ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023, Warm-Up Match 7: West Indies vs UAE
Match Overview
The highly anticipated ICC World Cup Qualifiers commence on June 18, providing the perfect platform for teams to find their rhythm and form. In the 7th Match of the Qualifiers warm-up, the West Indies will face off against the United Arab Emirates at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare on June 15 at 12:30 PM IST. The West Indies recently toured the UAE for a three-match ODI series and emerged victorious with ease. As a result, both teams are well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, making this contest a must-watch.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Takashinga Sports Club is an absolute belter, offering little assistance to the bowlers. In the previous match between Zimbabwe and Oman, both innings saw scores of over 300. Therefore, captains winning the toss would want to put up a good total on the board.
Teams Analysis
Team West Indies
In recent years, the West Indies have struggled to find their footing in ODIs, although they remain a force to be reckoned with in T20Is. To secure their spot in the ODI World Cup later this year, they must navigate through these qualifiers. Their recent series victory in the UAE allowed them to experiment with their team combination and identify the best lineup. Shai Hope will lead the team.
In their last match against Scotland, the West Indies emerged victorious and gained a boost in confidence. While batting first, they couldn’t amass a huge total, but Shai Hope and Romario Shepherd both scored half-centuries. The bowling performance was outstanding, with Yannic Cariah taking a four-wicket haul and Roston Chase claiming three wickets to seal the victory. It was a remarkable win that will surely fuel their energy for this upcoming match.
Team United Arab Emirates
The UAE is currently under pressure, particularly in this match, as they suffered a series defeats at home against the West Indies. They will be determined to rectify their mistakes and learn from their previous encounters. Muhammed Waseem will lead the team and will be looking to deliver an improved performance, especially after a subpar series against the West Indies.
In their recent match against Nepal, the UAE secured a narrow 3-wicket victory. While bowling first, they conceded too many runs as Nepal set a target of 276. Ali Naseer, who made his ODI debut in the series against the West Indies, picked up a four-wicket haul. Once again, he proved to be a standout performer, replicating his impressive performances from the previous series. Sanchit Sharma and Meiyappan also contributed with two wickets each, although the overall economy rate of the other bowlers was on the higher side.
During the chase, captain Waseem departed early, but Aryansh Sharma’s half-century and Rohan Mustafa’s impressive 77 ensured their victory. However, it was not a clinical performance, and if they want to overcome the mighty West Indies, they will need to step up their game.
Head-to-Head Records
In their previous encounters, the West Indies have dominated the match proceedings and emerged victorious in all four matches.
| Total Matches | WL won | UAE won | No Result |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
To identify the key players to watch, we will consider the statistics from the West Indies’ previous match against Scotland.
Team West Indies
| Player | Runs | Batting Strike Rate | Wickets | Bowling Economy |
| S Hope | 57 | 87.6 | ||
| K Carty | 32 | 68 | ||
| R Shepherd | 53 | 155.8 | ||
| Y Cariah | 4 | 5.1 | ||
| R Chase | 3 | 7.2 |
Team United Arab Emirates
| Player | Runs | Batting Strike Rate | Wickets | Bowling Economy |
| A Sharma | 50 | 102 | ||
| R Mustafa | 77 | 137.5 | 1 | 3.8 |
| A Naseer | 27 | 96.4 | 4 | 5.2 |
| K Meiyappan | 2 | 6.2 | ||
| S Sharma | 2 | 6.2 |
Squads
Team West Indies
Shai Hope (c & wk), Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Yannic Cariah
Team UAE
Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma, Vriitya Aravind (wk), Rameez Shahzad, Asif Khan, Rohan Mustafa, Ali Naseer, Basil Hameed, Sanchit Sharma, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Zahoor Khan, Ethan DSouza
Fantasy Playing XI
Conclusion
The ICC World Cup Qualifiers have garnered immense attention from cricket enthusiasts worldwide, as teams from various regions battle it out for a chance to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. The anticipation is palpable as the teams undergo rigorous training sessions and analysis of their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
In the midst of this fervor, the West Indies team has been garnering positive reviews for their recent performance. Their players displayed exceptional skills and teamwork in the last match, particularly in the fielding department, where they took remarkable catches and executed quick run-outs. However, despite their commendable efforts, their batting lineup seemed a bit shaky, with some players struggling to find their form.
Meanwhile, the UAE team finds themselves under pressure after their earlier defeat. They have a point to prove and are determined to bounce back stronger. The team management is working tirelessly to identify the areas that need improvement and devise new strategies to counter their opponents effectively. The players are engaged in intensive practice sessions, honing their skills and analyzing the West Indies’ gameplay to exploit any vulnerabilities.
The upcoming match between the West Indies and the UAE promises to be an enthralling contest. It’s a battle of redemption for the UAE and an opportunity for the West Indies to consolidate their position in the tournament. Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the clash, wondering whether the West Indies’ batting lineup will rise to the occasion and deliver a commanding performance, or if the UAE’s revamped strategies will lead them to victory.
The outcome of this match holds significant implications for both teams. A victory for the West Indies would not only boost their confidence but also solidify their chances of advancing to the next stage. On the other hand, a win for the UAE would inject new energy into their campaign and keep their hopes alive in the tournament. The stakes are high, and the players understand the importance of giving their best on the field.
As the match day approaches, cricket pundits and analysts are busy discussing the players to watch out for. Will the West Indies’ explosive opening batsmen set the stage on fire with their aggressive stroke play? Can the UAE’s spinners exploit the West Indies’ susceptibility to spin and turn the game in their favor? These are some of the questions that dominate the cricketing discourse leading up to the much-anticipated encounter.
Ultimately, the outcome of this match will depend on various factors, including individual performances, team strategies, and the ability to handle pressure situations. As cricket aficionados, we eagerly await the clash between the West Indies and the UAE, fully aware that anything can happen in this unpredictable sport. So let’s gather around our screens, immerse ourselves in the excitement, and witness the unfolding drama as these two teams vie for supremacy on the cricket field.
