ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019, Playoff 3: UAE v Scotland – Preview, likely XIs, prediction

United Arab Emirates might have fancied their chances when they faced the Netherlands in Qualifier 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Reduced to 9/5 in the fifth over, they somehow recovered to reach 80/9. The visitors took their time, reaching home (and qualifying for the World T20) in the 16th over to win by 8 wickets.

However, the UAE will get another chance, this time against Scotland, who had finished fourth in Group A. Despite their big defeat, the UAE have still won 4 matches and lost 3. They do hold the home advantage as well.

One of their wins came against group toppers Ireland, thanks to the ubiquitous Rohan Mustafa, who returned 4-0-18-4 and blazed away to a 16-ball 39. While others will have their roles to play, UAE’s success will depend largely on their key player.

Scotland are coming into this match with a 3-3 tally. Like the UAE, they, too, had beaten Papua New Guinea, their group toppers, which more than made up for their shock defeat against Singapore. That win was set up by some brisk batting from Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross, followed by an all-round bowling performance.

UAE do seem the stronger side of the two, but the difference is not substantial.

Head to head

The teams have met twice: Scotland had won by 9 wickets at Edinburgh in 2015, while UAE won by 9 runs at Dubai in 2015-16.

Key players

Rohan Mustafa (United Arab Emirates): For years, Mustafa has been UAE’s chief all-rounder, and this tournament has been no exception. His 9 wickets have been the most for his side, he has gone for a mere 5.40 an over, and he is their second-highest run-scorer as well. UAE need him to be at his best.

Josh Davey (Scotland): Davey’s name inevitably invokes memories of the 2015 World Cup. He seems to have picked things up from there, conceding 6.88 an over and picking up crucial wickets. He will need to make early breakthroughs here as well.

Likely XIs

United Arab Emirates: Rohan Mustafa, Zawar Farid, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed, Mohammad Boota (wk), Ahmed Raza (c), Sultan Ahmed, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan.

Scotland: George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington, Michael Leask, Craig Wallace, Safyaan Sharif, Josh Davey, Mark Watt, Alasdair Evans.

Prediction

UAE to press their home advantage to a win.