UAE vs. Papua New Guinea: Can UAE Continue its Dominance in their Home Ground?

The upcoming World Cup League 2 fixture is between UAE and Papua New Guinea, who will be taking on each other in the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. While playing at Sharjah, teams have always focused on playing with two to three spinners who are capable of controlling the spin on the ball, forcing batsmen to come at the ball and give their wicket. For the upcoming game, UAE would be depending upon their spinners who have loads of experience of playing at Sharjah and tough spinning wickets. UAE is placed at the 3rd spot in the points table with 7 wins in 14 games played, among which one game ended with no result. On the other hand, it is Papua New Guinea that hasn’t won a single game in the ongoing league stages.

In the ongoing league, UAE has done considerably well, maintaining the 3rd spot in the rankings, just under Scotland. In their last game against Namibia, they struck 348/3 from their 50 overs, as their openers and top order were brutal against the Namibian bowling unit. UAE managed to win by 43 runs and continue excelling in the league. Before this game, UAE lost to Oman by a short margin of 8 runs, which would keep them haunting till the end of the tournament. UAE has a pretty balanced and well-equipped lineup, which can click together as a unit and win the game consistently. UAE would be the favorite of winning the upcoming fixture against Papua New Guinea.

• Alishan Sharafu;
• Chirag Suri;
• CP Rizwan;
• Akif Raja;
• Rohan Mustafa.

With twelve games played so far in the competition, Papua New Guinea has lost every game without getting close to the finishing line. For the upcoming game against UAE, they might play their regular side, which lacks skills, experience, and determination. Papua New Guinea has lost to UAE, Oman, USA, Namibia, and Scotland in the league. Papua New Guinea might consider playing more spin options than their quicks, as the wicket of Sharjah has assistance for the spinners.

• Vani Morea;
• Assad Vala;
• Chad Soper;
• Norman Vanua;
• Semo Kamea.

It’s evident that UAE has an undisputed edge over Papua New Guinea, and they would come to an all-out attack against weak opposition. UAE would be looking to play with aggression and attack their seamers who aren’t really experienced in these conditions.