*NEPAL VS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 7th PLACE PLAYOFF SEMI FINAL 2 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Here’s another fixture to keep you glued to your screens, this time UAE coming up against Nepal (two teams that lost the plot and hence could not qualify for the Super Sixes). The two sides clashing would be eager to seal this spot after what was a disappointing campaign for them before this.
Nepal showed promise in their opening two fixtures only for it, to go down the drain come the last two matches. Their batting was a big flop with them being bundled out for 238 and 167, scores which they would desperately like to forget and move past. A collective batting effort with Rohit Paudel, their skipper leading the way is needed if they are sure of retaining some pride.
The UAE on the other hand had an abysmal tournament, much worse than that of Nepal. They lost all four games and the margin of their defeats were as follows- loss by 175 runs, loss by 5 wickets, loss by 111 runs and loss by 138 runs. Goes onto give us a conclusion of how forgetful their outing was. Vriithya Aravind, who came into this tournament on the back of an impressive run was given a serious reality check as he could accumulate only 98 runs in the four innings he played, with his latest effort being a 18 ball 10. UAE would have to pick up their missing pieces if they are to give a fight to Nepal and in the process, record their first major win.
*NEPAL PROBABLE XI:*
Rohit Kumar Paudel(C), Aarif Sheikh, K Bhurtel, B Sharki, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Asif Sheikh(wk), Gulshan Kumar Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Alot was expected out of Lamichhane, the premier leggie of Nepal but he failed to deliver the goods at any point this tournament. The fact that he averages beyond 80 is a testimony to how poor a tourney he truly had. He’d be looking to make amends in this game vs UAE given their inexperience as a unit and the bad form that they are coming from.
Looking forward to watching Bhim Sharki, who played a good knock of 77 vs USA but failed to keep up with the expectations later. From what I saw, he looked to me as someone who can even take the much better bowling groups over the top and I’d be interested to see what he has to offer tomorrow.
*UAE PROBABLE XI:*
Waseem Muhammad(C), Rameez Shahzad, A Naseer, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, V Aravind(wk), Aryansh Sharma, Aayan Afzal Khan, Junaid Siddique, K Meiyappan, Zahoor Khan
Waseem, the skipper of this side gave away a strong start as he was left stranded on 45. Though he had a tournament with loads of ups and downs, he still looked much better than his counterparts in the team. If he has to restore some pride for his nation, he’d have to step up and make it count once again, this time with a much bigger and stronger knock that blows away the opponent. His strike rate has also been decent with him nearly touching 90 with it.
I’d be backing Zahoor Khan to be among the top wicket takers tomorrow simply because of the experience that he boasts of. He could come clutch in a game where UAE are searching for their first ever win this tournament. Watch out for him. If he fails to get the game time which he didn’t vs Ireland, expect Junaid Siddique to play an integral role as he already has 5 wickets up his sleeves with an average of 28.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR NEPAL:*
Highest run getter- B Sharki/Rohit Paudel
Highest wicket taker- Karan KC/Sandeep Lamichhane
*FOR UAE:*
Highest run getter- Muhammad Waseem
Highest wicket taker- Junaid Siddique/K Meiyappan
*FOR THE GAME:*
Nepal to win