ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 | Can Scotland maintain their unbeaten streak against UAE's resilient challenge?
Scotland have started their campaign with a win in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 (Source: Twitter/@CricketScotland)
The ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 are in full swing, and the 12th match of the tournament is scheduled for June 23rd at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo. Scotland and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to clash in a crucial encounter, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the highly anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup.
Scotland enters this match on the back of an exhilarating 1-wicket triumph over Ireland, and they will be eager to capitalize on that momentum. United Arab Emirates, however, faced successive defeats against Sri Lanka and Oman, leaving them on the verge of elimination from the tournament.
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In their head-to-head clashes, Scotland has enjoyed the advantage, emerging victorious in eight out of the twelve matches contested between the two teams. United Arab Emirates has achieved triumph in four matches, but Scotland has asserted dominance in recent encounters by clinching victory in the last two games.
Bulawayo Athletic Club Pitch: A Batting Paradise Awaits
Pitch Analysis: Data since last 3 years
The pitch at Bulawayo Athletic Club has been quite balanced for teams batting first, with an average score of 254 runs. However, the win percentage for teams batting first stands at 50%, indicating that chasing has been equally fruitful. The highest successful chase on this pitch was 285 runs, showcasing the potential for exciting comebacks.
When it comes to taking wickets, pacers have accounted for 64% of the dismissals, while spinners have contributed with 36% of the scalps, suggesting a fairly even distribution of wicket-taking opportunities for both types of bowlers.
The weather in Bulawayo can be characterized as somewhat unpredictable, with a minimal 10 percent chance of rainfall on the day of the match. According to the forecast, the maximum temperature will reach 22°C, accompanied by a humidity level of 62 percent. The wind speed is anticipated to be moderate, approximately 21 km/h.
Player Rivalries: SCO vs UAE Key Matchups
Matthew Cross vs Basil Hameed
During the Cross vs Hameed matchup - Matthew Cross faced 39 balls, accumulating 31 runs and conceding 1 wicket. Cross showcased his batting strength, putting up a solid performance against Hameed's bowling. This intense battle between the two players guarantees an exciting showdown, as Cross looks to maintain his impressive form against Hameed's challenging deliveries.
Michael Leask vs Basil Hameed
In the clash between Michael Leask and Basil Hameed, Hameed bowled 19 balls, giving away 16 runs and dismissing Leask twice. Leask has struggled as a batter against Hameed's bowling prowess, making him a weaker player in this matchup. Hameed's ability to consistently trouble Leask with his deliveries has been evident. The battle between the two promises to be intriguing, with Leask aiming to overcome Hameed's challenges and make a stronger impact in future encounters.
Michael Leask vs Rohan Mustafa
In the clash between Michael Leask and Rohan Mustafa, Rohan bowled 23 deliveries, conceding 29 runs and failing to dismiss Leask. Leask has proven to be a strong batter in this matchup, successfully navigating Mustafa's bowling and preventing his dismissal. As they face each other on the cricket field, Leask will aim to maintain his batting prowess against Mustafa's bowling arsenal.
Conclusion
Scotland should capitalize on their momentum from the previous win and rely on their strong batting lineup to set a challenging target. They should aim to exploit the bowling weaknesses of United Arab Emirates, particularly against the pacers, who have proven to be effective in taking wickets.
On the other hand, UAE should focus on regaining their form and rectifying their recent defeats. They need to make smart bowling choices, leveraging the spinners' contribution to disrupt Scotland's batting order.
Ultimately, the team that can effectively execute their game plan, adapt to the conditions, and deliver consistent performances in all aspects of the game will be in the best position to emerge victorious.
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