ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019: Match 9, Group B, United Arab Emirates vs Ireland – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 9th match of the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier will be played between the hosts United Arab Emirates and Ireland at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The match starts at 7:30 PM local time (9:00 PM IST) (3:30 PM GMT).

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The caravan of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifier swiftly moves on to the ninth match where hosts United Arab Emirates will lock horns against Ireland. Pre-tournament favourites, Ireland got off to a winning start in their opening encounter against Hong Kong. Ireland’s win was set-up by their bowlers. Spearheaded by Mark Adair (2-22), the Irish bowlers managed to restrict Hong Kong to an under-par total of 5-153 despite Kinchit Shah’s whirlwind 54-ball 79. 

Chasing 154 was never going to be a problem for a strong Irish batting unit, and it turned out that way. Despite losing Kevin O’Brien due to an unfortunate run-out, half-centuries from Paul Stirling (62) and Andrew Balbirnie (70*) meant Ireland coasted past the finishing line without breaking a sweat.

They’ll now look to make it two-in-two when they face the hosts on Saturday. UAE was rocked by the suspension of captain Mohammad Naveed, Shamian Anwar and Qadeer Ahmed following a range of breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. But despite the loss, the hosts still have the likes of Ahmed Raza (interim captain), Muhammad Usman, Chirag Suri, Rohan Mustafa and Zahoor Khan who have the ability to upset any side on their day.

Weather Report

There is absolutely no chance of rain causing havoc or even causing a slightest of delay to the proceedings. It is expected to be a scorcher of a day in Abu Dhabi with the humidity being as high as 57% and temperatures ranging between 28-33 degrees celsius.

Pitch Condition/Report

By the time Ireland play the UAE, already three matches would have been played on the Abu Dhabi track. That means the pitch could be a bit sluggish and shot-making could be difficult.

Average first innings score: 138 (In 32 T20I matches)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 19; Lost – 13

Injury and Availability News:

It will be added once there is an update.

Probable Playing XIs for Dream11 Fantasy

United Arab Emirates:

Ashfaq Ahmed, Rohan Mustafa, Ghulam Shabber (WK), Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza (c), Rameez Shahzad,  Muhammad Usman, Waheed Ahmed, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddiqui

Bench: Zawar Farid, Imran Haider, Darius D’Silva, Mohammad Boota

Ireland:

Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien, Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Gary Wilson (c &wk), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Stuart Thompson, David Delany, Boyd Rankin

Bench: Lorcan Tucker, Shane Getkate, Craig Young, Simi Singh

Top Picks:

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Despite losing the cream of their team due to off-field issues, the hosts still have enough ammunition in the tank. Chirag Suri, Muhammad Usman, Ashfaq Ahmed, and Rohan Mustafa will be crucial to their cause as far as the batting is concerned. Skipper Ahmed Raza and Zahoor Khan will lead the bowling attack. These players could be picked in the Dream11 Fantasy team.

Ireland: Half-centuries from Paul Stirling (62) and Andrew Balbirnie (70*) and their bowling unit-led by Mark Adair (2-22)were the cornerstones of their eight-wicket win in the last game against Hong Kong. Kevin O’Brien would want to make a shrug of the ignominy of getting run-out without having faced a ball in the first game. These four will be the ones to watch out for against the UAE.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Kevin O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, Rohan Mustafa

Vice-Captain Options: Paul Stirling, Chirag Suri, Mark Adair

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Dream11 Fantasy:

Keeper – Ghulam Shabber

Batters – Andrew Balbirnie (C), Kevin O’Brien, Paul Stirling (VC), Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad

All-Rounders – Gareth Delany, Rohan Mustafa

Bowlers – David Delany, Mark Adair, Ahmed Raza

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Dream11 Fantasy:

Keeper – Ghulam Shabber

Batters – Andrew Balbirnie, Kevin O’Brien (VC), Harry Tector, Ashfaq Ahmed

All-Rounders – Gareth Delany, Stuart Thompson, Rohan Mustafa (C)

Bowlers – Boyd Rankin, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan

Expert Advice:

Ireland’s top-3- Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Kevin O’Brien have been in some touch in the past few months. Picking them in your Dream11 Fantasy as captain/vice-captain is highly crucial to your cause.

Probable Winners:

Ireland looked a complete unit in their first game against Hong Kong. Considering their recent form and their head-to-head record- four wins in five matches- against the UAE, they will start as massive favourites.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.