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IPL 2022 Predictions: Top 4 and who will win the title?

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2022 Predictions: Top 4 and who will win the title?

IPL 2022 Predictions: Top 4 and who will win the title? | IPL 2022 Predictions: 5 big predictions for the big tournament to be played in India

It’s that time of year again. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is upon us, and it is an even bigger festival of T20 cricket in 2022 with the addition of two new teams – Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.

There will be two groups of five, with each team to play the other twice in their respective group and once from the other group.

Group A:

  • Mumbai Indians
  • Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Rajasthan Royals
  • Delhi Capitals
  • Lucknow Super Giants

Group B:

  • Chennai Super Kings
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Royal Challengers Bangalore
  • Punjab Kings
  • Gujarat Titans

Chennai Super Kings will be aiming for back-to-back titles. However, with a number of teams looking strong thanks to the mega auction, it will be a tough ask to defend their crown. IPL 2022, which is now the most financially viable in its history, will be played across four grounds in Mumbai and Pune to limit the risk of COVID-19.

Picking a top four is mighty difficult with a number of teams capable of producing the goods. Also, a number of teams are good enough to win the title. After some thought, here are five big predictions for IPL 2022.

IPL 2022 predictions: 5 big predictions for the tournament

Orange Cap winner: KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants)

KL Rahul has been incredibly prolific since the start of IPL 2019. In this period, the now-Lucknow skipper has scored 1,889 runs at an average of 57.24 and strike rate of 134.26. Given how reliable and consistent he is, he is my pick for the Orange Cap in IPL 2022.

However, it will be a tough ask with a number of other leading contenders including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan and Faf du Plessis.

IPL 2022 Predictions: Top 4 and who will win the title? | IPL 2022 Predictions: 5 big predictions for the big tournament to be played in India
IPL 2022 Predictions: KL Rahul will win the Orange Cap.

Purple Cap winner: Shardul Thakur (Delhi Capitals)

The Purple Cap race is arguably more unpredictable than the Orange Cap. The likes of Andrew Tye and Harshal Patel unexpectedly won the award in the past few years, and it will be interesting to see which bowler can make a name for himself in IPL 2022.

Shardul Thakur, who took an equal third-most wickets in 2021 (21) is a specialist in taking wickets out of nowhere. Also, he will play a key role for Delhi Capitals both in the powerplay and death overs. With DC possessing a well-rounded attack, it is not as simple to just see Shardul out and target the others.

Harshal Patel, who took a record 32 wickets last season, is a definite contender. However, how he bowls on what are likely to be truer pitches will be interesting to see. Jasprit Bumrah is another, but teams may be looking to see him off and target the others. Same with Kagiso Rabada.

Also read: World’s second-most valuable company sponsors Orange and Purple Caps for IPL 2022

IPL 2022 predictions: Shardul Thakur is a genuine wicket-taker.

Bottom-placed team: Gujarat Titans

Each team has undeniable quality. So, finishing bottom doesn’t necessarily make you a bad team.

This could easily be an incorrect prediction, but Gujarat Titans is an example. The core of Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan can win you matches on their day. However, in their case, the lack of specialists in their team is a worry. They are filled with all-rounders, and they need to hope they have a good run with injuries.

Also, the quality of Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and leadership remains to be seen. Gujarat are certainly capable of producing the goods season, but there is a bit of an unknown quantity about them. We shall see.

Top 4

In a ten-team league with a number of quality teams, it is incredibly difficult to pick a top four. However, after some thought, here is my top four with the key reasons behind the picks.

Note: The below top four is in no particular order

Rajasthan Royals: A superb auction. The Royals have their bases covered from 1-11. Their top order comprising of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal is dangerous. Their finishing, which includes the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Jimmy Neesham and Riyan Parag, looks good on paper.

And, of course, add the experience and quality of Trent Boult, R Aswhin and Yuzvendra Chahal in a strong-looking bowling lineup. If the Royals miss the playoffs, it will be a big disappointment given the team they have on paper.

Chennai Super Kings: It is a brave call for anyone to leave CSK out of this season’s top four. They have qualified for the playoffs in every season they have participated in India. While the loss of Faf du Plessis and Shardul Thakur is significant, the depth and strength of their lineup and excellent leadership should hold them in good stead.

Delhi Capitals: When David Warner and Mitchell Marsh arrive in town, the Capitals will have a top four of Prithvi Shaw, Warner, Marsh and Rishabh Pant. This is one of the best top orders in the league, with a mix of dynamic play and the left-right hand combinations.

With the ball, Shardul Thakur promises to be a valuable purchase, partnered by the economical Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel to form a solid bowling core. Also, Ricky Ponting’s smarts is a big advantage for the Capitals as they aim for their elusive title.

Punjab Kings: The Kings had one of the best auction performances earlier in 2022. They came into the mega auction with the biggest purse, and they have spent well with a formiddable top four of Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow alongside the prolific Mayank Agarwal. Also, the likes of Shahrukh Khan and Odean Smith provide some excellent finishing potential down the order.

Importantly, the Kings look better with the ball. Kagiso Rabada is an outstanding purchase, and his partnership with Arshdeep Singh at the death will make for interesting viewing. Also, the likes of Rahul Chahar and Ishan Porel enter this tournament with plenty to prove.

Why will the others miss out?

Royal Challengers Bangalore have an excellent bowling attack, which definitely makes them contenders. However, their reliance on the top four with the bat might hurt them.

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, there is so much unpredictability ahead of the new season with the likes of Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram holding the key to their hopes. Also, they need Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan to stay fit and firing as their other Indian bowling options lack some experience.

Gujarat Titans, as mentioned, lack the kind of specialists the other teams have. However, they could surprise a few.

Lucknow Super Giants have a wonderful first XI on paper and no one can be surprised if they make the top four. However, they need to have a good run with injuries and COVID-19 as they lack some of the squad depth that others teams possess.

Kolkata Knight Riders, the finalists from 2021, might rely too much on their overseas options, particularly with limited Indian domestic bowling quality. Also, the inexperience in their domestic wicket-keeping option might affect their team balance somewhat. But, if Shreyas Iyer produces the form he has shown in recent times, they are certainly a chance.

Mumbai Indians is the bravest pick to miss the top four. They have one of the best batting lineups, but the lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah looks to be a worry for MI. They might score big but also concede big too.

5. Winner: Rajasthan Royals

Can the Royals win their first title since 2008? They are a great chance of breaking the drought.

The Royals have a wonderful mix of youth and experience right throughout their squad. Plus, they possess a number of players who can take the game away from their opposition.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal is arguably the best domestic spin attack in the league. Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna, who was magnificent in the ODIs vs West Indies earlier this year, adds further variety to the attack.

And, we’ve already mentioned how dangerous and deep the batting lineup is.

Also, there is the added motivation of performing well in memory of the late, great Shane Warne, who led the Royals to their triumph back in 2008. The Royals did their bit in the planning phase, and it’s now time to deliver.

I believe they can.

There are my five predictions for IPL 2022. It looks a very competitive tournament on paper, so predicting what will happen is a tough ask indeed.

What are your thoughts? Do share them below!

Kraigg Brathwaite faces most balls in a Test by a West Indian

Charbel Coorey
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Kraigg Brathwaite faces most balls in a Test by a West Indian

Cricket News: Kraigg Brathwaite faces most balls in a Test by a West Indian | West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite faced 673 balls in Test vs England

Kraigg Brathwaite has written himself in the history books after facing a whopping 673 deliveries in the drawn Barbados Test against England. His 673 deliveries is now the most faced by any West Indian in a single Test, going past Brian Lara’s 582 in the 2004 Test against England where he made the highest score in Test history.

Brathwaite thwarted England in both innings. First, he batted over 710 minutes in the first innings for his 482-ball 160, which saw England out in the field for a total of 187.5 overs. Jack Leach himself toiled away for nearly 70 of those. In the second, he held firm as England pushed for victory, batting 184 deliveries for his 56* to guide the home side to safety.

Kraigg Brathwaite faces the 13th-most deliveries by a player in a single Test

When it comes to all-time Test records, Brathwaite’s 673 puts him in 13th place for most deliveries faced by a player in a Test match. He went past Andy Flower’s 670 for Zimbabwe against South Africa in 2001. Only New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming has batted more deliveries in a Test this century, with 710 against Sri Lanka in 2003.

Also, Brathwaite fell just short of 1,000 minutes batted. He was at the crease for a total of 955 minutes across both innings, with Joe Root’s men surely sick at the sight of the West Indian captain.

WI vs ENG Test series moves to a decider

As is the case in the Pakistan-Australia Test series, the West Indies-England showdown will move to a decider with the series locked at 0-0.

England have won just one Test series in the Carribean since 1968 and will need to win in Grenada to taste rare success in this part of the world. The third Test begins on Thursday 24 March.

PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test Key Players | Lahore Pitch Report

The highly-anticipated Test series between Pakistan and Australia has been bubbling away with the teams now to contest a decider at Lahore. Following the drab, dull and uninspiring draw at Rawalpindi, Pakistan and Babar Azam etched themselves in the record books in a magnificent show of fight and patience in Karachi.

Pakistan’s reward for batting 171.4 overs will be a shot at a series win. They will come into this game feeling positive about their chances after avoiding defeat from an almost impossible situation early on day four. However, the key question will be whether their bowlers can take all 20 Australian wickets to hold the series trophy at the end of the match.

For Australia, the question will be whether Pat Cummins’ team can bounce back quickly after the disappointment of Karachi. It was a match they controlled for three-and-a-half days before toiling away for no reward in yet another instance where they were unable to close out victory on the fifth day. With the Lahore track looking pretty good for batting once again, Australia’s attack will have to dig very deep to win this one.

All to play for.

Possible Playing 11

Pakistan could look at a debut for legspinner Zahid Mahmood.

Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Abdullah Shafique, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Babar Azam (c), 5. Fawad Alam, 6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Hassan Ali, 9. Nauman Ali, 10. Sajid Khan/Zahid Mahmood, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia will stick with the same team, including Mitch Swepson who had a tough debut.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Mitchell Swepson, 11. Nathan Lyon

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Pakistan:

  • Imam-ul-Haq had a quiet second Test after twin centuries in the first. He returns to a ground he enjoyed some success at in First Class cricket in late 2021, where he scored 72 and 202*.
  • Abdullah Shafique has been the second innings specialist so far in this series. He has scored a century and a fighting 96 in the second innings of the two Tests.
  • What a performance it was by Babar Azam in Karachi. His 196 is now the highest fourth innings score by a captain in Test history. His Test average against Australia has now crossed 40 (42.31), with 677 runs to his name in nine Tests.
  • Mohammad Rizwan also showed his class on the final day. His century sealed the draw for Pakistan, and he will be keen to be proactive once again.
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken just the four wickets at an average of 51.00 in this series. He has bowled better than those figures suggest, and will be key especially if the ball reverses in Lahore.
  • Nauman Ali took just the one wicket in the Karachi Test, but he remains the top wicket-taker in this series with seven wickets.

Australia:

  • Usman Khawaja is in rare touch. The left-hander has struck scores of 137, 101*, 6, 11, 97, 160 and 44* since his return to the Test team. He is the only player to have at least 300 runs in this series so far, and averages 88.55 in seven Tests vs Pakistan.
  • Steve Smith has struck scores of 78 and 72 in this series. Such form is reflective of his past couple of years, where he has made half-centuries but hasn’t been able to convert. Can he do so here? He averages 56.56 in 11 Tests vs Pakistan.
  • David Warner has had a quiet series so far (avg. 37), but still averages over 91 in his career against Pakistan (1,195 runs in nine Tests).
  • Marnus Labuschagne will also be after a big innings after running himself out in the first innings at Karachi. The world’s number one Test batsman has scored 90 and 44 in his other two knocks.
  • It is a huge game for Nathan Lyon. He gave Australia hope of a late win in Karachi, but it was too late. He has taken six wickets at 60.16 in this series, and averages 49.17 overall in 11 Tests vs Pakistan (39 wickets).
  • Mitchell Starc will be a key weapon for Australia, especially if the ball reverses. He was brilliant in the first innings in Karachi, where he took 3/29.
  • Pat Cummins has taken four wickets at 47.75, but he has bowled better than those figures suggest. The skipper will be key.

Stats and Facts

  • Australia’s last Test in Lahore was in 1994. They drew the Test to win the series on that occasion.
  • Azhar Ali needs 74 runs to reach 7,000 in Tests.
  • Steve Smith is 66 away from 8,000 Test runs. If he reached the mark in either of his next two innings, he will be the fastest ever to the milestone.
  • In a Test series with a minimum of two matches, this series has the third-highest batting average (55.30) and third-highest strike rate (128.7) in Test history.

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report and Weather

There were six matches at Lahore in the 2021/22 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is Pakistan’s First Class competition. All six ended in draws, with regular scores of over 400 and 500. Once again, the pitch looks really good for batting, so the toss is crucial in hot temperatures of around 35 degrees.

Dream11 Prediction

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:

PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test Key Players | Lahore Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test Key Players | Lahore Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
  • Batsmen: Steve Smith, Babar Azam
  • All-rounders: Marnus Labuschagne
  • Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Match Prediction

The toss will be important as well as whether the teams can get the ball to reverse. Plus, how much the pitch breaks up and turns will help decide the result.

However, given how good the pitch looks and all the recent draws in First Class cricket, the draw looks the most likely result.

Jack Leach sends down 10th most overs by Englishman in single innings

Charbel Coorey
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Jack Leach sends down 10th most overs by Englishman in single innings

Cricket News: Jack Leach sends down 10th most deliveries for England in history | Jack Leach sends down 69.5 overs: the 10th most overs bowled by Englishman in single innings

England spinner Jack Leach sent down a huge 69.5 overs in the second Test against West Indies at Barbados, as the home side batted a remarkable 187.5 overs.

Leach’s 69.5 overs is now the tenth-most overs bowled by an Englishman in a single innings in Test history. He toiled away for 419 deliveries – just seven less than Phil Tufnell’s 426 against New Zealand in Wellington in 1992 – finishing with 3/118 as the Windies ground England into the dirt.

Jack Leach sends down nearly 70 overs after Kraigg Brathwaite bats over 700 minutes

The Barbados Test also saw the 25th instance of a batsman batting over 700 minutes in a Test innings. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s almighty vigil of 160 off 489 balls lasted 710 minutes, which is the 21st longest innings by minutes.

Also, only Brian Lara has batted longer for West Indies in their proud Test history. The great left-hander batted 778 minutes for his world-record 400* against England in 2004, which remains the highest Test score to date. His 375 – his previous record – took 766 minutes to achieve in 1994.

It was Leach who ended Brathwaite’s marathon knock with a peach. The left-arm spinner pitched the delivery in line with the stumps, which turned to take the opener’s off stump.

2nd West Indies vs England Test also heading for a draw

After the first Test ended in a stalemate thanks to Nkrumah Bonner’s excellent fight, the second Test is also heading in the same direction. West Indies’ 187.5 overs batted has taken so much time out of the game that England lead by just 136 runs at stumps on day four.

Seeking just their second series win in West Indies since 1968, England will push hard in similar fashion to the first Test, where they set West Indies 286 in 71 overs.

However, after such a marathon effort spanning more than two days worth of overs, it will take a huge effort from England and poor batting from West Indies to see a result in this Test. Should it end in a draw, the series will have a decider to be played at Grenada starting in just a few days’ time on March 24.

The three-match series is following a similar pattern to Australia’s tour of Pakistan, which included the borest of bore draws in Rawalpindi. Both sides will contest the decider in Lahore starting Monday.

SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI Key Players | Johannesburg Pitch Report

Brilliant Bangladesh have written another chapter in their brilliant ODI Super League campaign. Sorry South Africa have sunk further into the mire, with their World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The Tigers were outstanding in Centurion on Friday, with a strong batting display followed by a committed bowling effort. In the process, they made history as they did in New Zealand earlier this year by winning their first ever international against South Africa in South Africa.

“Sunday is a must-win game for us. We have to up our game in all the departments,” said Proteas’ skipper Temba Bavuma. And how right he is. Like their defeat against Bangladesh in the 2019 World Cup, South Africa were quite flat and ineffective in the field, with their death bowling particularly poor. Bangladesh, after a steady start, upped the ante and were in control for most of the match.

And now a huge opportunity awaits. More ODI Super League points are up for grabs, but a series win away in South Africa would truly be one of the great moments in Bangladesh cricket history. If the experienced core can deliver backed up by the likes of Yasir Ali and Taskin Ahmed once again, they are in with a great chance to achieve history in the second ODI in Johannesburg.

Possible Playing 11

Quinton de Kock missed the first ODI due to illness. It remains to be seen if he has recovered enough in time for this match. Also, the Proteas could look to bring in the excellent Tabraiz Shamsi.

South Africa: 1. Kyle Verreynne/Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo/Dwaine Pretorius, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj/Tabraiz Shamsi, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Bangladesh should stick with the same winning combination.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal (c), 2. Litton Das, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Yasir Ali, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Afif Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Shoriful Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

South Africa:

  • Rassie van der Dussen continues to produce the goods in ODI cricket. His 86 in the first ODI was his ninth 50+ score in 16 ODI innings at home. He has been dismissed under 50 just three times in home ODIs.
  • It’s an important match for Janneman Malan. He has scored 6, 91, 1 and 4 in his past four ODI innings, so getting past the initial stages will be key. He scored 93 and 69 for Boland in List A matches last week.
  • David Miller was in fine touch in the first ODI (79 off 57 balls), and he will be key as a finisher. He has struck 220 runs in eight innings at Johannesburg at an average of 55.50 and strike rate of 135.80.
  • Kagiso Rabada has taken 12 wickets in seven ODIs at The Wanderers at an average of 24.41. He was below his best in the first ODI (1/57), so the Proteas will be looking for early wickets from Rabada today. He has 14 wickets in eight ODIs against Bangladesh at an average of 23.71.
  • Marco Jansen (2/57) bowled well in stages in the first ODI, but fell away at the death. He is a genuine wicket-taker, as the early days of his international career have shown.
  • South Africa to play Tabraiz Shamsi? He comes into this match in good form, with figures of 3/15, 3/20, 2/43 and 2/41 in his last four domestic white-ball matches.

Bangladesh:

  • Shakib Al Hasan’s brilliant 77 in the first ODI set the tone for Bangladesh. The all-rounder has the most runs for any Bangladeshi in ODIs against South Africa (474, avg. 36.46). However, he averages 51.69 with the ball in 15 ODIs against South Africa – can he improve on this today?
  • Litton Das has struck three 50+ scores in his last three ODIs. He scored 136 and 86 vs Afghanistan, followed by 50 in Centurion. Tamim Iqbal also looked in decent form in Centurion, with his 44 taking his career average vs South Africa to 28.66 in 13 ODIs.
  • Yasir Ali made his first major mark in international cricket with a sparkling half-century in the middle order. His 44-ball 50 gave Bangladesh plenty of momentum heading into the final overs. Can he produce another strong knock?
  • Taskin Ahmed was a strong contender for player of the match in Centurion. His 3/36 was full of intent and purpose, dismissming key players Kyle Verryenne, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen.
  • Shoriful Islam has taken 14 wickets in his last 10 white-ball matches across formats, including 2/47 in the opening ODI. He is back in the country where he took nine wickets in five innings to help Bangladesh win the U19 World Cup in 2020.
  • Mustafizur Rahman went wicketless in the opening match, but he is always a wicket-taking threat. He has eight wickets in five ODIs vs South Africa, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, after his 4/61, has seven wickets in three ODIs vs South Africa. However, how he bowls in Johannesburg – a ground which can be tough for spinners – will be interesting to see.

Stats and Facts

  • Bangladesh’s win in Centurion was their first ever victory against South Africa in South Africa in any format.
  • Lungi Ngidi took 1/75 in the first ODI – the worst bowling figures by a South African against Bangladesh in ODIs.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim is the only Bangladeshi player to have an ODI century against South Africa. He scored 110* in 2017.
  • Aiden Markram is in desperate needs of runs after a lean run of form. He scored a duck in the first ODI.
  • Quinton de Kock averages 52.75 in eight ODIs at Johannesburg.

The Wanderers Johannesburg Pitch Report and Weather

Teams batting first have performed brilliantly in day games in Johannesburg in recent years. There have been four 350+ scores batting first in the past seven day games on this ground, and another very good batting pitch is expected for this match.

The forecast is for clear weather.

Dream11 Prediction

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:

SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI Key Players | Johannesburg Pitch Report
SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI Key Players | Johannesburg Pitch Report
SA vs BAN 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Litton Das
  • Batsmen: Rassie van der Dussen, Tamim Iqbal
  • All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Taskin Ahmed

Match Prediction

South Africa have won two of their past four ODIs in Johannesburg after a streak of seven wins from 2013 to 2019. Bangladesh are in fine form and can certainly win again, but this match could ultimately come down to which team bats first and whether they can post 300+.

SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Key Players | Centurion Pitch Report

South Africa against Bangladesh at home is usually a one-sided contest. Bangladesh have never won an international in 19 attempts across formats in South Africa, including losing all 13 ODIs.

So, such a series doesn’t look too competitive on paper, right? However, when you look at the ODI Super League table and see Bangladesh on top and South Africa in 10th, it is a crucial series for the Proteas as they face the kind of pressure they never have before in a home ODI series against the Tigers.

Both teams come into this series in some good form. Bangladesh beat Afghanistan 2-1 in their ODI series at home, after a historic Test victory in New Zealand in January. Bangladesh had never won an international in New Zealand before that triumph, so perhaps it’s a good omen. For South Africa, they too had a stirring Test series comeback against the Black Caps courtesy of the brilliant Kagiso Rabada, after a highly-successful home series against India where they swept the highly-rated side 3-0.

Which way will the first ODI go in Centurion?

Possible Playing 11

South Africa’s IPL players will be available for the ODIs before skipping the Test matches.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Dwaine Pretorius, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Tabraiz Shamsi, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Bangladesh could look to stick with the same team that lost the third ODI against Afghanistan.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal (c), 2. Litton Das, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Yasir Ali, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Afif Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Shoriful Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

South Africa:

  • Quinton de Kock had a superb series against Bangladesh at home in 2017. The left-hander struck 287 runs in three ODIs at an average of 143.50, including 168*.
  • Also, de Kock has an outstanding record in ODIs at Centurion. He has smashed 709 runs in 10 matches on this ground at an average of 70.90 with four half-centuries and a century.
  • Janneman Malan comes into this match in good form. He scored 93 and 69 for Boland in South Africa’s List A competition on March 11 and 13 respectively. He averages 77.00 in 14 ODIs, with three centuries and three half-centuries.
  • Rassie van der Dussen is a colossus in home ODIs. He has been dismissed under 50 just three times in 15 innings at home, with an overall average of 113.85. He struck a half-century and century against India earlier this year.
  • Kagiso Rabada will be aiming to hit top form ahead of the IPL. The pace bowler has 13 wickets to his name in seven ODIs against Bangladesh at an average of 21.15, including five in three matches at home.
  • However, Rabada will be looking to improve his ODI record at Centurion. He has taken 10 wickets in eight matches on this ground at an average of 40.70.
  • Andile Phehlukwayo has taken seven wickets in four ODIs vs Bangladesh at an average of 23.57. He also took the most wickets in the SA-IND ODI series earlier this year with six.
  • Lungi Ngidi took 5/33 for the Titans against Boland a week ago. Tabraiz Shamsi also comes into this match in good form, with figures of 3/15, 3/20, 2/43 and 2/41 in his last four domestic white-ball matches.

Bangladesh:

  • Shakib Al Hasan is crucial to Bangladesh’s hopes. He has the most runs for any Bangladeshi against South Africa in ODIs, with 397 runs in 13 innings at an average of 33.08. This includes four half-centuries, with two of them coming in four ODIs in South Africa.
  • Shakib averages 69.75 with the ball in five ODIs in South Africa, as well as 47.53 in 14 ODIs overall against the Proteas. Can he improve on those numbers here?
  • Tamim Iqbal will also be important for Bangladesh. The skipper has scored 303 runs in 12 ODIs against South Africa at an average of 27.54.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim has three 50+ scores in nine ODIs against the Proteas, including a century in South Africa in 2017. He averages 36.50 against them, with 292 runs overall.
  • Litton Das struck 136 and 86 in his last two ODIs against Afghanistan. However, it will be interesting to see whether Litton can produce the goods against more experienced opposition – an area which he has often struggled with in his career.
  • This will be Mustafizur Rahman’s first ODI in South Africa. He has taken eight wickets in four ODIs against the Proteas, including 3/67 in the 2019 World Cup in England.
  • Shoriful Islam has taken 12 wickets in his last nine white-ball matches across formats. He returns to the country where he took nine wickets in five innings to help Bangladesh win the U19 World Cup in 2020.

Stats and Facts

  • South Africa have never lost a home ODI to Bangladesh in 13 matches.
  • Taskin Ahmed had an awful ODI series in South Africa in 2017. He took two wickets at an average of 99.00 and economy rate of 8.25, but he is an improved bowler now.
  • Temba Bavuma scored a century in South Africa’s last ODI series against India.
  • South Africa lost their last two completed ODIs. Pakistan beat the Proteas twice in April 2021.

SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report and Weather

Teams batting first and second have won three matches each in ODIs at Centurion since the beginning of 2018. Centurion is usually a good batting pitch for white-ball matches, with evidence of that last year as South Africa scored 273 against Pakistan (which was chased down) before Pakistan struck 320 a few days later.

A mostly clear day and evening is forecast.

Dream11 Prediction

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:

SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Key Players | Centurion Pitch Report
SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Key Players | Centurion Pitch Report
SA vs BAN 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Quinton de Kock
  • Batsmen: Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan
  • All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Aiden Markram
  • Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Mustafizur Rahman

Match Prediction

South Africa’s great record at home vs Bangladesh should count for plenty here. Also, their recent form is reason to be confident.

10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test

Charbel Coorey
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10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test

Cricket News: 10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test | Stats from the draw between Pakistan and Australia in the Karachi Test

Australia’s highly-anticipated tour of Pakistan has seen another draw. However, it was quite the contrast to the bore draw in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan batting the best part of two days to seal a great escape in the Karachi Test.

Faced with 172 overs to survive after getting rolled for 148 in the first innings, Pakistan’s task was made all the more difficult after the loss of two early wickets. They looked at long odds of getting a positive result out of a Test they had been dominated in, but Abdullah Shafique and the magnificent Babar Azam went about grinding Australia into the ground. They executed to near perfection, with Mohammad Rizwan finishing the job with a century of his own.

With Pakistan’s relief comes Australia’s concern. It is the fifth such time since 2019 that the Australian team has been unable to finish the job on the fifth day, with the Karachi Test representing a huge missed opportunity for Pat Cummins’ team. Australia utterly dominated the first three-and-a-half days of the Test, only to fall short as the bowlers lacked penetration due to minimal reverse swing and slow turn.

For Pakistan, it is a time to reflect and be pleased. After all, some of the stats make for some great reading. Here are 10 from Pakistan’s escape in the Karachi Test.

10 stats from Pakistan’s huge effort to draw the Karachi Test

1. Second-most overs batted to save a match in Test history

Pakistan’s mammoth effort is up there with one of the top performances in Test history. In fact, their 171.4 overs is the second-most overs batted in the fourth innings in Test history, only behind England’s 218.2 overs in the 1938/39 Timeless Test. They are the only two teams to bat 1,000+ deliveries in the fourth innings to save a Test.

What makes the feat all the more impressive is the fact Pakistan lasted just 53 overs in the first innings. It is another example of Pakistan producing results at extreme ends of both spectrums.

2. Fifth-highest total in the fourth innings of a Test

Pakistan’s 443/7 is the fifth-highest total in the fourth innings of a Test. Here is the full list:

  • England 654/5 vs South Africa (1939)
  • New Zealand 451 vs England (2002)
  • South Africa 450/7 vs India (2013)
  • Pakistan 450 vs Australia (2016)
  • India 445 vs Australia (1978)
  • Pakistan 443/7 vs Australia (2022)

3. The highest score by a captain in the fourth innings of a Test

Babar Azam’s magnificent 196 is the highest-ever score by a captain in the fourth innings of a Test. He went past Michael Atherton’s 185* against South Africa in 1995.

Cricket News: 10 incredible stats from Pakistan's great escape in Karachi Test | Stats from the draw between Pakistan and Australia in the Karachi Test
10 incredible stats from Pakistan’s great escape in Karachi Test: Babar Azam was outstanding

4. Babar Azam, one of three Pakistani batsmen to score 150+ in the fourth innings

Only three Pakistani batsmen have scored 150+ in the fourth innings of a Test match. He joined Younis Khan and Saleem Malik in the esteemed list.

5. Most deliveries faced by a Pakistani batsman in the fourth innings

Babar Azam’s 425 deliveries faced in a record for most balls faced in the fourth innings by a Pakistani batsman. Shoaib Malik previously held the record after he batted 369 balls against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2006.

The previous highest score by a Pakistani batsman in the fourth innings in Pakistan was 138* by Inzamam-ul-Haq against Bangladesh in Multan in 2003.

6. Fourth player to face 400+ balls in the fourth innings

Babar Azam’s innings was full of achievements. Another was the fact he became the fourth player in history to bat at least 400 deliveries in the fourth innings of a Test. He joined Herbert Sutcliffe, Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Atherton as the others to have achieved the feat.

7. Fourth wicket-keeper to score a fourth innings ton in a win or draw

Mohammad Rizwan’s superb 104* is now etched in the history books. He became just the fourth keeper-batsman to score a century in the fourth innings in a win/draw.

Adam Gilchrist (1999), Matt Prior and AB de Villiers (2013) are the others to achieve the feat.

8. Third-worst bowling figures on Test debut

It was a tough debut for Australia leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson. He bowled well in parts, but a lack of consistency showed as he finished with figures of 0/156. Only England’s Adil Rashid (0/163) and Pakistan’s Zafar Gohar (0/159) had worse figures on Test debut.

9. Fifth instance of Australia not bowling out opponent in fourth innings since 2019

Headingley 2019. SCG 2021. Gabba 2021. SCG 2022. Karachi 2022.

Australia’s failure to win the Karachi Test was the fifth such instance of the team not winning a Test from a very strong position since 2019. This one is particularly disappointing, given Australia took a 408-run lead just after the halfway point of the Test.

10. Australia’s tough run in Asia

Australia have won just three of their past 28 Tests in Asia since the start of 2008. They beat Sri Lanka in Galle in 2011, India in Pune in 2017 and Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2017. Apart from that, it has been lean pickings for the Australians, and the missed opportunity in Karachi raises further doubt as to whether this team can win in Lahore.

It was a superb effort by Pakistan to save the Test. Both teams will now be gunning for a series win in the deciding Test at Lahore which begins on 21 March.

5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap

Charbel Coorey
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5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap

Cricket News: 5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap | Looking at 5 leading contenders for the Orange Cap in IPL 2022

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is synonymous with wonderful batting performances, and the tournament will once again be stacked with some of the most talented batsmen in the world.

Both the top Indian and overseas talent will grace the league, with a number of contenders for the Orange Cap. Ruturaj Gaikwad pipped former teammate Faf du Plessis, who is now at Royal Challengers Bangalore, by two runs last season.

Now, with the IPL Mega Auction seeing stars move to new franchises, a number of players will be looking to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. Here are five leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap.

Also read: 2nd most valuable company after Apple now sponsor of IPL Orange and Purple Caps

Who will win the IPL 2022 Orange Cap? 5 leading contenders

1. KL Rahul

KL Rahul, who will lead the new Lucknow franchise, has been one of the most prolific players in the past few years. The keeper-batsman has struck 1,889 runs at an average of 57.24 and strike rate of 134.26 since the beginning of IPL 2019, and he will no doubt be in the running for the Orange Cap once again this season.

However, eyes will be fixed on whether Rahul can improve on his strike rate. If he can produce anything like his magnificent 42-ball 98* against CSK last season, we will be in for a treat.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Cricket News: 5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap | Looking at 5 leading contenders for the Orange Cap in IPL 2022
5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings are one of the contenders for IPL 2022 owing to a long batting lineup headed up by Ruturaj Gaikwad. The opener had a breakout season in 2021, finishing with 635 runs, just two runs in front of Faf du Plessis.

Gaikwad’s ability to score quickly whilst playing traditional cricketing shots is a pleasure to watch. Given CSK’s batting lineup, Gaikwad will be enabled to play with freedom, which should see the runs flow.

3. Faf du Plessis

Like a fine wine, Faf du Plessis gets better with age. The South African had a stellar 2021 season with an outstanding 86 off 59 balls in the Final to lead CSK to the Title.

This season, he joins RCB with a huge role to play. It seems like RCB will rely quite heavily on their top four, so du Plessis will need to provide as many strong starts as possible. Given his recent form, which includes a century in the BPL in February, he is very much capable of doing so.

4. Shikhar Dhawan

5 leading contenders for the IPL 2022 Orange Cap: Shikhar Dhawan

Punjab Kings landed the coup that is Shikhar Dhawan, and all signs point to another strong season for the opener. He scored the fourth-most runs in IPL 2019 (521), the second-most in 2020 (618) and fourth-most again in 2021 (587) at an overall average of 39.23 and strike rate of 134.63 in this period.

On what should be good batting surfaces in Mumbai and Pune, Dhawan has what it takes to have another very strong season with the bat.

5. Ishan Kishan

The bidding war for Ishan Kishan in the IPL Auction is reflective of his immense potential. He is likely to open the batting for Mumbai Indians, and has a magnificent record as an opener in IPL cricket, with 555 runs in 13 innings at an average of 55.50 and strike rate of 155.90.

Kishan was superb in IPL 2020 (516 runs) and is a danger player at the top of the order with more time at his disposal. Don’t be surprised if Ishan Kishan finishes top of the tree among run-scorers in 2022.

Also read: 2nd most valuable company after Apple now sponsor of IPL Orange and Purple Caps

“Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

Charbel Coorey
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“Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

Cricket News: “Hard to watch”: Fans slam pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series | Fans disappointed with pitches in PAK vs AUS Test series

All the hype surrounding Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan has been reduced to a squib. Just 22 wickets have fallen in 559.1 overs across the Rawalpindi and Karachi Tests so far, which is one approximately every 154 deliveries.

Worse, most wickets have fallen due to a batting error rather than brilliance from the bowler or assistance from the pitch. Within the first few overs in a hot and sunny Karachi, Babar Azam would have been cursing his luck at the toss as the ball barely reached both the batsmen and fielders behind the wicket.

Pakistan have since toiled for two days, with Australia amassing 505/8 to all-but-extinguish Pakistan’s hopes of taking a 1-0 series lead.

The home side producing such pitches is a real eyebrow raiser. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, speaking after the Rawalpindi Test that broke records for the wrong reasons, said that it wouldn’t make sense to produce pitches to suit Australia’s seamers. However, Pakistan’s attack has also struggled for penetration, with both spinners and seamers toiling hard for little reward in tough conditions.

The final session on day two, where Australia scored just 98 runs in 34 overs, was particularly tough viewing. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc made it their mission to drive Pakistan into the ground, with Carey falling for 93 and Starc heading towards 100 deliveries faced.

Fans disappointed with pitches in the PAK vs AUS Test series

Fans and pundits took to social media to express their disappointment with the pitches in the highly anticipated Test series. And rightly so.

Also, former Australia captain Mark Taylor said that it seems Pakistan have approached this series to try not to lose. Here are some of the reactions to the flat pitches in the PAK vs AUS Test series.

Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor

Charbel Coorey
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0
Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor

Cricket News: Saudi Aramco, 2nd most valued company after Apple, now a IPL sponsor | Saudi Aramco title sponsor of Orange and Purple Caps

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has landed another sponsorship coup, with Saudi Aramco now the title sponsor of the league’s Orange and Purple Caps. The Orange Cap is awarded to the highest run-scorer in an IPL season, while the Purple Cap is handed to the highest wicket-taker. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Harshal Patel won the respective honours in IPL 2021.

Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil company and only sits behind Apple among the world’s most valuable companies. According to Times of India, the awards will now be known as the Aramco Orange Cap and Aramco Purple Cap.

Saudi Aramco joins IPL as the league sells all its sponsorship slots

The news comes ahead of the IPL 2022 season which now has 10 teams competing. The BCCI sold new franchises Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans for a whopping Rs 12,715 crores (approx. US$1.7 billion) combined in October 2021.

On top of that, the BCCI has officially sold all its IPL sponsorship spots for the first time ever with Aramaco coming on board for Rs 65 crores (approx. $US9.36 million) per year.

Last week, Rupay, a financial services company, signed a two-year deal as an official partner for Rs 75 crores (approx. US$10.8 million) a year. Last month, Indian food ordering and delivery provider Swiggy signed a deal worth around Rs 65 crores (approx. US$9.36 million) per year. The likes of Cred, Unacademy, and Dream11, who were title sponsors in 2020, are already on board.

All sponsorship spots will bring in nearly a huge 1,000 crores (approx. US$144 million) in revenue, which makes the 2022 edition an extremely viable one financially.

The tournament will kick off on March 26, with the tournament to be held in Mumbai and Pune. Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions, and will begin their defence against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.

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