Kevin O'Brien, Rohan Mustafa and key players to watch at the T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE - in pictures

The tournament takes place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai starting Friday, October 18

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  Rameez Shahzad (UAE). UAE are entering their home tournament under a cloud after the withdrawal of three key players, including Shaiman Anwar, their highest-ranked batsman in the ICC standings. In his absence, they will be reliant on Rameez, the classy middle-order batsman, for runs. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Kevin O’Brien (Ireland). Became the first Irishman to score a century in all three formats – Test, one-day international, and T20 – when he made 124 against Hong Kong in Oman earlier this month. And he still holds the record for the fastest ever World Cup century, when Ireland shocked England in 2011. Getty Images

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  Nizakat Khan (Hong Kong). Most players at this tournament have played at least a little bit of cricket in the UAE before. Few have such fond memories of the place as the Hong Kong opener, who made a sparkling 92 as Hong Kong gave India a fright in the Asia Cup at Dubai International Stadium last year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Delray Rawlins (Bermuda). A 22-year-old batsman who has caught the eye in English county cricket, Rawlins was the standout performer as Bermuda shocked United States to take the Americas berth at this tournament. His team will need him to repeat the trick if they are to be successful in UAE. AFP

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  Tim David (Singapore). Following in the footsteps of his father by playing for Singapore, the country of his birth, while he is simultaneously earning recognition in Australia, too. The big-hitting batsman has played BBL cricket with Perth Scorchers. High scoring, and highly consistent in the lead in to this tournament. Getty Images

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  George Munsey (Scotland). The powerful left-handed opener has been pulling up trees all year. In September, he hit 127 off 56 balls as Scotland razed the Netherlands attack in a T20 in Ireland. He has hit the ground running here, too, as he made 86 in 41 balls against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. AFP

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  Rohan Mustafa (UAE). Started this year banned from the national team and stood down from the captaincy for posting some strong views on social media. But with UAE cricket now in real turmoil, they need him to fire with bat and ball more than ever before. He is also an outstanding fielder Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Colin Ackermann (Netherlands). An all-rounder with a wealth of first-class experience, Ackermann made his debut for Netherlands during the preparatory tour of Oman earlier this month. While captaining Leicestershire in England in the summer, he took 7-18 in a T20 match, the best ever figures in the format. Getty Images

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  Ryan ten Doeschate (Netherlands). There are few more experienced T20 cricketers in the world, let alone at this tournament, than ten Doeschate. Now aged 39, he has played in 346 20-over matches in his career. Knows how to win in UAE, too, as part of the victorious Balkh Legends in last year’s Afghanistan Premier League. Getty Images

The final six teams for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year will be decided during a qualifying tournament in the UAE starting on Friday.

The 14 teams who will be playing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai might not be packed with household names, but there will be plenty of talent on show over the next 16 days.

Above is a picture gallery of some of the best player to look out for. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.