World cup Match 8 Preview: Zimbabwe vs UAE; UAE makes their return to World cup fold

World cup Match 8 Preview: Zimbabwe vs UAE; UAE makes their return to World cup fold

Date: February 19, 2015     Time: 0330 IST
Venue: Nelson

Zimbabwe will be looking to spoil the return party of United Arab Emirates in World cup fold. Zimbabwe had lost their first match against South Africa by 62 runs. UAE are playing in the World cup after 1996 edition.

United Arab Emirates:
The UAE are playing in the World cup after their debut appearance in 1996 World cup.  While it is relatively safe to assume that they won’t be causing any upsets with the big teams, they can however perform in an inspiring way.

They are coming off a 3-1 victory over Afghanistan and will hope to do some damage in form of an upset. Their batting rests on the likes of Swapnil Patil, Khurram Khan who became the oldest to score a century in ODIs and 23 year old Andri Berenger. The bowling options are skipper Md. Tauqir, Krishna Chandran and Nasir Aziz.

Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe lost their match against South Africa despite a valiant effort. Their weakness in bowling was exposed when South Africa scored 339/4 after being 83/4. Their bowlers leaked runs at the death overs like a haemorrhaging water pipe.

Their batting tried their best to chase the improbable target and brave innings from Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor went in vain as Zimbabwe slipped to defeat. They will be looking to add more spin to their arsenal. It will be interesting to see how good they recover to win their first game of this world cup.

Last 5 ODIs:
Zim: L L L L L
UAE: W L W W

Possible Playing XI:
United Arab Emirates: Amjad Ali, Krishnachandran Karate, Khurram Khan, Swapnil Patil(WK), Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Mohammad Naveed, Amjad Javed, Saqlain Haider, Mohammad Tauqir(C), Nasir Aziz

Zimbabwe: Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor(WK), Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura(c), Solomon Mire, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi,