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ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match

Robin Rounder
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ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match

England will lock horns against Nepal in the 5th game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 8th February 2026, at 3 PM IST.

England recently won a T20I series against Sri Lanka, and they’ll be pretty confident coming to this tournament. Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Sam Curran, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid will be the core players for England. 

Harry Brook’s team have good balance and depth with a strong mix of youth and experience. Adil Rashid will lead the spin attack with Liam Dawson, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks assisting him. They have a very explosive batting unit, which is their key strength. England will be eager to finally do well in an ICC tournament, and this is a great opportunity for them to do well here. 

Meanwhile, it’s a great opportunity for Nepal to cause an upset. They have the players who are capable of causing England issues. Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh, and others can defeat any side on their day. 

Nepal’s biggest challenge for this game will be their batting, as they’ll have to be at their best to compete with England’s lineup. They defeated UAE and Canada by seven wickets and six wickets, respectively, in the warm-up matches. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: ENG vs NEP Probable Playing XIs

England: 1. Phil Salt, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Jacob Bethell, 4. Tom Banton, 5. Harry Brook (c), 6. Sam Curran, 7. Will Jacks, 8. Liam Dawson, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Luke Wood

Nepal: 1. Kushal Bhurtel, 2. Aasif Sheikh (wk), 3. Sundeep Jora, 4. Gulshan Jha, 5. Dipendra Singh Airee, 6. Aarif Sheikh, 7. Karan KC, 8. Sompal Kami, 9. Sher Malla, 10. Sandeep Lamichhane, 11. Nandan Yadav/Sompal Kami

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report and Weather

You generally expect a good batting track at the Wankhede Stadium, but the first game played here (India vs USA) saw good grip and turn. There will be movement on offer for the pacers with the new ball, and spinners will be crucial. Teams will opt to chase if they win the toss, and batting conditions largely should be good.

The weather will be clear with no chance of rain, and the temperature will be around 25-26 degrees Celsius at the start of the game.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for ENG vs NEP T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

  • Jos Buttler scored 81 runs in three games in the recent series against Sri Lanka. He had an average SA20 in 2025-26, but he’s a class player and will be a must in your fantasy teams. Buttler will be a top C/VC choice too.
  • Phil Salt looks to attack from the word go and can take the game away from Nepal if he plays for 6-8 overs. Salt is another must-have in your fantasy teams and a top C/VC option.

Key batter picks: 

  • Jacob Bethell will bat at 3 and may bowl a few overs if needed. His batting form is not that great coming to the ICC T20 WC 2026, but he is a utility player who can fetch points from both bat and ball.

Top all-rounder picks: 

  • Sam Curran has been in good form lately. He won the ILT20 leading the Desert Vipers. Curran may not get enough opportunity to make an impact with the bat, but he’ll bowl his full quota and will be a top captain pick. 
  • Liam Dawson can bowl in any phase of the innings. He is a wicket-taker and will be a key bowler for England, especially in the first six overs.

Key bowler picks: 

  • Adil Rashid is a master of his art (leg-spin), and he will be a good C/VC pick. Rashid is a proven wicket-taker and can go through Nepal’s middle order on his day. He was in good form in the recent T20I series against New Zealand.
  • Jofra Archer will lead England’s pace attack. With his pace and ability to swing the new ball, Archer will be a must-pick. He can pick up a few wickets in the powerplay itself. 
  • Sandeep Lamichhane will be Nepal’s best bet against England’s batting. He can trouble England’s middle order in this match. Sandeep can fetch good points in fantasy cricket, and you should back him.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Jamie Overton
  • Luke Wood
  • Karan KC
  • Aasif Sheikh

Other Stats and Facts 

  • This will be the first T20I between Nepal and England.
  • Nepal have won their last five five T20Is while England have won four of their last five with one abandoned due to rain.
  • Jos Buttler has a solid T20 record at the Wankhede: 28 inns, 829 runs, avg. 33.2, SR 143.4.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Wankhede Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 5th Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: ENG vs NEP Today.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Wankhede Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 5th Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: ENG vs NEP Today.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 5th Match: ENG vs NEP Match Prediction: Who will win?

Nepal lacks depth and quality in their batting, especially compared to England. They’ll have to be on their toes, particularly with the bat. Bowlers too have to be on their toes. 

England to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

AFG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report: T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match

Charbel Coorey
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0
AFG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report: T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match

After Pakistan vs Netherlands on Saturday, we could be in for another thriller on Sunday.

Afghanistan take on New Zealand in a high stakes game. Group D also contains contenders South Africa, so there is little room for error in a tough group, and both teams will be seeking the perfect start in Chennai.

The Black Caps are coming off a tough 4-1 series loss against India, but the experience gained from such an assignment can hold them in good stead. This includes a hastening fifth T20I where they conceded a mammoth 271/5 in Thiruvananthapuram, but they could be welcoming back key personnel in their quest for a white-ball ICC title.

Afghanistan are one of the teams to watch, with many fans and pundits considering them as a dark horse in this World Cup. They enjoyed two wins out of two in their warm-up matches, soon after beating West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series last month.

Also, the Afghans thumped New Zealand by 84 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Batting first in this day game in Chennai could prove crucial, and Afghanistan will back themselves defending a total esepcially as power batting is one potential area of concern for Rashid Khan’s team.

T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match: NZ vs AFG Possible Playing XIs

Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra were struggling with illness a few days ago. It remains to be seen if either is available for selection here.

New Zealand: 1. Finn Allen, 2. Tim Seifert (wk), 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Daryl Mitchell, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. James Neesham/Jacob Duffy, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Ish Sodhi

Afghanistan: 1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Sediqullah Atal, 4. Darwish Rasooli, 5. Azmatullah Omarzai, 6. Gulbadin Naib, 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Rashid Khan (c), 9. Noor Ahmad, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Naveen-ul-Haq/Fazalhaq Farooqi, 11. Ziaur Rahman 

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Pitch Report and Weather

There isn’t too much of a difference between pace and spin at Chepauk in recent years. Since the start of 2024, pace bowlers have taken 127 wickets in all T20s here at an average of 25.32 and economy of 8.66. Spinners have taken 71 wickets at a near identical average of 25.33 but lower economy of 7.38.

In the last two years of the IPL, the average first innings score at Chepauk is 167. The chasing team won 10 of the 15 matches. However, expect conditions to be different with this match starting at 11am local time.

A clear, humid day is forecast with a top of 29 degrees.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for AFG vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Finn Allen is in career-best form. In eight T20s this year, Allen has smashed 397 runs at an average of 49.6 and strike rate of 186.4. His strike rate increases to 190.5 against spin.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz hit 80 off 56 balls in the 2024 World Cup match against New Zealand. Gurbaz is in decent touch with scores of 71 (T20I) and 43 (warm-up) in his last two knocks.

Key batter picks:

  • Ibrahim Zadran looked in solid form in the recent series against West Indies. He struck 137 runs at an average of 68.50 and strike rate of 137.00. Since the start of 2024, Zadran is averaging 39.4 with a strike rate of 125.5 batting first in T20Is (787 runs) compared to 28.6/101.3 batting second (315 runs).
  • Daryl Mitchell played nicely in the recent India series despite batting lower down the order (125 runs, SR 186.56). He is one of New Zealand’s key players against spin, with 592 runs vs spinners in all T20s since the start of 2024 (avg. 42.3, SR 137).

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Azmatullah Omarzai comes into this match in decent form with 35 (15) in the warm-up against West Indies and 3/14 in the other warm-up against Scotland. He offers outstanding fantasy value as he typically bats in the top five and offers at least 2-3 overs.
  • Glenn Phillips hit the most runs for New Zealand in the recent series against India (176) at an average of 35.20 and strike rate of 153.04. He can also provide a role with the ball, but Afghanistan have a right-hander heavy lineup.
  • Speaking of right-hander lineups, Mitchell Santner will be a big factor in this match. He is also in good form with the bat having struck 105 runs at a strike rate of 161.53 against India.

Key bowler picks:

  • Rashid Khan is aiming to rediscover his best form but he still provides strong value in fantasy cricket. He has experience at Chepauk (8 inns, 10 wickets, avg. 24.2, SR 19.2), took 4/17 in the 2024 T20 World Cup against New Zealand, and can provide a cameo with the bat.
  • Matt Henry will be crucial in the powerplay. He has dismissed Ibrahim Zadran once in 11 balls in T20Is (13 runs). He has also got the better of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in ODIs (11 balls, nine runs, one wicket).

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Tim Seifert is key in the powerplay for New Zealand. The opener has had a bit of a quiet 2026 so far (226 runs, avg. 20.5, SR 137.8), but his recent half-century in the fourth T20I against India highlights his threat.
  • Darwish Rasooli top-scored in the recent AFG-WI series (156 runs) at an average of 52.00 and strike rate of 150. This included two fifties. He also struck 84 (46) in the recent warm-up against Scotland.
  • Lockie Ferguson is short on cricket in recent times but is a genuine wicket-taker. He is worth a pick.
  • Noor Ahmad is selected in 24.09% of Dream11 teams. He can be an excellent differential choice given he has 13 wickets in seven T20s at Chepauk at a strike rate of 11.5 (avg. 16).
  • Mohammad Nabi was in the wickets and scored 34 (16) in the warm-ups. Afghanistan could look to use the veteran against New Zealand’s left-handers Ravindra, Chapman and Santner.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head: Matches 3, New Zealand 1, Afghanistan 1, N/R 1.
  • Finn Allen is striking at 218.3 against spin in all T20s since the start of 2025.
  • Daryl Mitchell in T20s at Chepauk: 7 inns, 157 runs, avg. 31.4, SR 138.9.
  • Rashid Khan vs Daryl Mitchell in all T20s: 12 balls, 25 runs, no wickets.
  • Rashid Khan vs Rachin Ravindra in all T20s: Four balls, six runs, one wicket.
  • Matt Henry vs Ibrahim Zadran in all T20s: 11 balls, 13 runs, one wicket.

T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match: NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Chepauk Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 4th Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: NZ vs AFG Today
T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match – NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Chepauk Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 4th Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: NZ vs AFG Today
T20 World Cup 2026 4th Match – NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today

T20 World Cup 4th Match: NZ vs AFG Prediction – Who will win?

A tough match to call as New Zealand have more batting power while Afghanistan can be a big threat at Chepauk. The Black Caps’ batting strength could see them prevail in this encounter.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

PAK vs NED Reactions: Faheem Ashraf 29 (11) rescues Pakistan in T20 World Cup opener against Netherlands

Charbel Coorey
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0
PAK vs NED Reactions: Faheem Ashraf 29 (11) rescues Pakistan in T20 World Cup opener against Netherlands

The 2026 T20 World Cup got off to a thrilling start, with Faheem Ashraf activating the ultimate get out of jail card for Pakistan.

Pakistan, chasing 148, were cruising at 98/2 after 11 overs. Then, in an unbelievable passage of play even by Pakistani standards, Salman Agha’s team scored 21 runs and lost five wickets off the next 35 deliveries to leave them needing an improbable 29 off 12 deliveries for victory.

Faheem delivered right when his team needed. He took advantage of questionable tactics from Logan van Beek and the Netherlands, who opted to attempt yorkers rather than slower deliveries into the slow Colombo pitch. van Beek delivered a host of slot deliveries which Faheem treated with disdain, smashing 24 off the penultimate over to get Pakistan to the brink of safety.

However, Faheem enjoyed a huge slice of luck when Max O’Dowd dropped the pivotal chance at long off with 23 needed off 11 at that point. Had that chance been taken, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign would have already been hanging on the edge of a cliff given their boycott of the India match.

Reactions: Faheem Ashraf saves sloppy Pakistan in T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands

That Pakistan even got themselves into such a precarious position is cause for concern. Their top three packs a punch, but the middle order has work to do in terms of proactivity and strike rotation. Questions remain around Babar Azam’s spot in the XI, especially as he struggled to get going in the middle overs.

Plus, his soft dismissal after Pakistan had just lost the wickets of Sahibzada Farhan (47) and Usman Khan (0) left plenty to be desired. The equation of 48 off 45 balls suited Babar perfectly, and a player of his experience should be expected to see his team home.

Also, Pakistan’s ploy for multiple all-rounders was also in the spotlight as Shadab Khan (8 off 12) and Mohammad Nawaz (6 off 13) struggled as the asking rate climed to above eight an over. All of a sudden, both were dismissed in quick succession leaving Pakistan 114/7 and on the brink of a harrowing defeat.

Faheem then took it upon himself to get the job done. “If you assumed this would be a straightforward chase for Pak the problem is with you,” wrote PTV Sports’ Roha Nadeem on X (formerly Twitter).

“Far from a complete game for Pakistan in this T20 WC opener, if not for Faheem the blame game would have started. 148 to chase, what will happen if the target is 170 plus? 48 dot balls .. strike rates of 83.3,66.6 and 46.15 from the middle order,” wrote presenter Zainab Abbas.

Here are some of the reactions to a thrilling encounter.

Spare a thought for the Netherlands, who had that game in their grasp. They fought back superbly, but couldn’t quite get over the line.

It mirrored their batting effort to a degree. Their first 15 overs was a terrific display of strike rotation and timely boundary-hitting to keep the run rate above eight. However, a flurry of wickets meant they finished with 147 instead of the 160-170 they were on course to achieve. It proved vital in the end.

Next up for Pakistan is the USA, who famously beat them in the 2024 edition. The Netherlands will meet Namibia in what promises to be a fascinating match. Both games will take place on Tuesday February 10 in Colombo and Delhi respectively.

IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match

Robin Rounder
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0
IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match

Defending champions India will meet the United States of America (USA) in the 3rd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, will host this game on 7th February 2026 at 7 PM IST. 

India is in excellent form in the shortest format. They just defeated New Zealand 4-1 and will be pretty confident coming to this World Cup. Abhishek Sharma has been in exceptional form since his T20I debut, while Ishan Kishan’s comeback is inspiring, and it feels like he’ll hit sixes in his sleep as well. 

Suryakumar Yadav too came back in form just at the right time, while Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya form a strong batting unit. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Mohammed Siraj will be the key bowlers for India alongside Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel. The Indian side has good batting depth and a strong bowling unit. 

On the other hand, the USA did well in the last T20 World Cup considering the expectations. They’ll be eager to improve on that in this tournament. They have some exciting players in Shubham Ranjane, Saiteja Mukamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, and Monank Patel. 

They’ll have to be at their best as a team if they are to give India a hard time in this game. Saurabh Netravalkar will lead the bowling attack, and he’ll be assisted by Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Shadley van Schalwyk, and Ali Khan.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match: IND vs USA Probable Playing XIs

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Ishan Kishan (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 4. Tilak Varma, 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Shivam Dube, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Jasprit Bumrah, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Varun Chakaravarthy

USA: 1. Saiteka Mukamalla, 2. Andire Gous, 3. Monank Patel (c & wk), 4. Sanjay Krishnamurthy, 5. Milind Kumar, 6. Shubham Ranjane, 7. Harmeet Singh, 8. Mohammad Mohsin, 9. Shadley van Shalwyk, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Saurabh Netravalkar

Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Pitch Report and Weather

A good batting track with something for the pace bowlers, especially with the new ball, is the historical nature of the Wankhede wicket. The pacers will get good bounce and movement with the new ball. Batting will become easier as the game progresses, as dew will play a key role. Teams will prefer chasing, and scores in the range of 150-160 are expected, but it can be way more if India bats first. 

The weather will be clear with no chance of rain, and the temperature will be around 25-26 degrees Celsius at the start of the game.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs USA 3rd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

  • Ishan Kishan has been in terrific touch lately. He scored 215 runs in four games against New Zealand at an average of 53.75 and a whopping strike rate of 231.18, including a fifty and a hundred. He will be a top C/VC choice as well. 

Key batter picks: 

  • Abhishek Sharma looks to attack from the first ball. He scored 182 runs in five games against the Kiwis at an average of 45.50, striking at 249.31, including two fifties. Abhishek will be a popular C/VC option.
  • Suryakumar Yadav was at his best in the recent series against New Zealand, scoring 242 runs in five matches. He averaged 80.66 at a strike rate of 196.74 with three fifties to his name. Surya will be an ideal C/VC pick as well, especially while batting first.

Top all-rounder picks: 

  • Hardik Pandya will do the late hitting duties and bowl 3-4 overs as well. He might not get enough time with the bat to make an impact, but he can pick up a wicket or two. Pandya will be a must in your fantasy teams.
  • Shivam Dube is another one who bats low but can contribute with the ball. He has been chipping in with wickets consistently and is in good form as well with the bat.
  • Axar Patel will bowl his full quota and can be promoted up the order to keep the left-right combination going. He can trouble USA’s middle order and will be a must in your fantasy teams.

Key bowler picks: 

  • Jasprit Bumrah loves playing at the Wankhede Stadium, and he will be an excellent captain choice in fantasy cricket for this game. He can pick up wickets in clusters and will be someone you can’t miss out on in this game.
  • Varun Chakaravarthy is a genuine wicket-taker. He can go through the USA’s batting unit in this match. The mystery spinner is expected to do well in this game, and you can make him C/VC in some of your teams.
  • Arshdeep Singh is another must-have in your fantasy teams. He can pick up wickets with the new ball and will fancy his chances against the USA’s top order. He will be a good C/VC option as well.

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

  • Shubham Ranjane
  • Tilak Varma
  • Ali Khan
  • Saurabh Netravalkar

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match: IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Mumbai Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 3rd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: IND vs USA Today
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match: IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Mumbai Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 3rd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: IND vs USA Today
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match: IND vs USA Dream11 Prediction Today

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 3rd Match: IND vs USA Match Prediction: Who will win?

India are clear favoruites to win this game. They have the home advantage, a well-balanced team with plenty of quality players, and a strong bowling unit. It should be a one-sided affair, but cricket is unpredictable, and they still need to perform. 

India to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match

Robin Rounder
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0
WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match

West Indies will take on Scotland in the 2nd game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The game will be played at 3 PM IST on 7th February 2026. The venue for this game will be the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The West Indies always look very solid on paper in the shortest format, but their on-field performance has been very different from that in the last few years. The likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Johnson Charles, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, and Akeal Hosein form a very strong core, and a strong start is vital. 

Matthew Forder, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, and others are also very capable players in the shortest format. The biggest challenge for the two-time champions will be consistency and performing as a unit in this tournament. The conditions at Eden Garden will suit their explosive batting style. 

Scotland, meanwhile, joined the tournament late and had to scramble to get everything ready. However, they are a promising side capable of defeating any team on their day. The likes of Brendon McMullen, Richie Berrington, George Munsey, Mark Watt, Bradley Currie, and Bradley Wheal are some of their key players. They have good batting depth, and the bowling is also good, but they’ll have to be their best throughout the tournament if they are to do well. 

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match: WI vs SCO Probable Playing XIs

West Indies: 1. Shai Hope (c & wk), 2. Brandon King, 3. Shimron Hetmyer, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Sherfane Rutherford, 7. Romario Shepherd, 8. Jason Holder, 9. Matthew Forde/Gudakesh Motie, 10. Akeal Hosein, 11. Jayden Seales

Scotland: 1. George Munsey, 2. Michael Jones, 3. Brendon McMullen, 4. Richie Berrington (c), 5. Tom Bruce, 6. Matthew Cross (wk), 7. Mark Watt, 8. Michael Leask, 9. Chris Greaves, 10. Bradley Wheal, 11. Safyaan Sharif

Eden Gardens Kolkata Pitch Report and Weather

A belter of a track with small boundaries will await both teams for this game. But since it’s a day game, there could be some turn and grip for the spinners.

Overall, the batters should dominate this game. Scores in the range of 160-180 are expected. Teams will opt to chase if they win the toss. 

The temperature will be around 25-26 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. It will be a sunny day with no chance of rain.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for WI vs SCO 2nd Match of T20 World Cup 2026: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:  

  • Shai Hope was in decent form in the recently concluded SA20 2025/26, and he’s been the best batter for the Windies in white-ball cricket for the last 12-18 months. He will open the innings and can score big in this match. Hope will be a good captain choice.

Key batter picks: 

  • Shimron Hetmyer was in excellent form in the recent series against South Africa. He is in great touch at the moment and is attacking from the word go. Hetmyer’s hitting sixes for fun and will be a top C/VC option while batting first.
  • George Munsey is another batter who likes to take on the bowlers from the first ball. He’s one of the best batters for Scotland and will be a must in your fantasy teams.

Top all-rounder picks: 

  • Brendon McMullen is arguably Scotland’s most important player. He will bat at three and bowl his full quota. He scored 95 runs in the warmup game against Namibia. He’s a top C/VC option too. 
  • Jason Holder will bowl in the powerplay and then towards the end of the innings. He’s been in top batting form lately and will be a must pick in your fantasy teams. Holder will fetch points from both bat and ball. 
  • Romario Shepherd may not get enough opportunities to contribute with the bat, but he’s a key all-rounder for the West Indies. He’s a brute hitter and can change the course of the game on his own. Another good C/VC choice. 

Key bowler picks: 

  • Akeal Hosein may trouble Scotland’s top order with the new ball. He is a wicket-taker and can go through the Scottish lineup if he gets going. Akeal played well in the SA20 2025-26. 
  • Mark Watt can bowl in any phase of the innings, and he’s a capable batter. He opened the innings in the warmup game against Namibia and scored 33 runs. Watt will be a key bowler for his team, especially against the right-hand-heavy West Indies lineup. 

Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team 

  • Sherfane Rutherford
  • Bradley Currie
  • Matthew Forde
  • Brandon King

Other Matchups and Facts 

  • Head-to-Head: Scotland 1, West Indies 0 (only one match between the two teams).
  • Chasing sides have won 6 of the 11 T20Is played at Kolkata in the last 5 years.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match: WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Kolkata Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: WI vs SCO Today
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match: WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Kolkata Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: WI vs SCO Today
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match: WI vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 2nd Match: WI vs SCO Match Prediction: Who will win?

The West Indies will start as the favourites, but they’ll have to be on their toes considering Scotland defeated them in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

West Indies have better quality in their side compared to Scotland, but they’ll still need to perform on the field. 

West Indies to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

Sri Lanka asks Pakistan to consider its stance on not playing against India in T20 World Cup

Yash Mittal
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Sri Lanka asks Pakistan to consider its stance on not playing against India in T20 World Cup

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway on February 7, but there is no guarantee that Pakistan will play India in the marquee clash at the historic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 15.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially threatened to boycott the biennial 20-team tournament as a mark of protest against Bangladesh’s removal from the competition. Later, the Pakistan government allowed the 2009 T20 World Cup champions to participate in the tournament but barred them from locking horns with their archrivals, India.

Sri Lanka Cricket write to Pakistan Cricket Board requesting they reconsider the boycott

As the deadlock continues, newswire.IK is reporting that Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) has urged their Pakistani counterparts to reconsider their stance as the island nation faces financial ramifications in case the match is not played.

SLC President Shammi Silva highlighted the negative impact Pakistan’s boycott would have on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from a commercial and sporting dynamic standpoint. 

Should Pakistan not budge from its stance, Sri Lanka will face the immediate financial impact due to cancelled flights and hotel bookings. 

SLC secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed to The Indian Express that the board has indeed sent a letter to PCB, requesting it to consider its stance and highlighting what Sri Lankan cricket has done for Pakistan in their difficult times in the past.

The decision will hurt Sri Lanka’s tourism and its economy, Bandula highlighted.

“Yes, we have written a letter to the PCB. We tried to highlight things we have done for Pakistan cricket in their difficult times in the past. We expressed our concerns over their decision, as all the preparations have been done here for the match.

Sri a They are hurting Sri Lanka’s economy. It will hurt tourism here in the country. Our economy will take a hit because of this one decision,” he said, as quoted by Firstpost.

Sri Lankan cricket has notably played a key role in restoring international cricket in Pakistan over the last seven to eight years. The SLC famously refused to call off the tour of Pakistan this past winter, even as several members of the touring party refused to continue playing in the wake of a terror attack near the tourists’ hotel in Islamabad.

PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match

With much of the build up to the T20 World Cup dominated by off-field headlines, attention turns to the cricket as Pakistan and Netherlands kick off the tournament in Colombo.

As things stand, Pakistan’s boycott of their match against India means they have little room for error in Group A. However, they come into this World Cup with plenty of confidence after reaching last year’s Asia Cup Final and thumping Australia 3-0 last week.

Also, Pakistan’s spin attack can be a huge point of difference in Sri Lanka, while the attacking intent of their top order in particular can hold them in good stead. A strong start to the campaign will be just what they’re after.

The Netherlands, however, can never be taken lightly. They have a number of players who have World Cup experience and T20 know-how, so the Dutch will be hopeful of causing an upset and breaking Group A wide open.

Preparation is the key question for the Netherlands after their warm-up match against Australia was abandoned. Two days earlier, Logan van Beek’s 40* (31) and 3/22 was the standout against Zimbabwe, but a number of low scores in the top seven is something they need to avoid here.

2026 T20 World Cup 1st Match: PAK vs NED Possible Playing XIs

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Salman Agha (c), 4. Babar Azam, 5. Khawaja Nafay/Usman Khan (wk), 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Naseem Shah, 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11. Abrar Ahmed

Netherlands: 1. Michael Levitt, 2. Max O’Dowd, 3. Bas de Leede, 4. Zach Lion-Cachet, 5. Colin Ackermann, 6. Scott Edwards (c & wk), 7. Noah Croes, 8. Roelof van der Merwe, 9. Logan van Beek, 10. Aryan Dutt, 11. Kyle Klein/Timm van der Gugten

Sinhalese Sports Club Ground Colombo Pitch Report and Weather

The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo has hosted just two T20Is, both way back in February 2010. Canada (176/3) beat Ireland (172/8) by four runs and Afghanistan (143/5) beat Canada (140/6) by five wickets.

The 2026 T20 World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Pakistan was washed out on February 4.

In three women’s T20Is since 2023, pace bowlers took 10 wickets at an average of 20.3 and economy of 7.17. Spinners had more of a say, taking 22 wickets at an average of 24.73 and economy of 6.17.

The concern in Colombo is the weather. AccuWeather forecasts “cloudy conditions with a shower or two in the afternoon.” Given this match starts at 11:00am local time, there is hope of a full match before those showers begin.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs NED 2026 T20 World Cup 1st Match: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

  • Scott Edwards is likeliest to get an extended opportunity with the bat, especially if Netherlands bat first. Since the start of 2024, Edwards has scored 426 runs at an average of 28.4 and strike rate of 140.1 when batting first in all T20s. In the same period, he averages 18.9 with a strike rate of 118.3 batting second.

Key batter picks:

  • Agha Salman has looked outstanding at number three. He smashed 120 runs in the recent T20I series against Australia at a strike rate of 171.42. Since the start of 2025, Salman has struck 333 runs at number three in all T20s at an average of 37 and strike rate of 164.9.

Top allrounder picks:

  • All-rounders provide the most value for the Netherlands. Bas de Leede typically bats in the top three and contributes overs. Logan van Beek was excellent in the warm-up against Zimbabwe and is one of the Netherlands’ key bowlers.
  • Saim Ayub is a top captaincy choice in Dream11. He won man of the series in the recent series against Australia. He struck 119 runs at a strike rate of 170.00 and took three wickets.
  • Shadab Khan took 3/22 against Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup, and won the man of the match award. Shadab also showed excellent signs with bat and ball in the Australia series.

Key bowler picks:

  • Abrar Ahmed will test the Netherlands’ lineup with his variations. Consider him as a c/vc in Dream11. Since the start of 2025, Abrar has taken 54 T20 wickets at an average of 17.7 and economy of 6.72.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi hasn’t been in the best of form lately, but he bowls in the crunch overs which provides wicket-taking potential.
  • After Salman Agha, Babar Azam is the next-best fantasy option among batters. babar is a solid option especially if Pakistan bat first.
  • Aryan Dutt is a key cog in the Netherlands’ bowling attack. The offspinner went well in the warm-up against Zimbabwe, taking 1/22 off four overs.
  • Mohammad Nawaz took a five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s last T20I against Australia. He is picked in 53% of Dream11 teams at this stage so he can be a strong differential pick.
  • Roelof van der Merwe can be another good differential pick at 36.11% selection. His spin could be a key factor in these conditions.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 2, Pakistan 2, Netherlands 0.
  • Pakistan (95/4) beat Netherlands (91/9) by six wickets with 37 balls to spare in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
  • Max O’Dowd vs left-arm seam in T20s since 2022: 149 runs, avg. 37.2, SR 118.3.
  • Scott Edwards averages 19.2 with a strike rate of 120.6 against left-arm orthodox in T20Is. Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub are good matchups for Pakistan. Edwards’ corresponding numbers against legspin are 30/134.3.

T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match: PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, SSC Colombo Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 1st Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: PAK vs NED.
T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match: PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, SSC Colombo Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 1st Match of the T20 World Cup 2026: PAK vs NED.
T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match: PAK vs NED Dream11 Prediction Today

T20 World Cup 2026 1st Match: PAK vs NED Match Prediction – Who will win?

Can the Netherlands pull off an upset? You never know, but Pakistan’s spin attack should be too strong. Pakistan to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup as Australia injury concerns continue

Charbel Coorey
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0
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of T20 World Cup as Australia injury concerns continue

Australia’s concerns continue to grow with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the T20 World Cup. Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and achilles injuries, and the latter has not healed in time even for an appearance later in the tournament.

Why is Josh Hazlewood out of the 2026 T20 World Cup?

Selector Tony Dodemaide, who was previously hopeful that Hazlewood would make it for the Super 8 stage should Australia qualify, said the pace bowler still has a lot of rehabilitation to go through.

“We were hopeful Josh would be back to match fitness by the Super Eights stage but the latest indications (are) he is still some time away. Trying to accelerate his program will carry too much of a risk,” he said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“We will not be naming a replacement player immediately. We feel we are well covered for the initial games so will make any later decisions based on priority need at the time.”

Hazlewood’s injury is another episode in Australia’s shaky build up to the tournament. Pat Cummins has also been ruled out due to his back injury, leaving Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis as the only two fit frontline pace bowlers currently in the squad.

Also, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa are all managing injury concerns. However, Zampa is declared fit for Australia’s opener against Ireland.

All of Australia’s Group games will be held in Sri Lanka. They take on Ireland (February 11) and Zimbabwe (February 13) in Colombo before heading to Pallekele to play Sri Lanka (February 16) and Oman (February 20).

Assuming all the seeded teams qualify for the Super Eight stage, Australia will be grouped alongside India, South Africa and West Indies. The top two teams will then progress to the semi-finals.

In Sri Lankan conditions, Australia can afford to go spin-heavy. In India, quality pace bowling will be vital, especially at the death. Sean Abbott, who is currently the travelling reserve, seems likeliest to join the main squad.

“RCB Heritage!” Twitter Reactions to RCB beating DC in the WPL 2026 Final

Charbel Coorey
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“RCB Heritage!” Twitter Reactions to RCB beating DC in the WPL 2026 Final

The good times continue for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with their magnificent women’s team sealing their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. A Smriti Mandhana masterclass led the way as they achieved a magnificent run chase of 204 with two deliveries to spare against Delhi Capitals (DC).

The outstanding Mandhana slammed 87 off just 41 balls, combining with the talented Georgia Voll (79 off 54 balls) to break the back of the run chase with a 165-run stand off just 92 balls. By the time Voll was dismissed, RCB needed 30 off 21 deliveries with eight wickets still in hand.

DC managed to fight back and restrict RCB to 22 off the next 17 deliveries, leaving them with eight needed off the final four balls. Radha Yadav produced two magnificent shots over cover to seal the victory and spark huge celebrations.

Earlier, Lauren Bell produced a magnificent bowling display. The opening bowler went wicketless, but conceding just 19 from her four overs in a 200 vs. 200 match proved pivotal. Mandhana was full of praise for Bell, along with Voll.

“Of course, 200-plus in the final is definitely a good score. I thought that in the last four overs, we definitely bowled well and pulled it [back] a little better. Again, credit to Lauren Bell. I mean, 400 [runs scored] in a match and she goes for like four overs, 20-odd runs. That, for me, is a match-winning spell,” Mandhana said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Volly led the way. She had almost all the strike in the powerplay, but her intent was really spot-on. And I remember telling the girls 10 or 15 days back that I have a feeling that Volly will get a match-winning knock in the final and [I’m] really happy, really happy for her.

“She’s been working extremely hard on her game. I saw her practicing extra in the last two-three days. So I’m happy that it came, it paid off for her.”

For DC, it is yet another case of wasn’t meant to be. Incredibly, this is now the fourth-straight final they have lost. They would have been feeling mighty positive at the innings break, but they had to make inroads into the RCB top order. They dismissed the dangerous Grace Harris early, but couldn’t land a punch for a long time afterwards.

DC will now need to pick themselves up for the next season. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues was extremely proud of her team.

“I think I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” she said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It wasn’t easy for us, but the kind of character our girls showed for us to just make it to the finals is something I’m so proud of. And you know, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

“Hats off to the way we played as a team. I think we’ve been great. You know, if ever you wanted our team to fire and click, it was today. And I think we did that really well. There’s always, you know, ‘okay, we could have done this better, that better.’ But I think everyone fought hard, everyone gave their all, and sometimes that’s all that’s important.”

Reactions to WPL 2026 Final: RCB become first team to win WPL title twice

It is another great day in what has been an outstanding few years for RCB and their passionate fans. They have become the second team to win the WPL title twice, and first team to hold both the IPL and WPL titles at the same time.

“RCB were just too good throughout the tournament Feel for DC , 4 finals on the trot , that’s an amazing achievement in itself and they’ve found a long term leader in JEMI. But more importantly this is a win for WOMEN’S cricket. The standards have gone through the roof,” wrote Dinesh Karthik on X (formerly Twitter).

DC had contributions right down the order in their score of 203/4. Laura Wolvaardt’s 44 came at a strike rate of 176 – the best of DC’s top four. Chinelle Henry then finished the innings superbly, smashing an unbeaten 35 off 15 balls.

RCB, however, who finished top of the WPL 2026 table, showed their class en route to their second WPL title. They were outstanding throughout the tournament and thoroughly deserve their win.

Another wild day at the MCG: 17 wickets fall on day of Shield match between Victoria and Queensland

Charbel Coorey
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Another wild day at the MCG: 17 wickets fall on day of Shield match between Victoria and Queensland

There was another remarkable day of red-ball cricket at the MCG, this time in the Sheffield Shield as 17 wickets fell on day one of Victoria’s clash with Queensland. This has once again put the MCG pitch in the spotlight a little over a month after the Boxing Day Test finished inside two days.

Hosts Victoria finished 61/7 in reply to Queensland’s 149 on a pitch that offered assistance for the seam bowlers. They had remarkably fell to 11/5 although there were a couple of loose shots and very questionable umpiring decisions.

Michael Neser (3/9 off nine overs) and Tom Straker (2/24 off 11 overs) were the chief destroyers for Queensland after Sam Elliott (4/43), David Moody (3/24) and Fergus O’Neill (2/25) starred for Victoria.

This makes it 53 wickets in the last three days of First Class cricket at the iconic venue.

Peter Handscomb defends MCG pitch after 17 wickets fall on day one of Shield match

Victoria captain leapt to the defence of the MCG pitch and curator Matt Page. Handscomb, who came in at number four, remained unbeaten on 25 off 67 balls.

“I still think it’s a good wicket,” said Handscomb, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“I back Pagey (Matt Page) in with what he’s done here over the last four or five years. I think the wicket has been really, really good.

“Even that Test wicket, I still think was a good wicket. I think we can maybe jump at shadows a little bit here and blame it all on the wicket. Generally, an MCG wicket when you (bat) on day one, if you score 200 runs, you’re happy.”

Michael Neser echoed similar thoughts. The Queensland opening bowler said the surface – which had 3mm less grass than the Boxing Day pitch – wasn’t doing too much.

“I don’t think it was doing as much,” said Neser. “The (Shield) wicket actually looks half decent but it did do a bit when we were out there. It’s tricky one. I think we’ll judge how it pans out tomorrow.

“It was obviously tricky (to bat on). It was doing a bit here and there. But then there were moments where you felt actually quite comfortable and you could score.”

Curator Page faced the media on what was meant to be day three of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England; a match that left fans very frustrated. The ICC gave the pitch an “unsatisfactory” rating.

Victoria will begin day two seeking to get as close as possible to Queensland’s first innings total. Peter Handscomb’s team currently sit top of the Sheffield Shield table with five wins in six matches. Queensland are second with two wins, two draws and two losses from their six games.

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