Cricket News: List of England players in South Africa T20 league | England players signed up for CSA T20 League
Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Moeen Ali are five amongst the 11 English players set to join Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) new T20 league.
ESPNCricinfo has accessed the list of marquee players signed up to participate in the brand-new league to be played in February-March next year. The league has made over 30 direct overseas signings so far. England has the highest representation (11) with Sri Lanka closely following it with 10 players in the same.
Buttler and Livingstone set to be top earners among England players in the CSA T20 league
Buttler and Livingstone are expected to earn US $500,000 from the competition whereas Moeen is likely to be paid around US $400,000 for the same.
Six franchises will take part in the league and each of them will have an overall purse of $2 million. However, $250,000 will be the maximum salary in that purse. Cost going over that sum for any player will be considered within the league’s marketing expenditure. For example, the franchise will bear $250,000 of Moeen’s salary whereas the remaining $150,000 will be paid by the league.
Accordingly, with salaries hitting the $500,000 mark, CSA is competing with the UAE-based ILT20 to become the second-most lucrative T20 franchise league in the world behind the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Each of these teams will have a 17-member squad. Up to five of those players, including three overseas but not more than one from the same country, along with a capped and an uncapped South African player, can be pre-signed by the respective franchises.
Moreover, all six of these teams are owned by owners of IPL franchises. Accordingly, there will be a clear synergy and correspondence with respect to the side that a player represents in the IPL and now in the CSA T20 league.
For example, Buttler has reportedly agreed to turn up for the Paarl franchise that is owned by the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Similarly, the likes of Jason Holder and Maheesh Theekshana will play for the Durban and Johannesburg franchises that are owned by the IPL franchises that they represent respectively.
Sam Curran, Tymal Mills, James Neesham, Obed McCoy, Dushmantha Chameera and Alzarri Joseph are some of the other top international stars to have signed up for the CSA T20 league.
Cricket News: Backing Virat Kohli to bounce back in Asia Cup: Mahela Jayawardene | Virat has the tools to come out of form slump: Mahela
Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene has backed Virat Kohli to rediscover his form in the Asia Cup in the build-up to the T20 World Cup later this year. The Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach has reiterated that Kohli has the necessary abilities to get back in the groove. He has expressed that the ex-India captain must be given every opportunity to regain his touch with the bat.
Kohli has returned to the India squad for the Asia Cup after having been rested for the team’s tours to the Caribbean and Zimbabwe, and Jayawardene is backing Kohli to do well.
Kohli will come back, but some concerns about KL Rahul – Mahela Jayawardene
“It is unfortunate what Virat is going through right now at the moment, but he is a quality player. I believe Virat has the tools to come out of it (the form slump). He has done that in the past as well and I’m sure he’ll come through this,” Jayawardene told ICC Review, as quoted by the Indian Express.
Along with him, opening batsman KL Rahul has also been included in the roster after his lengthy injury layoff post the previous season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahul endured a series of injuries and fitness issues after the IPL and even missed the team’s crucial tour to England in the time being. Jayawardene expressed apprehensions at Rahul’s lack of game-time.
“That would be a concern for India. He has been out for a little while since the IPL, so having game time is quite crucial especially out there in the middle. The sooner he can get some game time and get that confidence back, is always going to help him, as well as the national team,” the 45-year-old said, as per the aforementioned publication.
Jayawardene also offered his two cents on India’s recent experiment of opening the batting with Rishabh Pant. The southpaw played at the top of the order in the T20I series vs England whereas he was shifted back to the middle-order in the Caribbean. However, Jayawardene believes that the swashbuckler’s playing style will remain the same across any batting position.
“Wherever he bats, you’re not going to change his game. He is going to be a very natural player so yes, it is an option (for Pant to open),” he quipped on the show.
Cricket News: Australia cricketers donate prizemoney to Sri Lanka appeal | Australia players donate prizemoney from SL tour
Australia’s cricketers have donated the prizemoney earnt from the recent Sri Lanka tour towards supporting children and families affected by the country’s economic crisis.
Australia will donate AU$45,000 to the organisation’s Sri Lanka appeal. The team were in Sri Lanka in June and July for ten matches across formats and witnessed what was happening in the country. In fact, there were even peaceful protests conducted outside Galle International Stadium during the second Test.
During the same Test, thousands stormed into the Presidential suite, forcing the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa who has since fled Sri Lanka and is seeking entry into Thailand.
Test and white-ball captains Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch led the initiative. Cummins is a UNICEF Australia ambassador, and previously spoke about how the tour was “more than just cricket.”
“It was very clear to us how much day-to-day life for Sri Lankans is being impacted,” he said.
“When the team saw what was happening it was an easy decision to donate our prize money to UNICEF, who have been in Sri Lanka for more than 50 years supporting the needs of children and families.”
Finch was touched about how the Sri Lankan public welcomed the Australian team, especially in the white-ball matches. The opener hopes that the donation can make a difference and “help lift their spirits in some small way.”
The funds donated will help provide critical services for about 1.7 million vulnerable children in need. UNICEF’s programs support nutrition, clean drinking water, education and other key services.
“Australia has a strong bond with Sri Lanka that goes beyond the match days and this donation is gratefully received to support the long-term wellbeing of Sri Lanka’s families,” said Tony Stuart, CEO of UNICEF Australia.
IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Belfast Pitch Report
After seven consecutive defeats to India, New Zealand and South Africa, Ireland held their nerve to beat Afghanistan in a thriller on Tuesday.
A 1-0 series lead for the Irish is a nice place to be in, and the positives that came with their first up victory are aplenty. Runs for Lorcan Tucker and Andy Balbirnie in particular is a welcome relief, and the nerves of steel showed by George Dockrell and Harry Tector against some good death bowling is also cause for encouragement. The key question now is whether the home side can back up their effort with another strong showing in the second T20I.
For Afghanistan, the fact they came so close to victory despite not playing anywhere near their best is reason for positivity. Their team selection perhaps left a little to be desired, and Rashid Khan wasn’t at his dominant best against an opponent he usually enjoys playing against. It will be interesting to see how they fare here.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 4. Harry Tector, 5. Gareth Delany, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Curtis Campher, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Andy McBrine, 10. Barry McCarthy, 11. Josh Little
Hazratullah Zazai’s absence from the first T20I raised eyebrows among the Afghanistan fans. The Afghans might bring Zazai back in place of Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Usman Ghani, 3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi (c), 6. Ibrahim Zadran, 7. Azmatullah Omarzai/Karim Janat, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Fazal Haq Farooqi
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Ireland:
Lorcan Tucker has struck scores of 78 (38) and 50 (32) in his past three T20Is.
Paul Stirling will be seeking greater fluency than his 29-ball 31 in the first match. The opener has the most runs in IRE-AFG T20Is (574) at an average of 31.88 and strike rate of 142.07.
Andy Balbirnie found some form two days ago (51 off 38 balls). This was the Ireland skipper’s first half-century in nine T20Is vs Afghanistan.
Harry Tector vs Afghanistan in T20Is: 4 matches, 122 runs, avg. 61.00, SR 146.98. His 15-ball 25 helped get Ireland over the line in the opening T20I.
Josh Little has the second-most wickets of any bowler in T20Is on this ground. The left-armer has taken 10 wickets in just five matches at a strike rate of 12.
Barry McCarthy took a wicket at each stage of the Afghanistan innings to finish with 3/34. The seamer has eight wickets in four T20Is vs Afghanistan (avg. 19.62, SR 12).
Afghanistan:
Will Hazratullah Zazai play? The left-hander has a magnificent record against Ireland in T20Is: 7 inns, 411 runs, avg. 68.50, SR 186.81.
Usman Ghani has made it difficult for Afghanistan to leave him out after his 42-ball 59 in the opening T20I. He struck eight boundaries with an overall strike rate of 140.47.
Mohammad Nabi will be key in the finishing department. He strikes at 180.35 in 16 T20I knocks vs Ireland (404 runs in total). Also, he has taken 16 wickets at a strike rate of 21.2.
The first T20I was only Rashid Khan’s second wicketless outing in 14 T20Is vs Ireland. Expect the legspinner to have a say as he has 34 wickets at an average of 9.00 and economy of 6.00 against the Irish.
The Irish top order still needs to be positive against Rashid as he has a great record against them. He has dismissed Andy Balbirnie four times in 39 balls (36 runs), Stirling once in 12 balls (nine runs) and Lorcan Tucker four times in 33 balls (28 runs).
Naveen-ul-Haq was expensive late on, but he had some good moments in the opening T20I. He recently took the second-most wickets in the T20 Vitality Blast (24 in 14 matches).
Ireland have won the past two T20Is between the teams.
Najibullah Zadran in the 2022 Shpageeza Cricket League: 397 runs in ten matches (avg. 56.71, SR 163.37).
Civil Service Cricket Club Stormont Belfast Pitch Report and Weather
Another warm and clear day is forecast in Belfast. The last three T20Is has seen the team batting first score 173, 179 and 168. Any score in that region will be competitive on an easy-paced surface where spin may have a say due to the dry, warm weather recently.
IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction 11 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:
IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batsmen: Paul Stirling, Najibullah Zadran
All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi, George Dockrell
Bowlers: Josh Little, Rashid Khan
IRE vs AFG 2nd T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Expect another cracker. If Afghanistan hit their straps, they will be tough to beat.
WI vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | WI vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Jamaica Pitch Report
T20 International cricket returns to Sabina Park, Jamaica for the first time in over five years as West Indies seek answers ahead of the fast-approaching T20 World Cup. Nicholas Pooran’s team didn’t have many answers as they were walloped 4-1 by India, but they have the chance to quickly make amends with a three-match series against New Zealand.
It has been an eventful news day in the world of the Black Caps after Trent Boult was released from his central contract. However, the left-arm seamer is available for this series along with other established names in a full-strength squad that aims to find its best form ahead of the World Cup.
New Zealand, with an even stronger bowling lineup now, are coming off a successful limited overs tour of Europe where they won all nine white-ball matches against Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands. West Indies’ batting will need to hold up better than it did against India, with focus on setting up a strong platform.
Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Trent Boult and Tim Southee are all available for this series.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Finn Allen/Daryl Mitchell, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Devon Conway, 5. Glenn Phillips (wk), 6. James Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Michael Bracewell, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Lockie Ferguson/Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
West Indies:
Can Nicholas Pooran bounce back after a poor series against India, where he scored just 81 runs in five matches? He does have a half-century in three T20s at Sabina Park.
Rovman Powell also had a disappointing series against India (75 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 110.29). He has experience and a good record in T20s at Sabina Park: 12 inns, 322 runs, avg. 35.78, SR 159.41. This includes seven 30+ scores.
Shimron Hetmyer is coming off a quickfire 56 against India. Also, the left-hander scored 44 off 25 balls in his only T20 on this ground.
West Indies also need more from Jason Holder after his sub-par series against India. This will be his first T20I against New Zealand since 2014, on a ground where he has taken four wickets in four T20s at an average of 21.00 and economy of 5.93.
Obed McCoy had a tough three games after his brilliant six-fer in the recent series. However, his wicket-taking prowess can never be ignored, with 34 wickets in 17 T20s this year.
McCoy will be key against Guptill. The NZ opener has been dismissed 26 times to left-arm seam in 649 balls in T20s at an overall strike rate of just 112.48.
Akeal Hosein took one wicket in each game against India and conceded just 5.75 runs per over overall. In fact, he has gone wicketless just once in his last 21 T20Is.
New Zealand:
Glenn Phillips is coming off a good tour of Europe. He has a great record against West Indies, with 203 runs in five innings at an average of 50.75 and strike rate of 189.71. This includes a century.
Also, Phillips has the third-most runs of any player in T20s on this ground (436). He averages 39.64 and strikes at 145.33, with eight 30+ scores in 11 knocks.
Surprisingly, Martin Guptill has poor T20I numbers vs West Indies: 10 inns 185 runs, avg. 18.50, SR 126.71. Kane Williamson will also be seeking an improvement: 6 inns, 108 runs, avg. 21.60, SR 128.57.
Expect Devon Conway to go hard against the spinners. Against left-arm orthodox in all T20s, Conway has struck 427 runs off 301 deliveries (six dismissals, SR 141.86).
Tim Southee has the most wickets in NZ-WI T20Is (18). The seamer takes a wicket every 15.1 deliveries on average against Windies.
Lockie Ferguson (7 wickets in 3 matches, avg. 8.00) and Trent Boult (6 wickets in 3 matches, avg. 13.16) also have good numbers against West Indies.
Other Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 16, West Indies 5, New Zealand 9, 2 N/R.
New Zealand have won seven of the past eight completed T20Is against West Indies.
Kyle Mayers, Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer were the only Windies batsmen to register a half century in the five-match series against India.
Kane Williamson scored just 216 runs in IPL 2022 at an average of 19.64 and strike rate of 93.51.
Jimmy Neesham has smashed 80 runs in four innings vs West Indies at a strike rate of 186.04.
Sabina Park Kingston Jamaica Pitch Report and Weather
Spinners have often had success at this ground. In three T20Is on this ground, the average first innings score is 134. However, conditions were superb for batting in CPL 2019, where the average first innings score was a much higher 194.2 in five matches. The team batting first won three of those matches.
The forecast is for a warm and sunny day, with a top of about 32 degrees.
WI vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction 10 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:
WI vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
WI vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Nicholas Pooran
Batsmen: Devon Conway, Kyle Mayers
All-Rounders: James Neesham
Bowlers: Obed McCoy, Trent Boult
WI vs NZ 1st T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Can New Zealand hit their strides quickly? If they do, they should have enough to win this match.
Cricket News: The future, now? Trent Boult to be released from NZ central contract | New Zealand set to release Boult from central contract
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is set to release fast-bowler Trent Boult from their central contract, ESPNCricinforeports. The 33-year-old requested this in order to feature in more T20 tournaments across the world and also to spend additional time with his family.
Boult has held multiple discussions with NZC regarding this issue. NZC chief executive David White has told the aforementioned publication that the pacer is likely to play the upcoming T20 World Cup irrespective of this decision. He will also complete the national team’s ongoing tour to the Caribbean.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) player will reportedly turn up in at least one of the two new upcoming T20 leagues in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Boult apparently clarified to White that his appetite for touring has diminished as he wished to spend more time with his family from hereon.
“This has been a really tough decision for me and I’d like to thank NZC for their support in getting to this point. Playing cricket for my country was a childhood dream and I’m so proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve with the Black Caps over the past 12 years,” Boult’s official statement read.
He added, “Ultimately this decision is about my wife Gert and our three young boys. Family has always been the biggest motivator for me and I feel comfortable with putting it first and preparing ourselves for life after cricket.”
Will Trent Boult feature for New Zealand again?
Boult has not retired from international cricket per se. However, he has taken cognisance of the fact that NZC will prioritise selecting players who have a central contract with the board. White appreciated the bowler’s honesty and upfront attitude whilst bringing up this issue with the decision makers. He also lauded the immense feats that the 33-year-old has scaled over the course of his decade-long career with the Black Caps.
“We respect Trent’s position. He’s been completely honest and up-front with us about his reasoning and, while we’re sad to be losing him as a fully-contracted player, he leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks,” White opened up on the issue.
He further added, “Trent’s made a massive contribution to the Black Caps since his Test debut in late 2011 and is now considered one of the best multi-format cricketers in the world. We’re very proud of what he’s achieved.”
“I still have a big desire to represent my country and feel I have the skills to deliver at the international level. However, I respect the fact that not having a national contract will affect my chances of selection. Having said that, as a fast bowler I know I have a limited career span, and I feel the time is right to move into this next phase,” Boult explained the rationale behind his move.
Boult’s immense workload was visible from the fact that the fast-bowler turned up for a Test against England in Lord’s merely a couple of days after featuring for RR in the IPL finale on 29th May this year. However, he was subsequently rested from New Zealand’s further limited-overs tours in Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands respectively.
Having debuted in 2011, Boult played in 78 Tests, 93 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 44 T20Is for New Zealand. He is one of the only four Kiwis to have taken over 300 wickets (317) in Test cricket. Boult is the number one ranked ODI bowler according to the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings and was the second-highest wicket-taker (22) in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Cricket News: Reactions to umpiring legend Rudi Koertzen tragically passing away | Rudi Koertzen passed away after a car accident
Eminent South African umpire Rudi Koertzen passed away in a car crash near Riversdale in the Western Cape Town Province on Tuesday. The 73-year-old was one of the only three umpires to have officiated in more than 100 Test matches.
Overall, he stood in 250 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 19 T20Is along with 127 Tests. He was one of the two on-field umpires in 108 of those Test matches. Koertzen hung his boots at the age of 61 in 2010 and shared a very warm repertoire with several greats of the game.
Twitter reactions to the sad news that Rudi Koertzen passed away
Tributes flew in aplenty as the news of his untimely demise broke out on Tuesday evening.
Vale Rudi Koertzen ! Om Shanti. Condolences to his family.
Had a great relation with him. Whenever I used to play a rash shot, he used to scold me saying, “Play sensibly, I want to watch your batting”.
And enquired about it from me. I gifted him and he was so grateful . A gentleman and a very wonderful person. Will miss you Rudi. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/gdSHGOoYg8
Rudi Koertzen passes away. One of the best cricket umpires ???. Officiated 331 matches as an umpire in International cricket. Debut Test Umire against India @ St George's Park, Port Elizabeth 1992. 1st LBW Dismissal "Brian McMillan Bowling of Venkatapathy Raju.#RudiKoertzenpic.twitter.com/3HEEEdoclw
Very sad to hear about Rudi Koertzen's demise ? Apart from being one of the best umpires in the world, the way he used to raise his little finger, still can't forget these memories in my earlier days of following cricket…
Have just heard tragic news out of South Africa that former ICC Test Umpire, Rudi Koertzen, has died in a car accident, aged 73. Rudi was such a personality in the game and an outstanding umpire. Thoughts with Rudi's family right now. RIP Rudi Koertzen.
If you’ve umpired at any level of cricket, it’s unlikely you haven’t paid “Rudi Koertzen” an ode by playing on the batter’s nerve & raising a slow finger of doom #RipRudi
Two moments in my career I’m most often asked about. Quick ton v England in Perth and walking in WCup Semi v SL. Umpire on both occasions was Rudi Koertzen. Iconic figure in the game. A great umpire and great friend. RIP mate. ??
It breaks my heart to learn of the death of my dear friend Rudi. You were a great friend on the field and an excellent umpire. You will be truly missed. May your soul Rest In Peace ??#rudikoertzenpic.twitter.com/PWRZjtQcDo
Really sad to hear about the passing away of former umpire Rudi Koertzen. He was one of the sharpest and finest umpires that we've seen. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP Rudi. pic.twitter.com/vxfZ3z4BcH
Saddened to know about the sudden demise of umpire Rudi Koertzen he was , forthright and knowledgeable umpire had shared some wonderful moments with him on and off the field . My deepest condolences to the family. RIP .
Rudi Koertzen was a very competent umpire who loved his job and the game of cricket. He was a wonderful gentleman on and off the field of play. Really saddened to hear the news of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends #OneOfTheGreatUmpires#CricketFamily
Sad to hear of the death of former umpire Rudi Koertzen, possessor of the slowest trigger in cricket, remover of the bails at the Oval in 2005 that signalled England's epic Ashes victory and a thoroughly nice man.
Sad to hear about Rudi Koertzen’s passing, always loved his sense of theatre with the slow death out signal. Also appreciated that he spelt his name the ideologically correct way
Rudi Koertzen officiated in 128 men's Tests, 108 as umpire.
Involved in some famous ones: -2005 Oval -The Cronje SA v ENG Test, Centurion 2000 -10-ball ENG v WI Test, North Sound 2009 -The last India v Pakistan Test, 2007 https://t.co/9M3jTui3aQ
Koertzen first officiated an international game during India’s tour to South Africa in 1992. In 1997, he became a full-time umpire with the ICC. Five years later, in 2002, he was promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
He was one of the earliest inductees to that coterie of top-notch officiators of the game. Koertzen was the on-field umpire during the rain-ridden finale of the 2007 Cricket World Cup between Australia and Sri Lanka. The Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Leeds in 2010 was the last international game that he officiated in.
Koertzen was widely regarded to be a highly-opiniated individual who never held back his words at least on important cricketing matters. He had a very vicious view of the Decision Review System (DRS), as revealed by Telford Vice in an article in Cricbuzz.
“Today umpires are too slack to stand on their own two feet and make their own decisions. For almost everything they do they go upstairs. It’s a disgrace. I can’t handle it. Imagine what happens when an umpire who has been standing in Tests with DRS has to stand in a first-class game with no television coverage and no third umpire. How will he make a decision? He will be too scared. There will be nobody to help him,” Koertzen had told Vice in an interview from back in the days.
CricBlog pays its heartfelt condolences to Rudi Koertzen’s family and friends in this tough hour. The iconic umpire will be revered and respected by the cricketing community for years to come.
Analysis: India’s new approach in T20Is explained | A look at India’s new batting approach in T20s when batting first
India have won 20 of the 24 T20Is that they have played since a change in approach after a failed campaign at the 2021 T20 World Cup. Their latest victory came in West Indies, implementing a brand new blueprint of playing the shortest format of the international game.
For long, the Indian side was criticised for approaching T20Is as a shortened version of One Day Internationals (ODIs). They usually played the same sides in both formats and never stepped up the gear with the bat unless it was deemed to be absolutely necessary to do so.
India’s new approach in T20Is: Clearer mindset when batting first
Moreover, it is particularly impressive that the team has managed to successfully execute their transformed plans whilst carrying out frequent changes in the playing XI. India’s average first innings score in 2022 is 184, well up from the 156.45 in 2021. Also, India have won 11 of the 14 matches they have batted first in this year, which was an area they struggled to get right previously. The evidence? Just five of 11 last year.
Debuts have been handed out to seven new players during this period. So, what has changed, really?
Firstly, there seems to be a clear template given to the top-order players to maximise the field restriction overs optimally. Ishan Kishan has played 11 games in which India has batted first in during this time. He has recorded three half-centuries at an average and strike rate of 33.72 and 137.40 respectively. Rohit Sharma hasn’t arguably been in his prime touch but has still maintained a scoring rate above 140 across nine games batting first since the last T20 World Cup.
On the other hand, middle-order mainstays like Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant have been possibly willing to compromise average for an enhanced strike rate. The duo has scored runs at an average of 27.50 and 24.67 respectively in the first innings during this period. However, their strike rate stands at an impressive 141.02 and 139.62.
Iyer in particular seems to have taken a conscious approach to boost his scoring rate since the conclusion of the previous World T20. He has notched runs at a rate over 150 in five of the 11 innings he faced over 10 deliveries. The 27-year-old has stiff competition from the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant for the middle-order spot and looks to be keen to bring about a very visible change in his batting approach to counter that.
On similar lines, the duo of Suryakumar and Dinesh Karthik are following their natural style of play whenever India is tasked to put up runs on the board. Surya has an average of only slightly above 22 in the first innings since the conclusion of the previous T20 World Cup. However, his strike rate has been a very impressive 180 in all these games. Karthik averages 25.00 at a strike rate of 140 in nine such innings.
Overall, India seems to be willing to optimise their batting strengths to outscore the opponents whenever given a chance to bat first. The team has scored over 180 runs in nine of the 14 T20Is that they have batted first in 2022.
On one instance, they got to 179 whereas there have been games where India put up 170 and 169 runs on the board as well. Moreover, the management doesn’t seem to be deterred with losing wickets with this approach. They lost six or more wickets in eight of these games. But there appears to be an increased willingness to squeeze out the complete potential of the batting depth in exchange of some crucial and additional runs on the scorecard.
It is extremely important that India addressed this issue on a priority especially in the aftermath of the debacle at the World T20 last year. The team was effectively knocked out of the tournament after consecutive defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stages.
India’s new approach in T20Is: Virat Kohli will need to hit the ground running when he returns.
The side had put up only 151 and 110 runs whilst batting first in those couple of games respectively. Their approach looked muddled and uncertain after some quick fall of wickets at the start. A clear-cut template was arguably missing back then but some stark and significant alterations have been made with more or less the same set of players now. That exudes the importance of a proper framework and its role in possibly propelling the team to success in global tournaments eventually.
India still has a fair number of games to play prior to the commencement of the upcoming T20 World Cup. They have enough time in hand to give a proper shape to their plans and fixate the necessary players in the required roles simultaneously.
For instance, Virat Kohli didn’t have a particularly impressive T20I series vs England but he looked set to get go right from the offset in those matches. It is pretty apparent that the players have been made willing to buy-in this new skeleton of forming an innings and setting the tone for the game in recent times. Whether or not that yields the desired results will be evident by the end of the World T20 in Australia.
Cricket News: Why aren’t Jasprit Bumrah & Harshal Patel in India’s Asia Cup squad? | Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel not included in India Asia Cup squad
Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel have been excluded from India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup due to injury. Bumrah has been dealing with a back injury whereas Harshal suffered a side strain during the team’s recent tour of the Caribbean.
The two pacers are undergoing rehabilitation in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru currently.
“Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel were not available for selection owing to injuries. They are currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru,” a statement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quoted in a report by the Hindustan Times.
No Bumrah, Harshal – India’s death-bowling stocks take hit for Asia Cup
Both Bumrah and Harshal last featured for India during the T20I series in England last month. The duo is considered to be instrumental in the side’s death-bowling plans for the World T20 later on this year.
Bumrah’s place as the spearhead of the bowling attack is secured in any circumstance. However, it is Harshal who might have to bite the dust with the emergence of Arshdeep Singh in the former’s absence.
Harshal Patel has been superb in the IPL in the past two seasons.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer took only four wickets in three games at an economy of 8.45 in the T20I series vs England. Meanwhile Arshdeep, who debuted in the same series, has taken nine wickets in six T20Is at an economy of 6.33. He also adds variety with his left-arm angle.
Arshdeep is now widely expected to assume India’s death-bowling responsibilities during the course of the Asia Cup.
Under the given circumstances, who is most likely to emerge at top amidst this toss-up between Harshal and Arshdeep for the World Cup? The scales are arguably tilted in the latter’s favour especially in the light of Harshal’s injury.
KL, Virat Return; Shreyas Iyer Pushed To Reserves
On the other hand, star batsmen KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have returned to the squad for the Asia Cup. This will mark KL’s return to the India squad after dealing with a flurry of injuries and fitness issues post the 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kohli will also be making a comeback after being rested from the Caribbean tour and the upcoming series vs Zimbabwe. India will be playing a sizeable number of T20Is before the World T20 and the former India skipper will be eager to use these games as an opportunity to get back into his groove.
Shreyas Iyer, who averaged 24.50 at a strike rate of 119.51 across four T20Is vs West Indies, is out of the main squad now. He will be a part of the three-member reserve contingent including Deepak Chahar and Axar Patel.
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign with a game against Pakistan on 28th August in Dubai. The grand finale is set to be held at the same ground on 11th September.
IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Belfast Pitch Report
For the first time since early 2020, Irelandand Afghanistan will meet in a T20 International. Both teams are familiar with each other having met 18 times in this format, with Afghanistan looking to build on their excellent 14 wins thus far.
However, they will have to hit their straps right away. Afghanistan have played just three T20Is in the past five months, having swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in June. Ireland, on the other hand, have played India, New Zealand and South Africa in the span of six weeks. While they lost all seven of those T20Is, the experience and learnings they would have taken from those matches is invaluable.
Nonetheless, the Irish really need to turn promising performances into victories in a T20 World Cup year. Afghanistan’s spinners all have strong records against them, so improving how they play spin will be important to their chances here. For Afghanistan, this five-match series represents crucial game time as they aim to put a big challenge in this year’s World Cup.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 4. Harry Tector, 5. Gareth Delany, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Curtis Campher, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Andy McBrine, 10. Barry McCarthy, 11. Josh Little
Mujeeb ur Rahman left for Ireland on August 6 after his Visa was sorted. It remains to be seen if he is ready for this match.
Afghanistan could look to play Ibrahim Zadran at the top of the order. In the 2022 Shpageeza Cricket League, Ibrahim scored 318 runs at an average of 53.00 and strike rate of 148.59.
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Hashmatullah Shahidi, 6. Mohammad Nabi (c), 7. Karim Janat, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman/Fareed Ahmad, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Ireland:
Paul Stirling has the most runs in IRE-AFG T20Is (543) at an average of 31.94 and strike rate of 144.80. Stirling also has the most runs in T20Is at Belfast (188), but will be seeking to improve on his average (18.80) and strike rate (116.04).
Harry Tector has scored just 70 runs in his last five T20Is. This is a good opportunity to bounce back as he played well vs Afghanistan in 2020 with scores of 29*, 37 and 31 at a strike rate of 142.64.
Lorcan Tucker recently scored 78 off 38 balls vs South Africa. He has a poor record vs Afghanistan (7 inns, 69 runs, avg. 9.85, SR 106.15), but recent form and time up the order can work wonders.
Can Josh Little improve on his poor bowling numbers vs Afghanistan? Between 2017 and 2020, Little took six wickets in nine such matches at an average of 51.83 and economy rate of 9.52.
However, Little has an excellent record in T20Is at Belfast: 4 inns, 9 wickets, avg. 15.66, SR 10.6.
This is set to be Mark Adair’s first T20I against Afghanistan. The seamer has four wickets in five T20Is on this ground at an average of 42.50 and economy of 28.5.
Afghanistan:
Hazratullah Zazai has caused Ireland pain in the past, including his wonderful 162* in 2019. Overall, he has belted 411 runs in seven T20Is vs Ireland at an average of 68.50 and strike rate of 186.81.
Zazai has smashed 79 off 40 balls without dismissal against Josh Little in T20Is.
The duo of Hashmatullah Shahidi and Najibullah Zadran come into this match in great form. In the 2022 Shpageeza Cricket League, Shahidi scored 411 runs in nine matches (avg. 58.71, SR 136.09) and Zadran scored 397 runs in ten matches (avg. 56.71, SR 163.37).
Mohammad Nabi has strong all-round numbers against Ireland. In 18 matches, he has smashed 399 runs at an average of 33.25 and strike rate of 183.02, along with 15 wickets at an average of 28.66 and strike rate of 21.4.
Rashid Khan easily has the most wickets in IRE-AFG T20Is. The brilliant legspinner has a massive 34 wickets in 13 T20Is at an average of 8.26 and economy rate of 5.97.
Rashid has great numbers against Ireland’s top order. He has dismissed Andy Balbirnie four times in 32 balls (26 runs), Stirling once in eight balls (seven runs) and Lorcan Tucker four times in 22 balls (17 runs).
Seamer Naveen-ul-Haq took the second-most wickets in the recent Vitality T20 blast, with 24 scalps in 14 matches for Leicestershire.
Mujeeb ur Rahman vs Paul Stirling in T20Is: 41 balls bowled, 46 runs conceded, two dismissals.
Rashid Khan has taken seven wickets in two T20Is against Ireland in Ireland.
Fazalhaq Farooqi took nine wickets in six white-ball internationals against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Andy Balbirnie in T20Is vs Afghanistan: 8 inns, 146 runs, avg. 18.25, SR 121.66.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 2022 Shpageeza Cricket League: 9 inns, 342 runs, avg. 48.85, SR 181.91.
Civil Service Cricket Club Stormont Belfast Pitch Report and Weather
A pleasant day, with a top of about 25 degrees, is forecast for Belfast on Tuesday. Last month, New Zealand won comfortably twice after making scores of 173/8 and 179/4. The surface was a touch two-paced in both matches, but overall conditions were relatively steady for batting.
IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction August 9 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:
IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base Team:
Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batsmen: Hazratullah Zazai, Paul Stirling, Najibullah Zadran
All-Rounders: Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Josh Little, Rashid Khan
IRE vs AFG 1st T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Afghanistan has a terrific record against Ireland. They should win this match.
