Maratha Arabians vs Qalandars Predictions: Abu Dhabi T10 League 16th Match Preview

When you start a tournament with a win, it’s hard to subsequently suffer a series of losses that send you spiraling into a perilous position. Thankfully for the Maratha Arabians, this strange format allows teams what is essentially a fresh start after the first group stage, so despite back to back losses, they can look forward to greener pastures as the second round begins for them. Their first matchup in that round, however, is against the thus-far-undefeated Qalandars, who have set themselves a class apart with some comprehensive, clean victories and a clear lack of losses. That being said, T10 cricket is about as unpredictable as matches played on rooftops, garages, and streets by friends. It’s anyone’s game as a new day dawns, and before we see the sun, let’s take a look at the two teams.

Maratha Arabians

Predicted XI

Mosaddek Hossain (c), Abdul Shakoor (wk), Muktar Ali, Laurie Evans, Amjad Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Yamin Ahmadzai, Sompal Kami, Ishan Malhotra, Sohag Gazi, Pravin Tambe.

Preview and form

After a two-day rest, the Arabians will be back on the field for what will arguably be their biggest test yet, but if their last match is anything to go by, they’ll have to do a lot of work to win this one. Batting first against the Bangla Tigers, Mohammad Hafeez played reasonably well for his 61 off 30, but Abdul Shakoor’s ODI innings of just 34 off 30 was nothing short of catastrophic as the Arabians posted only 103 off their 10 overs - without losing a single wicket. While defending, their bowling was mostly just as lackluster. Only Yamin Ahmadzai did a reasonable job, and he gave away 20 runs and took just one wicket off his two overs. Muktar Ali also took one, but he never got to bowl a second over as his team lost off the last ball of the 8th over by 6 wickets.

Key players

Laurie Evans: I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again - this man needs to play further up the order, and play freely. Given the situation, he should swap places with Abdul Shakoor.

Mohammad Hafeez: Hafeez has been doing well, and just needs to do better.

Muktar Ali: Given the lack of serious heavy hitters in their lineup, Muktar and others need to step up their bowling game.

Yamin Ahmadzai:The only consistent bowler in the lineup, Ahmadzai must keep his wits together and keep doing his best for the team.

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Qalandars

Predicted XI

Sohail Akhtar (c), Ahmed Daniyal, Asif Ali, Sultan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Ben Dunk (wk), Chris Jordan, Sharjeel Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir.

Preview and form

The Qalandars have been in such good form that had it not been for the madness that T10 cricket can be, one could have just stated outright that they will win the tournament. In their last match, they batted first against the Deccan Gladiators, and for once their batsmen weren’t at their best. Tom Banton’s 36 off 20 came slower than usual, and although Sohail Akhtar’s 71 off 31 was fantastic, it still only got them to a good-but-not-great 118. On the defense, their bowlers took charge - and did so in style. Chris Jordan’s 3 for 8 stood out, with Sultan Ahmed’s 2 for 14 and Shahid Afridi’s 14 for 1 following. With a couple of run outs thrown into the mix, the Qalandars managed to win by a convincing 33 runs.

Key players

Sohail Akhtar: After his last match, we’re looking forward to seeing more from the Pakistani.

Ben Dunk: Although he hasn’t had to do anything with the bat yet, we have a feeling he’ll be involved in this game.

Chris Jordan: The English seamer has been in good form, and he will most likely continue to be.

Shahid Afridi: As old as he is, his abilities as a spinner seem to have aged like a fine wine.

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Maratha Arabians vs Qalandars weather conditions and pitch report

The only difference with the weather in Abu Dhabi thus far and that today is the lack of any real wind. However, heat won’t be a problem as temperatures will remain pleasant throughout.

Same format, same pitch that’s basically good and balanced for all aspects of cricket. It’s all up to the players at this point.

Can the Arabians come back strong from their double losses? Or will the Qalandars continue their dominance to turn their foe’s losses into a veritable streak? Find out if our Maratha Arabians versus Qalandars predictions come true on Tuesday!