South Africa vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Pool B Match 36 at Wellington, Preview: South Africa hope to gather momentum while UAE play to salvage pride
SA Africa vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Preview: SA hope to gather momentum, UAE play to salvage pride
South Africa will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Pool B match at Wellington. South Africa are easily the stronger of the two sides and will enter the contest as overwhelming favourites. UAE, team of amateurs, have played in spirited fashion throughout the tournament and will hope to at least pose a challenge to South Africa. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
South Africa have already qualified from Pool B after gaining victories over West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe. However they have lost to India and Pakistan and will be keen to punish UAE so as to take momentum into the quarterfinals. UAE have not won a single match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and it would take a mighty effort to topple the Proteas. Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
While UAE have not won a match as yet, they’ve run a couple of teams unnervingly close. Their matches against Ireland and Zimbabwe were absolute crackers and in the end, it was just a matter of who held the nerves better. However, they lost comprehensively against India and Pakistan. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Interestingly, South Africa entered the tournament as favourites to lift the Cup but were dealt a reality check in form of defeats to India and Pakistan. UAE must look to capitalise on South Africa’s shakiness after their defeat to Pakistan in their previous match. Top 10 wicketkeepers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
South Africa’s bowling boasts some big names like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel but they have been rather passive throughout the tournament. For South Africa, it’s the batting that has been the strong point, having surpassed the 400-run mark twice already against West indies and Ireland. UAE will have to bowl tight to prevent that from happening. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Pool-wise Team Standings
UAE will pin their batting hopes on Khurram Khan and hope for others to build their innings around him. In the bowling department they have Mohammed Naveed who is capable of banging the ball in hard while Mohammad Tauqir and Amjad Javed can chip in with handy wickets too. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
Overall South Africa should win the match with ease but should bare in mind the spirit the associates have displayed throughout the tournament. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
Time: 14:00 Local | 06:30 IST | 01:00 GMT
(Rishad D’Souza, a reporter with CricketCountry, gave up hopes of playing Test cricket after a poor gully-cricket career. He now reports on the sport. You can follow @RishadDsouza on Twitter)