UAE vs Ireland – 1st ODI Betting Tips

Host UAE will be looking to put on a decent show when they lock horns with Ireland in the opening game of the four-match one-day series played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

UAE and Ireland have played against each other in the past in six one-day matches. Ireland have managed to come out on top on all six occasions. UAE have yet to register their maiden win over Ireland in one-day internationals.

The last time these two teams clashed was in the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier; where Ireland registered a mammoth 224-run win over Ireland in the group game played at Old Hararians in Harare. In that game, Paul Stirling smashed blistering 126 runs off 117 balls, while Porterfield biffed ten fours and two sixes in making a 103-ball 92.

For UAE, Rohan Mustafa will lead the side for the one-day series. Mohammad Usman, Chirag Suri and Zahoor Khan are experienced players included in the squad for the four-match one-day series.

While UAE’s last limited-overs game was against Namibia in the 2020 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 played at Al-Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. On the other hand, Ireland’s last one-day assignment came against England in August last year, where they suffered defeat in the three-match series.

UAE Form and Team News

The home side hasn’t played any form of competitive cricket in the past 12 months and will have to make adjustments to their game in this one-day series.

In the batting department, the onus will be on the likes of Rohan Mustafa, Mohammad Usman and Chirag Suri to deliver the bulk of the runs.

The likes of Basil Hameed, Mohammad Boota and Ahmed Raza will need to contribute with crucial runs for the side in this one-day series.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the experienced pacer Zahoor Khan to lead the way with the new-ball. Rohan Mustafa, Ahmad Raza and Junaid Siddique are prominent bowling options for the side.

Ireland Form and Team News

On the other hand, Ireland clearly is more experienced as a unit and is more of the same squad that featured in 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

Andrew Balbirnie has a string of match-winners at his disposal, among them Paul Stirling, Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson with the bat. Andy McBrine, Joshua Little, Berry McCarthy and Mark Adair are prominent options in the bowling department for Ireland.

With experienced players like Shaiman Anwar, Mohammad Naveed and Qadeer Ahmed suspended for corruption, the selectors have decided to pick new players for this home series. On the other hand, Ireland will certainly fancy their chances of beating UAE in this one-day series.

Odds by Casumo

According to the Casumo sportsbook, Andrew Balbirnie’s Ireland will start as firm favorites to win this ODI series opener at Abu Dhabi. Host UAE are placed at 3.00 odds, while Ireland at 1.36 odds.

Check out our Cricket Odds Here

Our Tipster’s Angle

Based on overall record, United Arab Emirates will face uphill battle against Ireland in this four-match series. With likes of Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie consistently doing well in the limited-overs cricket in the past 12 months, Ireland will be expected to register a comfortable win over United Arab Emirates.

Tip 1: Rohan Mustafa excellent record in Abu Dhabi.

UAE Captain Rohan Mustafa does enjoy the conditions at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In three matches played at the venue, Rohan Mustafa has accumulated 185 runs at an average of 61.66 with one century to his name.

So we expect Rohan Mustafa to lead from the front for UAE and score 40 or more runs @4.00

Tip 2: Andrew Balbirnie’s excellent form in white-ball cricket

Ireland Captain Andrew Balbirnie has certainly raised his game in limited-overs cricket in the past couple of years. The 30-year old will be looking to continue his rich vein of form in this four-match one-day series.

Since Jan 2019, Andrew Balbirnie has accumulated 795 runs in 20 ODI matches at an average of 44.16 with four centuries and two half-centuries to his name. Ireland will be hoping that he can produce something special in this opening fixture. So we are backing Andrew Balbirnie to score 50 or more runs @2.00.

Conclusion

Expect Ireland to register a thumping win over United Arab Emirates

1. Rohan Mustafa to score 40 or more runs – UAE @4.00
2. Andrew Balbirnie to score 50 or more runs –Ireland @2.00

 

Check out our Cricket Odds Here