We are in for a very interesting contest in the 6th and the final game of the Asia Cup Qualifier 2022. Hong Kong takes on the United Arab Emirates in what is expected to be the qualification game of the tournament. Hong Kong comes here with a massive win against Kuwait, and they would feel confident. UAE also won their last game against Singapore which will boost their confidence.
The two sides have played two games in the past and on both occasions, the Emirati side has emerged as winners. But Hong Kong’s team has looked good in this tournament, and they would pose a tough challenge to their opponents. UAE has enjoyed an excellent record at this venue, and this would boost their confidence in what would be an interesting game.
Hong Kong Preview
Nizakat Khan led from the front to guide his side to an 8-wicket victory in their last game against Kuwait. It was an excellent show with the bat as the side chased down a good score and never allowed Kuwait to make their way into the match. It is a virtual knockout game and Khan would expect a determined effort from his team.
Nizakat Khan and Yasim Murtaza set up a big opening wicket stand in the last game and a similar show from them would put the side in a good position. Babar Hayat also comes into this game with runs under his belt. He would like to build partnerships with Aizaz Khan and Kinchit Shah. Scott McKechnie adds to the side’s batting depth Zeeshan Ali and Haroon Arshad.
Aizaz Khan and Ayush Shukla must bowl better lines with the new ball as they take on a strong batting line-up. Ehsan Khan was expensive in the last game, and he must keep the scoring under check with Mohammad Ghazandar. Murtaza was brilliant and he would look to bowl good spells with Shah and Haroon Arshad.
UAE Preview
Chundangapoyil Rizwan’s side made a strong comeback after suffering a loss in their first game. It was a good all-around performance from the team as they defeated Singapore in a one-sided contest. The side would have to win this game by a big margin to improve their run rate to knock Hong Kong out in the race for a place in the Asia Cup.
Muhammad Waseem has looked in good form and he would like to set up a big opening wicket stand with Chirag Suri. Vriitya Aravind, Chundangapoyil, and Aryan Lakra must do well in the middle order in this game. They have good finishers in the side and runs would be expected from the bats of Zawar Farid and Sultan Ahmed in this game.
Sultan Ahmed bowled well in the last game, and he would look to come up with a good spell sharing the new ball with Sabir Ali. Junaid Siddique and Karthik Meiyappan bowled well in the last game, and this would add to their confidence.
Weather Conditions
There are predictions of clear skies over Al Amerat on August 24, and we are likely to see a warm evening. The wicked shall play slowly, and it will test the skills of the batsmen. They must play to the merit of the ball at this venue. The side batting first in this game would be happy to put 170 runs or more on the board.
Venue Details
Al Amerat Cricket Ground has a surface that is generally good for batting. The outfield is fast here allowing easy boundary scoring. It can be a nightmare for the fast bowlers on this surface with little help for them. Spinners have enjoyed a good record here as the slowness in the track aids them.
Winning Prediction
There would be pressure on both teams given the stakes involved in this game. Hong Kong has won both games and they are looking in good shape. The side would have to improve its performance with the ball to win this game. The UAE has a strong bowling line-up, and they have their batsmen in good form. This would make them favorites to win this game.
UAE to win.
