United Arab Emirates (UAE) will take on Zimbabwe in the eighth match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at Saxton Oval, Nelson, on Thursday. After holding South Africa off to a respectable defeat, Zimbabwe would be keen to open their account at this edition of the World Cup.
UAE are in many ways the outside team of the tournament. They do not have a lot of international experience, with Khurram Khan and skipper Mohammad Tauqir being the senior pros. They are riding on some good form though, and beat the more accomplished Afghanistan in a warm-up series prior to the World Cup. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
On the other hand, Zimbabwe nearly provided the first upset of the World Cup when they had South Africa on the defensive in their opening match. South Africa were 83 for four at one stage before David Miller and JP Duminy put on an unbroken 256-run stand. Even then, Zimbabwe looked like they would go for gold, with Chamu Chibhabha scoring 64, Hamilton Masakadza hammering 80, and Brendan Taylor scoring 40 in what proved to be a top-quality chase.
Had it not been for Imran Tahir’s three-wicket haul, South Africa could well have emerged from the encounter with more than just blushes. Zimbabwe proved that they were not a side to be taken lightly, showing a lot of resilience and fight till the very end. UAE might not be able to give the resurgent African side a worthy battle. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
The Zimbabwean bowling attack, led by Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara caused a lot of problems at the start for South Africa. The new-ball duo would do well to sustain the pressure toward the latter stages of the game, and one feels that a more consistent performance from the pace attack will stand Zimbabwe in good stead moving on in the tournament.
The picturesque Saxon Oval at Nelson will provide an aesthetically appealing battleground for the two minnows. However, based on current form and potential, Zimbabwe ought to run away with a victory.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
United Arab Emirates: Mohammad Tauqir(c), Swapnil Patil(wk), Amjad Ali, Andri Berenger, Krishnachandran Karate, Khurram Khan, Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Mohammad Naveed, Amjad Javed, Saqlain Haider, Nasir Aziz, Manjula Guruge, Fahad Alhashmi, Kamran Shazad.
Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura(c), Brendan Taylor(wk),Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Regis Chakabva, Prosper Utseya, Tawanda Mupariwa, Stuart Matsikenyeri.
(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek and cricket fanatic. You can follow him on Twitter @ShiamakUnwalla)
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