking up a five-wicket haul in the previous game against Nepal.
Paul Stirling hasn’t fired with the bat yet. But we know what he is capable of, especially in the powerplay. Also, he is known for breaking partnerships.
Ireland’s batting fortunes will largely depend on the experienced duo of Andre Balbirnie and Gareth Delany.
Match Prediction
Ireland’s only loss in the group stages came against the UAE, but since then, the Irish have won three games in a row. On the other hand, the UAE suffered a shocking loss to Bahrain a few days ago. It is anybody’s ballgame.
