If you’re stumped over the current cricket mania, we reckon you’re about to have somewhat of an epiphany: you see, the winners of the upcoming Twenty20 qualifier at Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium will get to match wits with the likes of India, Australia and England on a global stage.
The ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier is the last chance for nations that are not part of the International Cricket Council’s Test cricket grouping to play in the World Twenty20 tournament in May. Excited yet? If the answer’s yes and you want to see the action, it starts with the ‘Super-Eight’ phase, which runs from February 9-11 and will see groups A (Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan and the USA) and B (the Netherlands, Kenya, Canada and the UAE) battling among themselves in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The winners and first runners-up from each group will then move on to the knock-out round on February 12 and 13 as the best and brightest from A and B play against each other in Dubai. Only then will we know who is worthy to join the Test-level teams at ICC World Twenty20 final in Barbados.
While all details were correct at the time of going to press, things can always change closer to the time. Keep your eyes on timeoutabudhabi.com for up-to-date schedules and other listings information.
Proving grounds
Scotland v USA (Feb 9, Abu Dhabi)
The USA will be playing with an all-new, never-before-seen team at the qualifier. Will they prove themselves worthy?
Put to the Test
Ireland v Afghanistan (Feb 9, Dubai)
Ireland were in the running for Test status in 2009, but came just short. Expect a gripping game from a top-quality team.
IPL battle
Netherlands v Canada (Feb 9, Dubai)
In last year’s Twenty20 tournament Netherlands’ Ryan ten Doeschate contributed to the defeat of the hosts, England, by bowling out the opening batsmen, Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright, and being the not out batsman with a score of 22.
One to watch
Afghanistan v USA (Feb 11, Dubai)
Cricket is a game for gentlemen, but there’s no ignoring the political relationship between these two countries. Will it affect their game?
