The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will face Cambodia in the 7th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B 2024. Scheduled for November 22, 2024, at West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha, this game is a pivotal clash in the initial stages of the tournament. The qualifier offers smaller cricketing nations in Asia a chance to secure a spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
With contrasting fortunes, the UAE is riding high with back-to-back wins, while Cambodia struggles to find form. Will Cambodia stage an upset, or will the UAE assert their dominance once again?
United Arab Emirates Team Preview
The UAE enters this match as a strong contender. Their recent performances in T20Is highlight their form, including four wins in their last five matches, one of which was against the USA—who had previously stunned Pakistan in the T20I World Cup.
In this qualifier, the UAE leads the table with two emphatic victories:
- Match 1 vs Bhutan: UAE posted 166/8 in 20 overs, with a steady run rate of 9 per over until the 11th. Despite losing late wickets, Dhruv Parashar’s phenomenal 4/12 dismantled Bhutan for 103.
- Match 2 vs Saudi Arabia: Batting first, the UAE scored 162/5. Rahul Chopra’s 58 anchored the innings, supported by a disciplined bowling effort led by Parashar and Simranjeet Kang, restricting Saudi Arabia to 145.
The UAE boasts a balanced squad with depth in both batting and bowling. Players like Dhruv Parashar, Simranjeet Kang, and Rahul Chopra have been pivotal and are expected to shine again.
Key Players to Watch
- Rahul Chopra: A reliable batsman, scoring 58 in the last match at a strike rate of 161.11.
- Dhruv Parashar: A standout bowler with consistent performances, including 4/12 and 2/11 in his last two matches.
- Simranjeet Kang: Adds value with his control, taking key wickets while maintaining a low economy.
Predicted Playing XI
Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (c), Asif Khan, Rahul Chopra, Ali Naseer, Zuhaib Zubair, Syed Haider Shah (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Simranjeet Kang.
Cambodia Team Preview
Cambodia’s journey in T20I cricket has been far from ideal. They remain winless in their last five matches and are positioned 6th out of 7 teams in the tournament standings.
In their opening game against Thailand, Cambodia suffered a 16-run defeat:
- Bowling First: Thailand capitalized on Cambodia’s weak bowling lineup, amassing 178/6. Sahaj Chadha emerged as their best bowler with 2/30 in 4 overs.
- Chasing 179: Despite a spirited effort from Luqman Butt (60) and Mahaj Chadha (44), Cambodia fell short, managing 162/7. Their lower-order struggles remain a major concern, with four batsmen dismissed for single-digit scores.
Cambodia lacks firepower in both batting and bowling, making it a challenging task to compete against a formidable opponent like the UAE.
Key Players to Watch
- Luqman Butt: Showed resilience with a 60-run knock in the last match.
- Mahaj Chadha: Contributed with both bat and ball, but he needs more support from the team.
- Gulam Murtaza: The captain must step up to inspire his side.
Predicted Playing XI
Etienne Beukes, Salvin Stanly, Lakshit Gupta, Phon Bunthean, Sahaj Chadha, Uday Hathinjar (wk), Luqman Butt, Gulam Murtaza (c), Nived Gireesh, Utkarsh Jain, Shah Abrar Hussain.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Forecast
The weather in Doha is expected to remain clear with no rain interruptions. Temperatures will range between 20°C and 28°C, with moderate winds blowing from the northwest.
Pitch Report
West End Park International Cricket Stadium has historically favored teams bowling first. Around 60% of T20I matches here have been won by teams chasing. The pitch offers assistance to bowlers early on but flattens out as the game progresses, making it crucial to capitalize on favorable conditions.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss should opt to bowl first to exploit early conditions and maximize their chances in the chase.
Match Prediction
The UAE stands as the clear favorite in this contest. Their batting depth, disciplined bowling, and consistent performances give them a significant edge over Cambodia, whose weaknesses in both departments are glaring.
Predicted Winner: United Arab Emirates
With a strong lineup and momentum on their side, the UAE is poised for their third consecutive win in the tournament.
This clash showcases the growing diversity in international cricket, with teams like Cambodia gaining valuable exposure. While the UAE is likely to dominate, Cambodia’s effort to improve will be key to their long-term success in T20Is.