ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019: Day 7, Group A – Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Two games are scheduled on Thursday in Group A for the T20 World Cup qualifiers. Netherlands and Papua New Guinea, the top two teams in the group, are set to lock horns. Netherlands, led by Pieter Seelaar, are brimming with confidence after three victories on the trot. On the other hand, PNG started by absolutely thrashing Bermuda and Namibia, but ran out of steam against Scotland.

In the second match, Scotland will face off with Bermuda. The Scots were expected to be dominant, but after losses versus Singapore and Namibia, the skids are under them. They need a victory at the earliest. Even against PNG, Scotland ended up, having a tough time, winning by a mere four runs. Bermuda have gone nowhere in the tournament, having slumped to losses in their four matches.

Pitch Report

ICC Academy, Dubai

At the venue, five out of the seven games went in favour of the team, batting first. Hence, chasing can be a tad tricky on the surface. Also, the matches that start at 11:30 in the morning has helped the team, batting first. Under the floodlights though, chasing should be the way forward as the dew tends to settle in late at night. The pitch will remain slow across the two matches.

Weather Report

The conditions will be bright and sunny in the morning with the temperature going up to as high as 36 degrees Celsius. In the night matches, it will be a tad cooler with the numbers around the 30 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be on the higher side and players will need to stay hydrated.

Match 27, Netherlands vs Papua New Guinea, Group A

Netherlands

For Netherlands, Max O’Dowd has shown consistency, but needs to work on his strike-rate of 102.83. Visee has strained thus far. Ryan ten Doeschate, being their most experienced player, has to be on top of his game. Ackermann impressed in his first match with an unbeaten 34. In bowling, Van Meekeren and Glover will hold the key. Even Van der Merwe and Van der Gugten are in form.

Probable XI

Max O’Dowd, Tobias Visee, Ben Cooper, Colin Ackermann, Ryan ten Doeschate, Pieter Seelaar (C), Roelf of van der Merwe, Scott Edwards (wk), Brandon Glover, Paul van Meekeren, Timm van der Gugten

Papua New Guinea

PNG’s opening pair, comprising Assad Vala and Tony Ura have 121 runs each at 60.50. A lot will depend on how they step up. Vala is also one their key bowlers, having picked five wickets at an economy of 5.55. Pacer Norman Vanua has done well as he has five wickets at an economy of 4.50. Ravu, Amini and Pokana have three wickets each. They will have their task cut out versus a strong opponent.

Probable XI

Assad Vala (C), Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Riley Hekure, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Jason Kila, Damien Ravu, Nosaina Pokana

Probable Top performers

Ryan ten Doeschate – Netherlands |  Assad Vala – Papua New Guinea

Broadcast Details

No live telecast

Match Timings – 11:30 IST and 10:00 local.

The prediction is for to win the match.

Match 30, Scotland vs Bermuda, Group A

Scotland

Kyle Coetzer missed the last game and his absence was felt. Craig Wallace couldn’t deliver as the opener. Calum MacLeod has scored runs, but has failed to accelerate in the hour of need. The rest of the batting hasn’t done anything of sorts. In the bowling department, the pace duo of Josh Davey and Safyaan Sharif has been the standout and they need support from the other bowlers.

Probable XI

George Munsey, Craig Wallace, Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington (C), Michael Leask, Matthew Cross (wk), Tom Sole, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Josh Davey, Hamza Tahir

Bermuda

Bermuda’s batting has been dismal thus far. Only Janeiro Tucker has an average in excess of 20 with their only half-century in the tournament. Delray Rawlins have found it tough. Okera Bascome pulled off some lusty blows in the last game and he needs to stay in rhythm. Kamau Leverock can hit the ball a long distance. He is also Bermuda’s top wicket-taker with five scalps at an economy of 6.61.

Probable XI

Kamau Leverock, Terryn Fray, Delray Rawlins, Janeiro Tucker, Deunte Darrell, Malachi Jones, Onais Bascome, Okera Bascome, Rodney Trott (C), Derrick Brangman, Sinclair Smith (wk)

Probable Top performers

Michael Leask – Scotland |  Kamau Leverock – Bermuda

Broadcast Details

No live telecast

Match Timings – 21:00 IST and 19:30 local.

The prediction is for Scotland to win the match.