UAE vs NZ, 1st T20I- An Analytical Preview

Sai

image-llezgj6zWaseem Muhammad will be leading UAE in the series against New Zealand (Source: Twitter)

On the 17th of August the Kiwis will face the United Arab Emirates on their home soil in Dubai. Both these teams are in contrasting positions as New Zealand is in the top 3 of the ICC T20 rankings and the UAE are currently 16th. 

 New Zealand have only won 1 T20I series away this season so this will be a chance for them to improve their form away from home on relatively weak UAE side who haven’t won a single bilateral series so far this season and have been disappointing in the World Cup Qualifiers where they lost all their games and failed to even make it to the super sixes. 

The conditions at Dubai look mostly sunny as always with the temperature at 40.5 degrees celsius with 31% humidity and 1% chance of rain which looks like we could have a contest without any interruptions from the weather.


By the Numbers: Dubai International Stadium's Statistical Story

image-llepbi1eDubai Stadium - Venue Analysis

The Dubai International Stadium has been one of the stadiums who has hosted a great number of matches in the last 2 years even during the course of the pandemic. The numbers at this venue are quite interesting. 

In the 60 matches played at this venue the team batting first has won 40% of the matches whereas the team bowling first has won 58% which might indicate there might be slightly better chances of winning if the team is chasing but the average score of 142 in the 1st innings and 131 in the 2nd innings at this ground suggests that the conditions for batting might get tougher as the match goes on. 

The highest total of 212 and the lowest total of 55 at this venue also increases the mystery of how this ground might play out. With highest total chased at the venue being 184 and lowest total defended being 135 further suggests that it might be a two paced wicket that can have something for both batsmen and bowlers. 

Overall there have been 93 wickets taken at this venue where the pacers have taken 63 and spinners have taken 30 which implies that 68% of the wickets have been taken by pacers and 32% of the wickets are taken by spinners indicating that the conditions might be more effective for the pacers.


Players to watch out for

Muhammad Waseem, the UAE captain has been the star performer for his side and has been the only consistent performer with a healthy average of 42.82 in 23 T20Is and good strike rate of 144.26. Tim Southee will look to give his best performance after a long break from T20 cricket. Along with him leading the side his wicket taking ability at the top and experience will be vital. Mitchell Santner has proved himself as one of the best all rounders in white ball cricket with his accurate left arm spin and his ability to contribute with some great knocks with the bat.


Conclusion

Overall looking at the overall performances of both the sides it's clear that New Zealand will be the favourites with some experienced and talented players in their squad. On the other hand UAE has a chance to comeback after some disappointing performances in this season so far. This will be their chance to prove themselves that they are strong enough to beat one of the top teams in International cricket.