India vs United Arab Emirates at WACA in Perth: Feb 28, 2015 - Match Preview
The Indian team is on a high after securing victories over Pakistan and South Africa in their opening two games and will look to consolidate their position at the top of the rankings in Pool B as they take on UAE on the fast and bouncy WACA in Perth.
The Indian batting was short of confidence and runs were hard to come by in the tri series against Australia and England just before the World Cup got underway. That series seems to have happened in another day and age as almost every part of the Indian batting machine is falling in to place, every lever and nut and bolt working in perfect synchronization. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have scored tons recently and Kohli has started to hit his straps too with that splendid century against Pakistan, Rahane has been a revelation and Raina seems to be enjoying his finisher role. The form of Dhoni is a concern but he has not had any reasonable time to spend in the middle in the two games.
The pace troika of Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami and Mohit Sharma look menacing and have bowled with fire and hunger against much stronger opponents in the opening two games. Shami will not be available for this game due to a niggle and Stuart Binny or Bhuvi might get a game in his place. They should do well on the WACA pitch against an opposition that might struggle with the extra pace and carry. R Ashwin and Jadeja have been crucial to India's success as they have squeezed the runs in the middle overs thus forcing the batsmen to take undue risks.
The UAE players share a light moment ahead of their clash with India at WACA in Perth
UAE were spirited in their games against Zimbabwe and Ireland and they will be looking to enjoy themselves on the big stage with the big boys of cricket. There will be huge crowd as well which will certainly be a first for them as well. They do have a couple of very impressive players, none in much better form than Shaiman Anwar who has smashed a 50 against the Zimbabweans before topping his effort with a splendid 100 against the Irish. They also have steady bowlers in Amjad Javed and Mohammad Tauqir who are very tight with their lines and can prove to be very frugal.
Key Battles: India vs UAE
Shaiman Anwar vs R Ashwin
Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma vs Amjad Ali and Khurram Khan
This should be an easy game for India but they must not let the intensity down and should look to win the game as comprehensively as possible. They also have the chance to try some reserve players like Akshar Patel and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (if he is fit). The WACA pitch will provide its own trials and tribulations and this will be good game to watch.
PS - The image used is courtesy www.espncricinfo.com
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