UAE vs. Oman: Can Oman Step Up their Game and Outclass the Hosts?

Over the past couple of years, teams like Oman, Singapore, UAE, Nepal, and Hong Kong have gotten great support and are back under the rising nation’s banner. With time, these times are expected to break into the world stage and compete for the best teams in the world. The upcoming fixture between Oman and UAE would be a decent contest, with both sides looking to win and get themselves going in the tri-nation tournament. Though Namibia has also shown satisfactory performance, the home teams have a significant chance of winning. There’s no doubt that UAE has played so many international and warm-up games in ICC Cricket Academy ground and would be knowing the conditions so well. For the upcoming fixture between UAE and Oman, both teams have the potential to win. 

Since the T20 World Cup 2019 qualifiers, UAE has stepped up their performance and produced some notable results, making them the favorites of qualifying for the ODI World Cup 2022. With the likes of Alishan Sharafu, Chirag Suri, and CP Rizwan in the top order, UAE has a decent opening lineup, which is as firm as a concrete wall in tough situations. In recent, UAE defeated Ireland by 7 wickets, managing to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia this year. Though in their last game against Oman, UAE just fell short of the target, they produced decent performances in all departments of the game. For the upcoming fixture, UAE would be looking to keep behind what’s done and focus on upcoming milestones.

• Alishan Sharafu;
• Rohan Mustafa;
• Basil Hameed;
• Akif Raja;
• Kashif Daud.

When these two teams met 4 days back, Oman was all over UAE, managing to pull off a 12 runs victory. Bilal Khan was declared as the man of the match for his beautiful performance with the ball, which rattled UAW batsmen. Though Oman’s start wasn’t much elegant, their middle-order provided great stability, as Shoaib Khan, Ayaan Khan, and Zeeshan Maqsood were among the runs. In the bowling card, it was Bilal Khan’s fifer and Kaleemullah’s exceptional bowling at an economy of 1.70.

• Ayaan Khan;
• Shoaib khan;
• Zeeshan Maqsood;
• Kaleemullah;
• Bilal Khan.

Comparing both teams on paper, it appears that both are equally matched with the best available resources. However, Oman is likely to present a stronger side on the field, as their middle order is clicking as a unit and scoring runs. Moreover, the track is likely to suit both teams; however, Oman can gain maximum out of it with the help of their spinners.