Abu Dhabi T10 2019 Eliminator, Deccan Gladiators vs Bangla Tigers: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

The eliminator of the Abu Dhabi T20 League will be played between the teams at third and fourth place of the league which are Deccan Gladiators and Bangla Tigers. Both teams finished on seven points with three wins each. Deccan Gladiators had one match with no result whereas Bangla Tigers had a tie. In the group stage of the league, these teams met once when the Gladiators registered a 6-wicket win, thanks to their captain Shane Watson.

Deccan Gladiators also had convincing wins against Karnataka Tuskers as well as Qalandars based on some strong batting showcase.  Their couple of losses came against Delhi Bulls and Northern Warriors. Their match against Team Abu Dhabi ended with no result followed by a defeat against the Warriors. They may lack some momentum going to the business end of the tournament.

Bangla Tigers started off the tournament with a disappointment. But then they had a good run of three wins and a tie before losing their last fixture against the eventual table-toppers Maratha Arabians. On paper the look a balanced squad with both departments delivering in key moments. The inconsistent side will look for revenge as well in this game.

This will be a close match with both teams having more or less same strength and form. Moreover, the second-placed team Qalandar are ahead of these two only because of a better net run rate. This game will decide which team will be playing for a spot in the final with the Qualifier 1 losers.

Key players

Shane Watson (Deccan Gladiators) – Gladiators captain Shane Watson is in a brilliant form and currently the third-highest run-getter of the tournament. He has already registered two half-centuries in his way to 204 runs in aggregate. A good start by him will be expected in this crucial match for his squad.

Qais Ahmed (Bangla Tigers) – The Afghanistan leg-spinner Qais Ahmed is the joint highest wicket-taker for Bangla Tigers and his economy rate is below 10 which is quite creditable in this format. His two overs will be vital to restrict the opponents with strong batting potential.

Likely XIs

Deccan Gladiators– Shane Watson (C), Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Ben Cutting, Fawad Ahmed, Anton Devcich, Daniel Lawrence, Zahir Khan, Zahoor Khan, Mason Crane

Bangla Tigers– Liam Plunkett, Andre Fletcher, Thisara Perera (C), Robbie Frylinck, Colin Ingram, David Wiese, Chirag Suri, Tom Moores (wk), Qais Ahmad, Rilee Rossouw, Prabath Jayasuriya

Prediction

Deccan Gladiators will make a strong comeback to win the match.