Qatar vs Bahrain, Gulf Cricket T20I Championship, 2024-12-20 05:00 GMT

Match Preview

The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai is set to host the crucial Gulf Cricket T20I Championship match between Qatar and Bahrain on December 20, 2024. Both teams have shown impressive performances in the tournament so far, and this match is expected to be a closely contested encounter.

Teams

Qatar

Qatar has a strong batting lineup, with Imal Liyanage and Muhammad Asim being the top run-scorers for the team. Liyanage has scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 111, while Asim has accumulated 123 runs at a strike rate of 156. The team's bowling attack is led by Himanshu Rathod, who has taken 5 wickets at an average of 6.25.

Bahrain

Bahrain's batting department is led by Ahmer Bin Nasir, who has scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 121. Asif Ali and Haider Ali Butt are other key contributors to the team's batting lineup. The team's bowling attack is spearheaded by Imran Khan, who has taken 7 wickets at an average of 4.75.

Pitch Report

The ICC Academy Ground in Dubai has a reputation for being a batting-friendly wicket. The average first innings total at this venue is around 156 runs, and teams batting first will look to post a competitive total of around 160 runs. The pitch is expected to provide some assistance to spin bowlers as the match progresses, and the new ball may swing a bit for the pacers early on in the first innings.

Toss Prediction

Given the morning start time of the match, both captains will likely look to field first. Chasing has been the preferred option in morning games in the competition so far.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for the match is sunny and warm, with no chance of rain. Spin bowlers may get some help as the match progresses, and the new ball may swing a bit for the pacers early on in the first innings.

Match Prediction

Based on the recent form of both teams, Bahrain is expected to win this match. They have a strong batting lineup and a well-balanced bowling attack, which should give them an edge over Qatar. However, Qatar has shown that they can be a formidable opponent, and this match is expected to be a closely contested encounter.

Predicted Playing XI:

Qatar: Saqlain Arshad, Imal Liyanage (wk), Mohammed Rizlan (c), Muhammad Tanveer, Muhammad Asim, Mohammad Ahnaff, Mohammad Ikramullah Khan, Himanshu Rathod, Amir Farooq, Muhammad Jabir, Mohammed Nadeem.

Bahrain: Prashant Kurup (wk), Sarfaraz Ali, Asif Ali, Haider Ali Butt (c), Junaid Aziz, Imran Anwar, Sai Sarthak, Ahmer Bin Nasir, Rizwan Butt, Abdul Majid Abbasi, Imran Khan.

Key Players:

Qatar: Imal Liyanage, Muhammad Asim, Himanshu Rathod.

Bahrain: Ahmer Bin Nasir, Asif Ali, Haider Ali Butt, Imran Khan.

Match Statistics:

• Average first innings total at ICC Academy Ground: 156 runs.
• Highest score recorded at ICC Academy Ground: 204/5 (Oman vs Qatar).
• Bahrain's recent form: 3 wins in last 5 matches.
• Qatar's recent form: 2 wins in last 5 matches.