It’s time for an even contest in this Asia Cup. The Oman versus UAE game is going to be classical as any of the sides can be victorious.
These teams had faced one another in four Twenty20 Internationals until the end of 2022. Never. However, in their five meetings over the past three years, these teams have been fairly evenly matched, with the UAE winning three times and Oman winning twice.
They had faced each other in the Asia Cup feeder tournament, the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final.
On that particular occasion, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem’s 56-ball 100* had put the UAE’s total well beyond Oman’s grasp. However, Oman had dealt the UAE a humiliating loss earlier in the competition.
Licking their wounds, they arrive at this encounter. India shot the UAE out for 57 before the target was chased down in 4.3 overs, making the opening encounter perhaps the most traumatic. In their encounter with Pakistan, Oman was 67 all out and chasing 161.
There is a slim chance that either or both of these teams could pull off an upset in their most recent group game.
However, on the biggest stage either team will play on this year, this game is probably their best chance to put some points on the table.
Actually, it’s a chance for both teams to end losing streaks. Uganda’s victory over the UAE in late July set off a run of six straight losses for the UAE, who have been far more active in T20I cricket this year.
Additionally, Oman has lost six straight games since December of last year. They have suffered three defeats in that period to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United States. By now, both teams will be itching for a T20I victory, but Oman’s wait has been much longer.
All the eyes will be on Oman’s captain Jatinder Singh and UAE’s captain Muhammad Waseem how they lead their side to stay alive in the tournament.
Probable Playing XI:
Oman (possible): 1 Aamir Kaleem, 2 Jatinder Singh (capt), 3 Hammad Mirza, 4 Mohammad Nadeem, 5 Sufyan Mehmood, 6 Vinayak Shukla (wk), 7 Zikria Islam, 8 Shah Faisal, 9 Shakeel Ahmed, 10 Hassnain Shah, 11 Samay Shrivastava
UAE (possible): 1 Alishan Sharafu, 2 Muhammad Waseem (capt), 3 Muhammad Zohaib, 4 Rahul Chopra (wk), 5 Asif Khan, 6 Harshit Kaushik, 7 Dhruv Parashar, 8 Simranjeet Singh, 9 Haider Ali, 10 Junaid Siddique, 11 Muhammad Rohid
Pitch and weather report;
Although it occasionally has something for the slower bowlers as well, the Abu Dhabi pitch is usually batting-friendly. There is no chance of rain.
Heat-to-head record:
The UAE and Oman have faced each other in nine T20I matches, with the Emirates winning five times and Oman securing four victories
Prediction;
UAE are favourites to win this clash
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: PTV Sports, Tapmad, Myco
India: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv app
UAE and MENA: CricLife Max via eLife TV and Switch TV, StarzPlay
Australia: Kayo Sports
Bangladesh: Gazi TV, Toffee, Tapmad
