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AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report

For the first time in nearly two years, Australia will line up for a home ODI. For the first time in nearly 18 years, it will be Zimbabwe.

Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, Zimbabwe will finally get a taste of playing Australia in Australia. Conditions, however, are likely to be quite unusual for matches in this country, with spin likely to play a key role at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville.

Such conditions may help Zimbabwe as opposed to a fast, pacy track. In fact, they won their last ODI against Australia back in 2014 in conditions that suited spin in Harare. Expecting them do the same here against a near full-strength Australia side is a tough ask, but the Zimbabweans have ODI matches under their belt in recent times, whereas Australia are aiming to hit their groove right away.

In recent assignments, Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh 2-1 and pushed India all the way in the recent third ODI. If Sikandar Raza can continue his recent form, coupled with controlled efforts from the bowlers, anything is possible.

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Possible Playing XI

Australia could play two specialist spinners in Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar at Townsville. Pat Cummins is unavailable as he is rested.

Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Ashton Agar/Sean Abbott, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa

In a boost for Zimbabwe, lead seamer Blessing Muzarabani is back. However, Craig Ervine, Tendai Chatara and Wellington Masakadza are all unavailable due to injury.

Zimbabwe: 1. Innocent Kaia, 2. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, 3. Sean Williams, 4. Tony Munyonga/Wessley Madhevere, 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Regis Chakabva (c & wk), 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Luke Jongwe, 9. Brad Evans, 10. Richard Ngarava, 11. Victor Nyauchi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • It’s a big series for Aaron Finch as he aims to find top form. The skipper averages 39.26 in 50 home ODIs with eight 50s and eight 100s.
  • In 2018, Finch smashed 172 in a T20I vs Zimbabwe. Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl played in that match.
  • David Warner averages a strong 46.71 in 58 home ODIs at a strike rate of 100.26. He hits a 50+ score every three innings on average in Australia.
  • Steve Smith will be aiming for a big series, especially when it comes to freeflowing strokeplay with doubts around his place in the T20 team. Smith averages 53.87 in 50 home ODIs, with nine fifties and eight hundreds.
  • If Australia bats first and provides a platform, watch out for Glenn Maxwell. He strikes at 131.53 in ODIs where Australia bats first. Also, he had a strike rate of 140.35 in the five ODIs against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
  • Zimbabwe will have to guard against Mitchell Starc, an ODI great. Starc is just five wickets away from 200 in ODIs, with this set to be his 100th match.
  • Adam Zampa returns for Australia after missing the Sri Lanka tour. Since the start of 2020, Zampa has taken 38 wickets in 19 ODIs at an average of 23.97.

Zimbabwe:

  • Sikandar Raza holds the key to Zimbabwe’s hopes. The all-rounder is in career-best form, with three hundreds in his last six ODIs. This includes a superb 95-ball 115 against India last week.
  • Sean Williams is also key with his experience. He looked good in his last ODI, where he scored a 46-ball 45 vs India.
  • Brad Evans had a terrific series against the Indians with bat and ball. The pacer took 5/54 in the last ODI, and also scored runs down the order: 33*, 9, 28.
  • Blessing Muzarabani will be aiming to test the Aussies with his height. Also, he has the ability to take the ball away from the left-handers, so his battle with David Warner could be interesting.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 30, Australia 27, Zimbabwe 2, 1 N/R.
  • The last time these two teams met in an ODI was in 2014. Zimbabwe won by three wickets.
  • Marnus Labuschagne has scored 337 runs at an average of 84.25 across one List A match and two Sheffield Shield matches on this ground.

Riverway Stadium Townsville Pitch Report and Weather

Marnus Labuschagne expects the Townsville track to provide some assistance to the spinners, particularly as the series goes on. Last season, Queensland beat Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on this ground, and spinner Matt Kuhnemann took ten wickets in the match.

In four List A matches on this ground, spinners concede 5.25 runs per over compared to 5.81 by the pacers.

The forecast for Townsville is partly cloudy with a top of 26 degrees.

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction 28 August 2022

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:

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report
AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Townsville Pitch Report
AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Regis Chakabva
  • Batsmen: David Warner, Steve Smith
  • All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Glenn Maxwell
  • Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc

AUS vs ZIM 1st ODI Match Prediction: Who will win?

Australia to win.

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1

Charbel Coorey
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SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report

The highly anticipated 2022 Asia Cup is here. The very best the continent has to offer, barring injuries, will be seeking to hit their best form not only as T20 World Cup preparation, but the chance to be crowned Asia’s best.

Before India and Pakistan do battle on Sunday, there is a crucial match to kick off the tournament. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are in what looks a very competitive Group B along with Bangladesh. The team who loses this clash will see their Super 4 hopes take a hit, while victory increases confidence and just about puts one foot in the next stage.

There is a lot to look forward to in this clash. Sri Lanka are ever improving in white-ball cricket, pushing Australia close in the T20Is at home earlier this year (2-1 defeat) before winning the ODIs. Afghanistan suffered a series loss in Ireland recently, but whether that result spurs them on or impacts their confidence remains to be seen.

SL vs AFG Possible Playing XI

Dushmantha Chameera is unavailable due to injury. So, ‘baby Malinga’ Matheesha Pathirana could play.

Sri Lanka will be best served playing Kusal Mendis as opener. He averages 34.38 with a strike rate of 138.39 when opening compared to an average of 11.24 and strike rate of 98.75 when not.

Sri Lanka: 1. Kusal Mendis (wk), 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Charith Asalanka, 4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Praveen Jayawickrama, 11. Matheesha Pathirana

One key question for Afghanistan is the all-rounder position. Azmatullah Omarzai was preferred in the recent series in Ireland, but Karim Janat is an option. So too 34-year old Samiullah Shinwari, who is a leg-spinning option.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Ibrahim Zadran, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi (c), 6. Usman Ghani, 7. Azmatullah Omarzai/Samiullah Shinwari, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

  • Charith Asalanka was one of the standout performers in the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE. The left-hander struck 231 runs in six matches at an average of 46.20 and strike rate of 147.13.
  • Pathum Nissanka scored three half-centuries in eight matches at last year’s World Cup in the UAE.
  • Dhananjaya de Silva is one to watch with bat and ball. The off-spinner may be utilised early and against Afghanistan’s left-handers. With the bat against legspin in T20Is, he has scored 117 runs in 109 balls, with five dismissals.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga is a very strong contender for top wicket-taker in this tournament. He will be particularly dangerous against right-handers. He has taken 51 wickets in 36 T20Is against RHB at an average of 11.9 and strike rate of 11.4.
  • Maheesh Theekshana has taken 24 wickets in 21 T20s at an economy rate of just 6.88. Ten of those have come in the powerplay, where he is conceding just 6.91 runs per over.

Afghanistan:

  • Najibullah Zadran is the form batsman. He recently hit 125 runs vs Ireland at a superb strike rate of 164.47. In the Shpageeza League before Ireland, he smashed 397 runs at an average of 56.71 and strike rate of 163.37.
  • Also, Najibullah was Afghanistan’s top scorer in the 2021 World Cup in UAE: 5 inns, 172 runs, avg. 34.40, SR 135.43, 2 50s.
  • Ibrahim Zadran in T20s in 2022: 14 inns, 409 runs, avg. 40.90, SR 147.12.
  • Mohammad Nabi in T20s at Dubai: 19 matches, 269 runs, avg. 33.63, SR 131.86; 20 wickets, avg. 23.15, econ. 7.20.
  • Rashid Khan will be crucial for Afghanistan. Charith Asalanka has been dismissed four times in 49 balls by legspin in T20Is (54 runs), so expect Afghanistan to exploit this head-to-head battle.
  • Also, Pathum Nissanka has scored 40 off 36 vs legspin, with two dismissals.
  • Naveen-ul-Haq took the second-most wickets in the Vitality Blast earlier this year (24 wickets in 14 matches). He also took seven wickets in five T20Is in Ireland recently at a strike rate of 11.8.

Other Stats and Facts

  • This will be just the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Sri Lanka won by six wickets in the 2016 World Cup.
  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the kind of player who can take the game away. He is striking at 140.09 in 16 T20s this year, but is averaging just 18.56.
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz is striking at 160.93 in 24 T20s this year (626 runs, avg. 29.81).
  • Dasun Shanaka hit a memorable 54* off 25 balls in Sri Lanka’s last T20I, against Australia in June.
  • 53.57% of Mujeeb ur Rahman’s total T20 wickets have come when bowling second. Overall in the UAE, Mujeeb has taken 21 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.62.

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Hot, hot, hot. The top temperature will cross 40 degrees during the day in Dubai, with conditions set to be steamy under lights for this night match.

In terms of the pitch, expect the captain who wins the toss to choose to bowl on a ground that typically favours chasing. In 26 T20s on this ground last year (IPL and T20 WC), the average first innings score was 143.31. The chasing team won an incredible 21 of these matches.

There shouldn’t be too much turn given this is the first match, but a slow wicket brings the very skilled spinners into play. So too cutters from the seamers.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for Asia Cup 2022

Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction 27 August 2022

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:

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 | AFG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Dubai Pitch Report
Asia Cup 2022 Match 1: SL vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base Team:

  • Wicket-Keepers: Kusal Mendis
  • Batsmen: Najibullah Zadran, Charith Asalanka
  • All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Maheesh Theekshana

Asia Cup 2022 Match 1 SL vs AFG Match Prediction: Who will win?

This promises to be a closely fought contest. Sri Lanka, with their experience, start as favourites. But, this one could come down to which team chases. The team batting first will need 160+ to feel safe, you would think.

ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31

Tarkesh Jha
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ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31

Cricket News: ICC eyeing $4 billion from media rights from Indian market for 2023-31 | Indian cricket media rights could go for $4 billion

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is aiming to garner close to $4 billion from selling the media rights for 16 men’s and women’s tournaments for the Indian market until 2031. The rights have been unwrapped and different packages will be sold for television (TV) only, digital only along with TV and digital combined this time around.

The ICC will be opening the window to sell the rights for the second four-year period considering that any of the packages are sold for only the first four years.

Disney Star among those in the running for Indian market media rights

The likes of Disney Star, Sony, Amazon, Viacom and Zee are reportedly in the running to claim the bragging rights from these auctions. Several broadcasters have expressed reservations over the bidding process and raised their concerns with the ICC in recent times.

For example, the bids are not going to be shared once they will be opened. The interested parties will not have clarity over the margin of difference between the best bids. This could prohibit a second round of bidding whereas broadcasters have also demanded greater transparency with respect to ICC’s judgment of a four-year bid against an eight-year one.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the ICC addressed these issues by extending the option of a second round of bidding through an e-auction if a bid is within a 10 per cent range of the highest bid. Moreover, a four-year bid will be compared against an eight-year one via a pre-determined multiplier. The ICC will look at the ratio between the best bids for both the tenures. It will be comparing them with a reported multiplier of 2.8.

The ICC will be picking the winner for the eight-year period if its ratio exceeds the multiplier. Provided that the ratio is less, then the winner for the four-year period will be chosen. The ICC is first tapping into the Indian market as the rights for the coming cycle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded merely a couple of months ago.

Disney Star and Viacom strong contenders after landing IPL rights

The global cricketing governing body believes that there will be greater intensity and willingness amongst Disney Star and Viacom to bag the ICC rights given that they recently won the broadcasting and digital rights respectively for the IPL as well. The ICC is aiming to collect a significantly greater amount for the 2023-31 cycle than it did for the preceding ones. The unbundling of the packages coupled with the specific targeting of particular geographical regions are steps taken towards a similar direction.

They have set a ballpark target amount of $1.44 billion and $4 billion (=$1.44×2.8) for the four-year and eight-year deals respectively. Moreover, it is only the benchmark amount that they are expecting to collect from the Indian market. So, the final value of these rights can substantially exceed the aforementioned planned targets.

There is one ICC men’s event scheduled annually for the coming cycle and six of them fall under the Indian time zone. Four of them will take place during the Diwali season and this has shot up the anticipated value of these media rights quite remarkably.

Just to put some context, the ICC collected only $2 billion globally from selling the media rights for its previous cycle. This time around, it is aiming for a figure close to double of that and that too only from the Indian market.

The rights for the women’s game will be sold albeit in a different manner. The highest bidder for the women’s events will have to make a presentation regarding their vision for the growth of female cricket in front of the Media Rights Advisory Group (MRAG). MRAG has been made particularly to adjudicate the bidding and their outlook for the game is supposed to be broadened for the overall game and not just the global events.

Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Tarkesh Jha
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0
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup?

Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? | A look at who should be India’s third seamer for the 2022 T20 World Cup

The Indian team is entering the final and its most important preparatory phase prior to the T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup coupled with bilateral T20I series’ vs Australia and South Africa provides the team management an ideal opportunity to zero down upon their final squad for the mega-tournament.

The pace battery will don an instrumental role in Australian conditions. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has shown glimpses of regaining his old mojo in recent times. His performances in the recent tours of England and Caribbean have sparked hopes that he will spearhead the attack with Jasprit Bumrah in the World T20.

Barring any unfortunate injuries, this duo coupled with Hardik Pandya are more than likely to carry out the pace-bowling responsibilities. However, there will be space for another specialist fast-bowler in the XI with Pandya batting higher up and Ravindra Jadeja slotting in at number seven.

Since the previous World Cup, India has played 23 T20Is. Primarily, three bowlers have been experimented with for the third pacer’s position, namely: Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh. The trio have played 17, 13 and six T20Is respectively in the time being and are competing against each other to nail down a World Cup spot for themselves.

What will India be looking for in the third pacer?

It is vital to understand the think-tank’s expectations from the third pacer before finalising one of the three players for the same. Lately, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been solely handed the new-ball responsibilities. There were occasions in the recent series vs West Indies when he didn’t even return for a second spell. It is not as if his death-over bowling credentials are on the wane. He recorded an economy rate of 8.6 in the death overs in IPL 2022.

The Meerut-born pacer was relying a bit overtly on his repertoire of slower deliveries and knuckle balls and that acted to his detriment at times. But Bhuvneshwar has been mixing them well with the traditional yorkers in the last few months and that has perhaps uplifted his skillsets and performances in that phase of the game. So, it is not as if that he would be completely overlooked in the death overs by the Indian team.

Should Harshal Patel get the first chance?

Who should be India's third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? | A look at who should be India's third seamer for the 2022 T20 World Cup
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? Harshal Patel has been excellent in the IPL.

But, Rohit Sharma at times tends to give him an extended three-over spell in the powerplay itself and that leaves the space open for another pacer to partner Jasprit Bumrah towards the backend of the innings. That is perhaps the key reason behind the management’s insistence on drafting Harshal Patel into the squad straightaway after the previous T20 World Cup.

With 52 wickets in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons, Harshal has been a revelation with the old ball. However, there are concerns whether his skillsets would bear the same results in the slightly pacier tracks Down Under, especially as Harshal didn’t return with impressive figures in the recent tour to the United Kingdom (UK). The pacer took five wickets at an economy rate of 9.8 across four games amidst concerns that his skills might be found wanting in overseas conditions.  

Avesh Khan?

That resulted in Avesh Khan being brought into the setup. Avesh acts as an enforcer in the middle-overs and he boasts of an economy rate of 7.25 in that phase of the innings (7-16) in the IPL. Yet, he has a tendency to leak one run too many occasionally in the death. He has conceded runs at an economy of 9.69 in backend of the innings in the IPL. Moreover, he has taken merely 16 death-over wickets in 31 such innings. Teams are likely to double down their attack on the other pacer in Bumrah’s presence and Avesh might arguably be taken to cleaners under those circumstances.

Why Arshdeep Singh looks a terrific option

Enter, Arshdeep Singh.

For long, the Indian side has been in the want for a quality left-arm pacer. A need has been felt to introduce a newer element and angle to the bowling unit. Arshdeep ticks those boxes and he steals the show with his incredible consistent outings towards the backend of the innings.

So far, he has maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.34 in six T20I appearances. But a larger sample size across the IPL shows that he has conceded runs at only 8.78 in the death overs throughout his IPL career.

His skillsets have only enhanced in that phase in recent years, with Arshdeep taking over and excelling in the death-bowling duties for the Punjab Kings last season. His tendency to pin down one yorker after another and use his angles to compress the batsmen of room to play their shots has been widely appreciated.

There have been criticisms over his inability to take consistent wickets but nine dismissals in six T20Is with the aforementioned economy is a good enough record for a player with as little international exposure as him.

Moreover, one shouldn’t overlook his credentials with the new ball either. Arshdeep has the ability to hit the right, hard lengths regularly and that can complement Bhuvneshwar’s swing-bowling very well in the powerplay. This can allow Rohit to push Bumrah’s overs towards the middle and the end phase, thus giving the team management multiple options to work around their bowling repertoire.

Hardik Pandya allows for quality bowling in the middle overs

Cricket News: Hardik Pandya breaks record in the first T20I vs ENG | Hardik Pandya creates history in first IND vs ENG T20I
Who should be India’s third seamer in the 2022 T20 World Cup? Hardik Pandya offers India plenty with the ball.

Further, Hardik’s re-emergence with the ball has further added to India’s bowling strength in the middle-overs. He has been nearly clocking the 140 kmph mark and is likely to optimise the prevalent conditions in Australia to his benefit. The all-rounder has picked eight wickets in 11 T20I innings since IPL 2022 and the range of deliveries that he has to offer has only increased since his comeback this year.

That perhaps ensures that India might not necessarily need Avesh as an enforcer in the middle-overs. In the other two parameters, i.e., at the start and in the death, Arshdeep seems to have more to offer as compared to his other two compatriots. This is definitely with respect to his very little experience in the international stage.

However, Harshal’s current injury might leave him with little time to outrun Arshdeep to claim a spot in the World Cup squad. The last time India lifted a World Cup, it was a left-arm pacer in Zaheer Khan who led the bowling attack with aplomb right throughout the tournament. Though Arshdeep is too young to assume the leadership role per se, can he be the shining star as India looks to potentially break their ICC tournament drought?

Only time will tell.

The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022

Tarkesh Jha
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0
The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022

Cricket News: The possible XIs for each team in Asia Cup 2022 | What are the possible XIs for each team in the Asia Cup?

Asia Cup 2022 is set to commence from 27th August with the Final slated to be played on 11th September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Six teams, namely: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, UAE and Hong Kong will be participating in the competition.

Teams have already declared their complete squads and CricBlog will be taking a look at the possible playing XI for each side in this article.

Asia Cup 2022: Possible XIs for all teams

India

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Asia Cup will mark the return of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to the Indian squad. The think-tank will have to take a call over sacrificing their bowling depth for Dinesh Karthik’s spot in the playing XI. The tournament will also serve as an ideal platform for India to take a call on picking either Avesh Khan or Arshdeep Singh to partner the frontline pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup. But more than anything, all eyes will be set on Virat Kohli’s comeback and his form over the course of the Asia Cup.

Pakistan

Babar Azam (C), Mohammed Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani

Pakistan impressed one and all with their performances in the previous T20 World Cup. However, they have played only a single T20I this year. The Asia Cup gives them a good chance to regroup and set in motion their plans for the coming couple of months.

The team will be hoping for their middle-order to click to reduce over-dependence on Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. The bowling unit will be weakened by the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi, but the tournament has given them a good opportunity to tick the vacant boxes ahead of the mega-event.

ALSO READ: 4 predictions for Asia Cup 2022

Hong Kong

Nizakat Khan (C), Yasir Murtaza, Babar Hayat, Kinchit Shah, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie, Zeeshan Ali, Haroon Arshad, Ehsan Khan, Mohammed Ghazanfar, Ayush Shukla

Hong Kong’s top-order is in good touch as of now but it will be critical for them to show up with a similar resolve against more fancied bowling units. The bowling will arguably be at the mercy of the batting prowess of their stronger opponents. However, the likes of Ehsan Khan and Ayush Shukla have been amongst wickets in recent times and they will have to cleverly make use of the pitch conditions in the UAE to put the other team in some spot of bother.

Overall, this competition has given Hong Kong a fine chance to test their caliber against some of the most prolific players hailing from the continent.

Afghanistan

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammed Nabi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqui

The strength of the Afghan batting unit rests in the dynamism of their top-order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz along with Hazaratullah Zazai provide flair to the line-up whereas Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqui will be holding the bowling attack together.

Afghanistan will be hoping to make it to the top four initially and will take it one game at a time from then onwards. The likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-haq have the necessary skillsets to optimise the prevalent conditions in the UAE. However, for their batting to fire is mandatory to ensure that the Afghans attain any form of success in the tournament.

Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka have a fairly versatile bowling unit in place with the likes of Maheesh Theekshana having proven their mettle in top-tier competitions in recent times. However, the Lions will have to overcome Dushmantha Chameera’s absence as he recovers from injury.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka will be expected to provide the acceleration in the middle-overs though Sri Lanka will be hoping for some greater intent-driven contributions from their top-order. There are chances of Sri Lanka roping in Matheesha Pathirana as well given Chameera’s absence.

Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Anamul Haque, Atif Hossain, Mahmadullah, Shakib al Hasan (C), Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammed Saifuddin, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Bangladesh is considering opening the batting with Mushfiqur Rahim in the Asia Cup and that can mark a stark shift in the way the team approaches its batting in the competition. Rahim will have the entire innings at his disposal to optimise his potential and that opens the space for Afif Hossain to play an able fiddle in the middle-order.

Taskin Ahmed has been in quite some reinvigorated form since his return and his partnership with Mustafizur Rahman will be one to watch out for. Bangladesh’s spin attack does appear to be slightly light in current circumstances. Whether the players adapt quickly to their new roles and responsibilities under the team management’s fresh T20I plans will determine their success in this competition.

Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament?

Charbel Coorey
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0
Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament?

Cricket News: Asia Cup 2022 predictions: Who will win the tournament? | Who will win Asia Cup 2022? A look at some big predictions

Asia’s best will go head-to-head in a highly-anticipated 2022 Asia Cup in the UAE, the first since 2018. Given the cricket-crazy nations on show, it would do the 2022 Asia Cup injustice to simply call it preparation for the T20 World Cup.

While all the teams competing in the World Cup will want to get their game right for the showpiece event in Australia, the opportunity to be champions of Asia is a very special goal to achieve. A number of star players will be on deck to deliver, and it promises to be a cracking tournament where plenty is at stake.

Asia Cup 2022 predictions

Here are CricBlog’s predictions for the Asia Cup 2022, namely the top run-scorer, top wicket-taker, Super 4 and winner.

Most runs: Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam’s consistency and superb record in the UAE is hard to ignore. In 17 T20Is in the UAE, the Pakistan captain has struck 695 runs at an average of 53.46 and strike rate of 120.66, with eight fifties.

What’s interesting is Babar’s poor record against Sri Lanka (79 runs in six innings, avg. 15.80) and Bangladesh (93 runs in five innings, average 23.25. However, he has the class, ability and form to turn these numbers around should they meet in the Super 4 stage.

Another strong contender is India’s Rohit Sharma. Dushmantha Chameera (six dismissals in 32 balls) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (dismissal first ball in last year’s World Cup) have caused issues for Rohit in the past. However, both pacers are out with injury, and Rohit’s attacking mindset can lead to a big tournament for him.

Most wickets: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Wanindu Hasaranga’s brilliant rise over the past two years has seen Sri Lanka improve as a unit. Expect the legspinner to have an excellent Asia Cup campaign, especially given Bangladesh and Afghanistan have the tendency to lose quick wickets in the middle overs.

Hasaranga will come into this tournament with 39 wickets under his belt in just 25 T20s this year. This includes 26 in IPL 2022, which is the equal second-most ever by a spinner in a single season.

Super 4: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan

India and Pakistan will qualify out of Group A. Group B looks more competitive on paper, with each of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh capable of qualifying to the Super 4 stage.

However, Bangladesh have made the least progress in T20Is, with their latest assignment a disappointing 2-1 loss in Zimbabwe. Shakib Al Hasan, the captain, has low expectations of his side, seeking improved performances rather than focusing on what the outcome might be.

Both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, while flawed, look to have more going for them. The Lions had a promising 2021 T20 World Cup campaign where the likes of Charith Asalanka starred, while Afghanistan have the experience and spinners to cause problems in UAE conditions.

Winner: India

India will win the Asia Cup, as they have the resources and depth to best overcome their challenges.

The first is the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is indeed a big loss. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s form up top is a big plus, and Arshdeep Singh has all the skill to deliver at the death. and that is before we look at the quality of their spinners.

The second is KL Rahul’s lack of cricket. While this is a concern, there is time to find his best form by the time the tournament reaches its business end. The same applies to the great Virat Kohli, who is seeking a turnaround in fortunes after a tough period.

All in all, India look to have the best depth, supported by an excellent, attacking approach in T20I cricket in 2022. The likes of Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav and the excellent all-round ability of Hardik Pandya gives India a superb platform to play off in search of their eighth Asia Cup title.

Should Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs?

Tarkesh Jha
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Should Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs?

Cricket News: Can Australia play both Smith & Labuschagne in ODIs? | Marnus Labuschagne looking to nail down ODI spot

Batsman Marnus Labuschagne is eager to adapt to the middle-order to fit in Australia’s One Day International (ODI) setup.

The 28-year-old could garner only 116 runs in five innings at an average of 23.20 in five games in Australia’s previous ODI series in Sri Lanka. Labuschagne confesses that he wished to apply his batting methodologies from the Test format a more in ODIs.

“Looking back on it, I certainly wish I’d played a slightly different way. I almost started a little too defensively so I’m just reviewing my theories there and wished I’d applied my Test method a little bit more in those conditions; sweeping the ball, using my feet a little more. It was a bit disappointing from my end, that I didn’t really do that until the Test series came. For me, it’s a learning experience,” he was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

Marnus Labuschagne looking to take off in ODI cricket alongside Steve Smith

Whilst Labuschagne has been a revelation in Test cricket, his ODI career hasn’t really taken off in a similar pace. He has notched 677 runs in 21 games at an average of 33.85. The batsman has still scored a century along with four half-centuries. However, the dynamics of the ODI XI is such that he has had to adjust to a new role altogether in the middle-order.

“I always like batting in the top order, I’ve spent my whole life there, but understanding the team make-up, batting at No. 5, I need to continue to get better at that role and through the middle overs understanding when to attack and defend,” the batsman told the aforementioned website.

He even applauded the coaching staff for trusting the players to take the game on and put the pressure back on the opposition. However, there exists doubts over whether there is enough space to accommodate both Smith and Labuschagne in the Australian ODI side. The two of them are largely perceived to be very similar batsmen and critics assume that slotting them at number four and five might give a one-dimensional outlook to the Australian batting unit.

Smith has been an instrumental member of the Aussie ODI setup over the years whereas Labuschagne’s exploits in Tests have expedited his inclusion in the 50-over format.

Smith has a career strike rate of 88.43 in ODIs, which is much similar to the 85.80 of Labuschagne. However, the latter strongly believes that the two of them have different approaches and even presented examples of certain games to substantiate his opinion.

“I don’t really see us as similar players, I think we attack the game very differently. [Steve] goes a lot more straight down the wicket, especially against spin, whereas I attack it quite square with sweeps. Obviously, I think there’s room for both of us. Steve got 100 off 60 balls against India in back-to-back games and feel like we complement each other depending on what the situation is,” Labuschagne opened up on the issue.

He added, “If it’s a tough wicket, we can control the middle overs, but on the other side, we can put pressure on the opposition at a lower risk and be able to score quickly. The challenge is we’ve just got to continue to push that run rate, especially when we are batting first, and we both understand that.”

In recent times, there have been criticisms over the sustainability of the ODI format with star players like Moeen Ali and Ravichandran Ashwin speaking up against its viability in the longer run. However, Labuschagne asserted that there’s enough space for the survival of the 50-over cricket. He even suggested that scheduling will play a key role in ensuring the same.

“I love 50-over cricket, it’s a good mix, you need to show some really good tactical nous, understanding your opposition, getting wickets through the middle overs and trying to score at seven or eight runs an over at low risk, that’s a different challenge in itself. I really enjoy the format, there’s space for all three, it’s just about how we schedule it,” the Queenslander was quoted in the report.

Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller

Tarkesh Jha
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Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller

Cricket News: Twitter reactions: Shubman, Sikandar, Evans star in ZIM-IND thriller | Twitter reactions to centuries by Gill and Raza

India triumphed over Zimbabwe with a 13-run victory in the third One Day International (ODI) to round up a 3-0 series win on Monday. Set a target of 290, the home side toiled hard to get to 276 courtesy a sublime century by Sikandar Raza.

However, the Indian bowlers struck wickets at timely intervals to ensure that the Zimbabweans couldn’t run away with the game. Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan closed out the game well for India though it appeared to be edging towards a close contest towards the fag end of the innings.

Twitter reactions: Shubman Gill struck first ODI century

Earlier, Shubman Gill struck a fantastic century in the first innings as he took the opposition bowlers to cleaners with his trademark flamboyance and stroke-play. Batting at number three, the 22-year-old scored 130 runs off 97 deliveries, which included 15 boundaries and a solitary six. He was ably supported by Ishan Kishan as the duo put up a 140-run partnership for the third wicket. Kishan scored 50 runs before being run-out in the 43rd over.

However, one of the key takeaways from this game has been the beaming potential in the Zimbabwean ranks. 25-year-old pacer Brad Evans’ impressive five-wicket haul prevented India from getting into a swift momentum and mount a majestic target altogether. In retrospect, it was Evans’ effort that set the stage for Regis Chakabva’s men to make a competitive thriller out of the contest.

Cricblog takes a look at Twitter’s reaction to Gill’s incredible century:

Brad Evans impresses with the ball

However, Twitter was equally appreciative of Evans’ bowling performance too. Some even argued that he should operate as the frontline pacer in the current Zimbabwean attack.

Reactions: Sikandar Raza scores masterful century after Shubman Gill

Throughout the series, there has been plenty of talk over Sikandar Raza spearheading the Zimbabwean batting line-up. He put up a fine display of his flawless prowess with the willow by nearly taking the home side past the finishing line in the chase. The 36-year-old’s 115-run innings arguably showed that there is sufficient talent to be optimised in the current Zimbabwean unit. Let us take a look at certain reactions on Twitter to his innings.

The Indian team will now be heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Asia Cup that will commence from 27th August onwards.

Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban?

Cricket News: Will Cricket Australia overturn David Warner’s captaincy ban? | Will David Warner captain in Australia again?

David Warner has requested Cricket Australia (CA) to overturn his lifetime captaincy ban after he signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder to return to the Big Bash League (BBL).

The CA had banned Warner from holding a leadership position anywhere in Australian cricket in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in 2018.

Thunder will be needing a new skipper in the upcoming season of the BBL as Usman Khwaja has moved to Brisbane Heat. That has opened up a captaincy position for Warner but the current ban bars him from assuming that role even in the BBL.

“That hasn’t really been brought to the table. As I’ve said plenty of times off the record, it’s upon the board to reach out to me and open their doors. Then I can sit down and have an honest conversation with them,” Warner was quoted in a report by ESPNCricinfo.

He added, “The board has changed since back in 2018 and when all those sanctions were dealt. It would be great to have a conversation with them and see where we are at.”

Chance that David Warner’s captaincy ban can be lifted for BBL 12

Thunder have clarified that a call on the club’s captaincy role will be made closer to the commencement of the campaign. On the other hand, Warner made a strong case for himself by asserting that he is already a leader without a title in the setup. He expressed a desire to impart his learnings on the younger crop of players as the southpaw opened up in detail on this issue.

“I’ve got the experience, I’m a leader in the side anyway without having a title. That’s what I’m about, giving back, so if they [younger players] can pick my brains in any way, my phone is always there, they have my number, and they can see me when I’m at the practice facilities,” Warner further outlined his thoughts.

Warner’s demands have also found a supporter in Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins. “I don’t see why not. He’s a brilliant leader. I hope so,” the fast-bowler said upon being asked about the opener’s captaincy ban being overturned at the recent Chappell Foundation Dinner.

Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft?

Tarkesh Jha
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0
Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft?

Cricket News: Who are the top overseas platinum players in the BBL draft? | Top overseas platinum in the BBL draft

Trent Boult, Andre Russell, Jason Roy and Shadab Khan are amongst the latest confirmed platinum players for the overseas draft of the Big Bash League (BBL).

There will be 12 such players who will be paid AU $340,000 irrespective of the number of games that they will be available for. Barring the aforementioned four, the rest of the players include: Faf du Plessis, Liam Livingstone, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Sam Billings, Rashid Khan, Chris Jordan and David Wiley.

Rashid, Jordan, Billings, Shadab and Russell can also be retained by the clubs that they turned up for last season. Shadab and Jordan played for the Sydney Sixers whereas Rashid featured for the Adelaide Strikers. Russell and Billings were a part of the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder respectively.

Top overseas players unlikely to be available for entireity of the BBL

Meanwhile, Wiley and Shadab are the only platinum players to not be involved either in the upcoming South African T20 league or the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based ILT20. The dates for these three tournaments are likely to clash and that will place doubts on the availability of these top-players for the whole duration of the BBL.  

Shadab is also amongst the 40+ Pakistani players to have given in their names for the draft. This is amidst the apprehensions over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granting a no-objection certificate (NOC) to its players for overseas leagues. Perhaps that explains that absence of other all-format stars like Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the 279-member strong draft list of the BBL.

Some of the other Pakistani players who have put in their names for the list include Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Amir and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Boult is expected to be amongst the top picks from the draft whereas Russell and Rashid could be retained by Stars and Strikers respectively. 26 players are available for retention and they can decide the band that they will like to slot themselves in. For example, James Vince (Sixers) and Mujeeb ur Rahman (Brisbane Heat) are likely to be a part of the gold category in the draft process, ESPNCricinfo reports.

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