*IRELAND VS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MATCH 20 PREVIEW- ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*FIGHTING FOR PRIDE:*
Both Ireland and UAE have been eliminated from the tournament but with one last game to go, they have a chance to regain the pride of their nation and fulfill the promise they made to their fans. Both have had forgettable tournaments losing three in a row and not giving themselves even one percent of a chance to make it through to the next round. What would hurt Ireland in particular is the fashion in which they have bowed out. They were stronger than both Scotland and Oman on paper but were beaten by both- against one in a convincing manner whereas against the other in a close manner. A team with high placed reputation of the Irish men, these losses would come as a sign of regret, an aspect which they would like to take seriously and try and bounce back soon.
On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates with much less expectations than the Irish men were on the receiving end of some bashing from Scotland and Srilanka. Though they were able to restore some pride vs Oman, they’d have hoped for better returns for the other two teams.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie will be hoping that the side can play to their potential and deliver a consolation win over United Arab Emirates.
On the other hand, United Arab Emirates suffered a comprehensive 111-run defeat against Scotland. The side will be looking to end their disappointing World Cup Qualifiers campaign on a positive note.
*IRELAND PROBABLE XI:*
Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Andrew Balbirnie(c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy
In the previous match, Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland and claimed 4 for 46 in 9.5 overs. Besides Adair, Barry McCarthy also put in a decent performance and finished with figures of 3 for 56 in nine overs. The two would be key alongside the ever so impressive Little if Ireland are to end on the right note.
In the previous match. Curtis Campher scored 39 runs off 31 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six, whereas Harry Tector scored 33 runs off 35 balls with the help of three fours and one six. The batting was a big flop for Ireland once again, they just haven’t been able to click with the bat in hand. Their latest batting disaster ended in the men in green being bundled out for 192. A show from Stirling-Tector and Balbirnie would be the need of the hour.
*UAE PROBABLE XI:*
Muhammad Waseem (c), Rohan Mustafa, Vriitya Aravind, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Karthik Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique
Junaid Siddique was the star last game getting rid of three batters for 49 off his 10 overs. The likes of Ali Naseer will also be key for UAE if they are to dominate this game and end their campaign with an upset to cherish.
Eagerly looking forward to watch both Waseem and Basil Hameed go about their business tomorrow. They showed signs of form the last game and could come in handy in their last league stage encounter. Waseem will only be building on his rep as a leader by scoring runs from the front in bulk.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR IRE:*
Highest run getter- Harry Tector/Andrew Balbirnie
Highest wicket taker- Josh Little/Mark Adair
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Muhammad Waseem/Vriithya Aravind
Highest wicket taker- Zahoor Khan/Junaid Siddique
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Ireland to register the consolidation win