Qatar vs United Arab Emirates, 12th Match, Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024

Match Preview

The 12th match of the Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2024 will see Qatar take on United Arab Emirates at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The match is scheduled to start at 09:30 GMT.

Team Analysis

Qatar's batting lineup, while not as high-profile as some of their regional counterparts, has the ability to surprise with solid performances from their top and middle-order. Players who can anchor innings and accelerate towards the end will be key. Qatar's strength lies in its spin bowlers, who can exploit the conditions of the UAE. Expect tight bowling and wicket-taking opportunities through the middle overs.

On the other hand, the UAE boasts a squad filled with experience, particularly in the T20 format. They have several players with prior international exposure, which gives them the edge in terms of handling pressure. The UAE's opening pair and top-order batsmen are known for their aggressive stroke play. With power hitters capable of taking on bowlers in the powerplay, they can set up big scores.

Pitch Analysis

The pitch at the ICC Academy Ground generally favors batsmen, especially during the early and middle overs. The ball tends to come onto the bat nicely, allowing strokemaking. The first six overs are likely to see aggressive batting, with the ball coming onto the bat and enabling the openers to play their shots freely. The outfield is usually fast, making boundaries relatively easy to score.

As the game progresses, the pitch might slow down slightly, but it should still remain decent for batting. The outfield may also get a little slower under lights, but batting should still be manageable, especially if the top-order sets a strong foundation.

Head-to-Head Record

The UAE has been the stronger team in the T20I format, given their more experienced squad and greater exposure to international cricket. The UAE has generally won the majority of their encounters with Qatar.

Predicted Playing XIs

Qatar Predicted XI:

• Imal Liyanage (WK)
• Mohammed Rizlan (C)
• Saqlain Arshad
• Muhammad Tanveer
• Mohammad Ahnaff
• Muhammad Asim Liaqat Ali
• Mujeebur Rehman
• Muhammad Ikramullah
• Muhammad Jabir
• Amir Farooq
• Mohammed Nadeem

United Arab Emirates Predicted XI:

• Syed Haider
• Tanish Suri (WK)
• Waseem Muhammad
• Alishan Sharafu
• Asif Khan
• Ali Naseer
• Dhruv Parashar
• Junaid Siddique
• Muhammad Jawad Ullah
• Simranjeet Singh Kang
• Muhammad Zuhaib Zubair

Match Prediction

The UAE is the favorite to win this match, given their superior batting depth, experience, and balanced team. They have been consistent in their performances against Qatar and have the edge in terms of skill and experience.

Qatar will need to rely heavily on their spinners and a disciplined batting performance if they are to challenge the UAE. However, it would require an exceptional effort to overcome the UAE's all-around strength.

Prediction: UAE to win by 7-15 runs or 4-6 wickets.

Case 1: If Qatar bats first

• First Innings score prediction: Qatar will score 190-200
• Result prediction: Qatar will win the match by more than 40 runs

Case 2: If United Arab Emirate bats first

• First Innings score prediction: United Arab Emirate will score 115-125
• Result prediction: Qatar will win the match by 8 wickets

Note: The prediction is based on the analysis of the teams' past performances and the conditions of the match.