It is the battle of associates in Pool B on February 25.
Ireland meets UAE to fight it out for the two crucial points on the platter. For Ireland, the two points will help them build on their quarter finals ambition whereas win for UAE would give them the boost and motivation to compete against the other teams in the competition.
Both the teams come from a totally different background. Ireland is the strongest among the four associates competing in the competition and were the first to qualify for this world cup. They are the most professional unit among the associates. The players have central contract, most of them play in the English counties and their system has even produced few players who have represented England, leaving the shores of Ireland. On the other hand, UAE team is full of amateurs. Only couple of players in the squad are native of UAE and others in the team have subcontinental origin. They have a totally different full time jobs and it is cricket that unites them. Most of them are in their middle ages. Yet they are here competing with the full timers in this event, shoulder to shoulder.
Ireland had been giant killers right from their first world cup in 2007 where they tied with Zimbabwe, defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh. In 2011, they chased a 300+ total to defeat England. In this edition, in the very first match, they have defeated West Indies. Their intention is clear, they are not here to just participate. Their destination is knock-outs. On the other hand UAE is in the world cup only the second time. Their only win in the world cup had come against the Netherlands in 1996. They came very close to defeating Zimbabwe in the opener this edition. They would like to go to the next stage but more than that they are here to compete and cause a couple of upsets in the process.
Ireland is unlikely to make any change to the squad that defeated West Indies. Three of the top four batsmen score 50+ in that match. Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien add solidity to the lower order. McBrine bowled exceptionally and Dockrell was among wickets. They are high in confidence and will definitely start as favourite when they take on UAE.
UAE's batting looked good during their match against Zimbabwe. Except Amjad Ali, all were among runs and they got a boost from Amjad Javed and Mohammad Naveed in the lower order. Both of them bowled well upfront in the innings as well. Shaiman Anwar's belligerence and veteran Khurram Khan's experience helped UAE to set Zimbabwe a formidable target of 285. Their bowling unit led by skipper Mohammad Tauqir kept UAE in race till as late as 45th over. They too do not have any compulsion to change their playing XI.
The two teams have never met before in an ODI and when they meet, each of them will have a point to prove.
Ireland is unlikely to make any change to the squad that defeated West Indies. Three of the top four batsmen score 50+ in that match. Andy Balbirnie and Kevin O'Brien add solidity to the lower order. McBrine bowled exceptionally and Dockrell was among wickets. They are high in confidence and will definitely start as favourite when they take on UAE.
UAE's batting looked good during their match against Zimbabwe. Except Amjad Ali, all were among runs and they got a boost from Amjad Javed and Mohammad Naveed in the lower order. Both of them bowled well upfront in the innings as well. Shaiman Anwar's belligerence and veteran Khurram Khan's experience helped UAE to set Zimbabwe a formidable target of 285. Their bowling unit led by skipper Mohammad Tauqir kept UAE in race till as late as 45th over. They too do not have any compulsion to change their playing XI.
The two teams have never met before in an ODI and when they meet, each of them will have a point to prove.
*Image: courtsey Star Sports
No comments:
Post a Comment