West Indies vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Preview: West Indies aim for a big win against UAE as they eye a final chance for a quarter-final berth

West Indies will hope that they don't suffer another upset in the tournament.

Two-time world-champions West Indies take on UAE in an all-important final tie of the group stage in their Pool B match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday. UAE is already out of the tournament, failing to win a single contest in their five encounters so far, but would desperately want to finish on a winning note. West Indies, on the other hand, need a win — preferably by a humongous margin — in order to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the quarter-finals. READ: West Indies-UAE ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match could be hampered by cyclone Pam

Both teams have played five games each and tell different stories. UAE is on the verge of exit, while West Indies are still in contention and would battle it out with the minnows to stay alive in the competition. However, despite being unable to win a single game so far, UAE could well act as the party-spoilers for Caribbeans as they have the ability and quality to upset the top sides of the world, with few matches being lost after a close fight. READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Brian Lara heaps praise on Jason Holder’s captaincy

Considering West Indies’ individual player performances, Chris Gayle has been the highest run scorer for the team with 279 runs and is sure to feature in this match (though there is news that he is suffering from a niggle). Also to feature would be Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, and Marlon Samuels. The bowling should feature Jerome Taylor, having claimed 11 wickets in the tournament and having given a tough time to Indian batsmen in the previous game at WACA. Russell, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, skipper Jason Holder and Gayle (if he plays) could also play a good role with the bowl.  READ: Chris Gayle doubtful for West Indies vs United Arab Emirates (UAE) ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match

UAE, on the other hand, have something to cheer about with their individual performance. Shaiman Anwar is all set to feature as the most experienced player and has been featuring among the top ten run-getters in the tournament. He is currently on 309 runs from five games. He will be supported by the likes of Khurram Khan, Amjad Ali and Swapnil Patil. In the bowling, it would well comprise of Manjula Guruge, Mohammad Naveed and Mohammad Tauqir. Amjad Ali can also come handy. READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Consistency is the key to success against UAE, believes Stuart Williams

Considering the match being held at Napier, McLean Park is known for a flat track and is expected to be a run scoring feast for the batsmen. If Gayle plays, he should be the man to watch out for, as will be Russell. The team winning the toss would surely love to bat first and would like to go in with an extra all-rounder in the squad. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Considering the squad, despite the loss against India, West Indies are unlikely to make a change in their squad, but a change can be expected. UAE are most likely to make a couple of changes as they have the license to rotate the squad and try out the right pair. Andri Raffalo could be replaced by Rohan Mustafa as the opener, while Amjad Javed might be replaced by Krishna Chandran Karate or Manjula Guruge. Top 10 bowlers in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Overall, it is expected to be another cracker with West Indies going out for an all-out attack for runs on the flat McLean Park at Napier, post a big total and add misery to the UAE’s painful journey, while UAE won’t back down easily without a fight and would aim to avoid the Caribbeans from celebrating their calypso tunes by being the party-spoilers during this occasion. Top 10 wicketkeepers in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

Squad:

West Indies: Jason Holder (c), Denesh Ramdin (wk), Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Jonathan Carter, Lendl Simmons, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Andre Russell, Jerome Taylor, Nikita Miller, Sulieman Benn, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Mohammed Tauqir (c), Swapnil Patil (wk), Khurram Khan, Andri Berenger, Krishna Karate, Saqlain Haider, Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Kamran Shahzad, Manjula Guruge, Fahad Al Hashmi, Amjad Ali, Muhammad Naveed, Amjad Javed, Nasir Aziz.

Time: 11:00 local | 22:00 GMT (Previous day)  | 03:30 IST

(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer)

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