Up-and-down UAE face Bangladesh with last-four berth at stake

Overview
Bangladesh v United Arab Emirates
Kampong Cricket Club, Utrecht
Match 11, WT20Q 2018
Tuesday, 10 July, 14:00 GMT, 16:00 Local

Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates have played two games so far in the tournament and while Bangladesh have beaten both Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands, UAE won their opening game against the Netherlands but lost to Papua New Guinea.

Rumana Ahmed and Fahima Khatun picked up three wickets each for Bangladesh in their win against the Netherlands as the hosts were bowled out for just 42 runs in 18 overs. Bangladesh chased the modest target in just 7.5 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Their first win was equally convincing, as they beat PNG by eight wickets after restricting their opponents to 84/6. Panna Ghosh picked up 2/15 while Shamima Sultana’s 36-ball 35 steered the run chase.

They have looked as strong as they were expected to be, as the highest-ranked of the eight teams in the fray. But mathematically, they are still not in the semi-finals, as a seriously comprehensive loss to UAE – coupled with a PNG win over the Netherlands – can still make it a net-run-rate shootout. Even then, Bangladesh are well placed, but one never knows.

For UAE, the tournament began on a good note as they beat the Netherlands by six wickets in a tense last-over finish. After the Netherlands had put up 137/3, thanks to Sterre Kalis’ 68-ball 88, UAE rode on Nisha Ali’s 59-ball 69 to get home with just two balls to spare.

However, the second game brought about a humbling at the hands of PNG, who bowled UAE out for 83 and then chased the target down with just one ball to spare and two wickets in hand.

UAE will be eager to bounce back from that loss but it’s going to be far from simple.

Key players

Rumana Ahmed (Bangladesh): The leg-spinner has been a vital cog in the Bangladesh set-up and proved her worth once again by picking up three wickets against the Netherlands in the last game. With her class and experience, Ahmed may prove to be the difference between the two sides.

Nisha Ali (United Arab Emirates): The India-born top-order bat scored a fluent 69 in UAE’s first match against the Netherlands when her side were chasing a challenging 138. She is one of the mainstays of this UAE team, and can contribute big time with the ball as well, making her a crucial factor.

Squads

Bangladesh: Salma Khatun (captain), Ayasha Rahman, Fahima Khatun, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Jahanara Alam, Khadiza-Tul Kubra, Lily Rani Biswas, Nahida Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty, Rumana Ahmed, Panna Ghosh, Shamima Sultana, Sanjida Islam and Sarmin Sultana

United Arab Emirates: Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Senevirathne, Chaya Mughal, Esha Oza, Heena Hotchandani, Ishni Senavirathna, Judit Cleetus, Kavisha Kumari, Namita Dsouza, Neha Sharma, Nisha Ali, Roopa Nagaraj, Subha Srinivasan and Udeni Kuruppuarachchi