United Arab Emirates vs Nepal, 88th Match

The upcoming ODI between United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal at the ICC Academy Ground is a crucial fixture in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27. UAE comes into this match with a mixed run in recent games, showcasing flashes of strong batting depth but occasional middle-order vulnerabilities. Their spinners have been instrumental in controlling run flow, especially on subcontinental pitches. Nepal, on the other hand, has been steadily improving their consistency, backed by a resilient batting lineup and improved death bowling. In their last five encounters in this tournament, Nepal has demonstrated greater stability in both departments. The head-to-head record between UAE and Nepal in ODIs shows a fairly balanced rivalry, with matches often decided by individual brilliance. Key players for UAE include their captain and opener, who has been anchoring innings effectively, and their lead spinner who often picks crucial wickets. Nepal's strength lies in their dynamic middle order and all-round capabilities, especially from the young batting talents and their fast bowling spearhead. Strategically, UAE may look to leverage the powerplay by accelerating early scoring and then using spin to tighten the middle overs. Nepal will likely depend on building partnerships and attacking during the death overs to post or chase competitive totals. With both teams evenly matched in skills and recent form, the contest promises to be tightly fought.

Winning Probability: United Arab Emirates: 52%, Nepal: 48%

If United Arab Emirates bat first, considering the average pitch conditions at the ICC Academy Ground, they are expected to put up a total in the range of 280-300. Their strong top order can lay a solid foundation, supported by middle-order hitters who can capitalize in the final overs. Conversely, Nepal batting first can aim for a similar target of approximately 270-290, relying on their middle order to consolidate after early overs and their finishers to accelerate towards the end. The pitch tends to offer some assistance to spinners as the game progresses, so both teams will aim to maximize runs during the powerplay and death overs.

The ICC Academy Ground is known for its balanced pitch offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. Historically, the average first-innings score here in ODIs hovers around 280 runs. The ground favors the team batting first slightly, with a win percentage of close to 55% for teams setting a target. Spinners tend to come into play from the 20th over onward, making wrist spinners particularly effective. The weather forecast for the day predicts clear skies and temperatures around 30°C, with minimal chances of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. Best performers at this ground between the two sides include the UAE’s spin bowler Rohan Mustafa, who has the best bowling figures of 4/28 here, and Nepal’s top-order batsman Gyanendra Malla, with a highest score of 92 runs. Other notable mentions are UAE’s opening batsman Chirag Suri and Nepal’s pace bowler Sompal Kami, both having impactful performances on the ground.

Matches Played	UAE Wins	Nepal Wins	NR/No Result
10	5	4	1

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
United Arab Emirates	W, L, W, L, W
Nepal	W, W, L, W, L

Rohan Mustafa (UAE) - An experienced allrounder with consistent contributions in both batting and bowling recently, leading spin efforts effectively.

Chirag Suri (UAE) - Opening batsman known for aggressive starts, he recently scored a crucial half-century anchoring UAE's innings.

Sagar Pun (UAE) - Middle-order batsman and occasional bowler, providing stability and depth, has shown resilience in recent outings.

Bhim Sharki (Nepal) - A dependable top order batsman with a solid average, recently contributing vital runs in pressure situations.

Sompal Kami (Nepal) - Lead pacer with excellent death over skills, has picked up key wickets recently with disciplined bowling spells.

Gyanendra Malla (Nepal) - Experienced batsman with a good record at the ICC Academy Ground, recently played match-winning innings through steady accumulation.