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PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report

After one of the most dull, uninspiring and anticlimactic Test matches in recent history, attention quickly moves to Karachi as Pakistan and Australia look to register safety in this three-match Test series.

The quicker the Rawalpindi Test is forgotten, the better. Australia’s visit was met with great anticipation and excitement, but the first Test delivered none of that on a wicket so flat that it broke the record for the least number of wickets among matches that lasted at least 330 overs.

The toss could be crucial once again given that Karachi often starts as a good batting wicket before taking spin. With that in mind, Australia are likely to play two spinners, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to hold great importance to their chances with the bat. Also, while the Rawalpindi pitch was flat, Australia’s bowlers took just three in well over 200 overs of bowling, which is cause for review and improvement in the all-important second Test.

For Pakistan, they no doubt had the better of the first Test, but now it is about stepping things up to win. They too struggled for penetration before Australia threw some wickets away in an attempt to score runs quickly, so how they build pressure in this Test will make for interesting viewing. But, their top order – particularly openers Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique – come into this Test with huge confidence, and if they can deliver another strong opening partnership, doubts and worries will creep into Australia’s minds.

Possible Playing 11

Faheem Ashraf is back in the Pakistan squad, and Hasan Ali is also a good chance of playing.

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. Hasan Ali, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Nauman Ali, 11. Sajid Khan

Mitch Swepson was labelled as a “huge chance” to play by skipper Pat Cummins following the Rawalpindi Test, and he will play. Josh Hazlewood misses out.

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

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Pakistan:

  • Imam ul Haq became the 10th Pakistan batsman to register two centuries in the same Test. If Pakistan get the better of the batting conditions once again, watch out for Imam who will be sure to play with more determination and concentration.
  • Azhar Ali has struck a fifty and century in two Tests at Karachi since 2019. He too is coming off a century in the first Test, and averages 56.42 in 12 Tests against Australia.
  • Babar Azam has played plenty of cricket in Karachi in the PSL, so he is familiar with the ground. Test cricket is a different challenge, however, and Babar will be looking to improve on his average of 31.78 in eight Tests against Australia.
  • Nauman Ali was Pakistan’s star bowler in the first Test with a six-fer. He has a five-fer to his name at Karachi (vs South Africa) and took 61 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 23.16 on this ground in Pakistan’s First Class competition (Quaid-e-Azam Trophy) in 2020/21.
  • Sajid Khan took 67 wickets in 11 matches at Karachi in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2020/21 at an average of 25.08.
  • Hasan Ali took 43 wickets the same competition at an average of 20.08. Also, Hasan was Pakistan’s top Test wicket-taker in 2021 with 41 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.07.

Australia:

  • David Warner averages 104.72 in eight Tests against Pakistan (1,152 runs). He looked good for more runs in the first Test before he was bowled for 68.
  • Usman Khawaja missed out on his century by just three runs in Rawalpindi. He was proactive against the spinners, and will need to have the same mindset in Karachi. He averages 74.12 six Tests against Pakistan (593 runs).
  • Marnus Labuschagne also narrowly missed his hundred in Rawalpindi (90). He also has a good average against Pakistan (74), with 518 runs in five Tests against them.
  • Steve Smith has scored just the one Test century in 15 Tests since the 2019 Ashes. He has made five half-centuries in this period, including 78 in the first Test where a century was for the taking. He averages 55.53 in 10 Tests against Pakistan, with eight 50+ scores.
  • Pat Cummins was Australia’s only wicket-taker among the seamers in the entire Rawalpindi Test. The Australian captain will be key to Australia’s hopes in Karachi. He has taken just the nine wickets in three Tests vs Pakistan so far at an average of 37.11.
  • The spotlight will be on Nathan Lyon after a very tough first Test where he took total figures of 1/236 in 78 overs. His 34 wickets against Pakistan cost 52.73 runs apiece, but he could be a factor if the ball spins sharply.

Stats and Facts

  • Karachi has played host to two Test matches since the start of 2019. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 263 runs in 2019 and then South Africa by seven wickets in 2021.
  • Fawad Alam was player of the match in last year’s Karachi Test against South Africa for his 109 in the first innings.
  • Australia has never won a Test at Karachi in eight attempts. The last time Australia played in Karachi was in 1998, where the Test ended in a draw.

National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report and Weather

On first glance, the Karachi track looks to have a little covering of grass compared to the Rawalpindi track which had no life. The seamers may be in the game on the first couple of days, but the very warm conditions throughout the Test should see the pitch break up and spinners come into play from late day two onwards.

Hot and sunny conditions are forecast throughout the Test, with tops of around 35 degrees on each day.

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 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Australia 2nd Test Key Players | Karachi Pitch Report
PAK vs AUS 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
  • Batsmen: Imam ul Haq, Steve Smith
  • All-rounders: Steve Smith, Nauman Ali
  • Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nathan Lyon

Match Prediction

Tough to call, with a lot depending on how the pitch plays. Pakistan start as favourites.

Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test

Charbel Coorey
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Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test

Cricket News: Mitch Swepson “a huge chance” to play in Karachi Test | Pat Cummins says Mitch Swepson is a chance of playing second Test

Leg-spinner Mitch Swepson is in line to make a long-awaited Test debut in the second Test in Karachi starting on Saturday. Australia have had to review the make up of their bowling attack after taking just four wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, where Pat Cummins’ team broke records for the wrong reasons.

Australia went in their usual bowling combination in Rawalpindi. However, there was a clear lack of bite in the attack. The very flat track certainly played a factor, but two spinners looks the way to go in these conditions, particularly in Karachi where the ball often begins turning from day two or three.

When asked whether Swepson would make his debut in the second Test, captain Cummins said that it is a possibility and that Swepson has been bowling beautifully in the nets.

“I think we’ll have a look before making up our mind”, said Cummins. “I think it is an asset for sure having a wristspinner. It’s something a bit different, and Sweppo has been bowling beautifully. We’ll get to Karachi and have a look. But absolutely, Sweppo as a wristspinner is a huge chance if we play two.”

“Our intel from Karachi and Lahore says a second spinner is probably the way to go. But we’ll have a look.”

Mitch Swepson could become Australia’s first specialist legspinner for the first time in over a decade

Not since 2009 have Australia played a specialist legspinner in a Test. Bryce McGain debuted in South Africa, where he took 0/149 in 18 overs in a forgettable outing.

Nathan Lyon ended Australia’s long search for a permanent spinner after the retirement of the late, great Shane Warne. It will be fitting if Australia play legspinner Swepson in Karachi, where Warne would have certainly watched on with interest.

“I think it is an asset for sure having a wristspinner. It’s something a bit different, and Sweppo has been bowling beautifully.

Pat Cummins

The second Test begins on Saturday with the series locked at 0-0 after the bore draw at Rawalpindi.

Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi

Charbel Coorey
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Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi

Cricket News: Fewest wickets to fall in Test history: Stats from bore draw in Rawalpindi | Stats from bore draw between Australia and Pakistan at Rawalpindi

Had the first Test between Pakistan and Australia matched the hype before the series, we may have witnessed one of the great Test matches. Instead, it was one to forget, with Australia’s first Test in the country since 1998 ending in the borest of bore draws.

Just 14 wickets fell across the five days in a total of 379.1 overs. What’s worse is most of the dismissals were due to batting errors rather than from brilliance from the bowler or assistance from the pitch. The batsmen feasted, scoring a total of 1,187 runs on a pitch that surely must face scrutiny from the ICC.

Test cricket deserves better than this Rawalpindi wicket. There was almost no sideways movement or any uneven bounce as the Test went on, with the surface too slow for the bowlers to make an impact. The ball going past the bat was as rare as an ecclipse; an event worthy of bringing all your family and friends around the TV or smart device to watch the replay of such a momentous occasion.

With the second Test starting on Saturday in Karachi, Pat Cummins rightly chose not to bowl the lead seamers after going wicketless early in the second innings. However, Australia have some questions to answer, including their team combination in conditions that calls for at least two spinners.

Here are some stats highlights (or lowlights) from a forgettable Test in Rawalpindi.

Stats from bore draw between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi

Fewest wickets to fall in a completed Test (minimum 330 overs)

Before this Test, the fewest wickets to fall in a Test match not significantly affected by rain (minimum 330 overs) was 17. This Test match now has the record for the lowest number of wickets to fall in this category, with just 14 scalps taken across the five days. Tough watch.

The second-worst bowling average in Test history (minimum 1,200 balls)

Australia finished the Test with just four wickets, as Pakistan amassed 728/4. Worse, one was a run out, one was from a reverse sweep and another was the result of a brain fade by Abdullah Shafique on the stroke of lunch on day one.

Australia’s bowlers took their wickets at 238.3 runs apiece, which is the second-worst in Test history among teams who bowled at least 1,200 balls in the match. The worst remains the West Indies, who took 2/777 against Pakistan way back in 1958.

Also, Australia’s four wickets is the lowest they’ve ever taken in matches where they bowled at least 200 overs. Toil.

Both openers with unbeaten centuries for just the second time in Test history

As Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq plundered unbeaten centuries, little did they know they achieved a feat not seen in nearly 40 years. For the first time since Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes against Australia in 1984, openers Shafique and Imam scored unbeaten centuries.

Also, it is the most runs Australia have conceded in a completed innings without taking a wicket. In that 1984 Test, Haynes and Greenidge plundered 250. Imam and Shafique beat it by two runs in a comfortable second dig.

3 consecutive 100+ opening stands for the first time ever

Never before has there been a Test where three consecutive opening stands yielded 100+ runs. Shafique and Imam struck partnerships of 105 and 252, while Usman Khawaja and David Warner amassed 156. If Australia had the chance to bat again, it would have been a relatively safe bet that Warner and Khawaja would have struck 100+ on a flat wicket.

First time Australia concede twin opening century stands in over 50 years

Not since 1971 have Australia been on the end of two century stands from the opposition openers in the same Test. It has happened five times overall against Australia, with Geoff Boycott and John Edrich the last to achieve the feat.

The series will now move to Karachi on a pitch that typically provides help for the spinners. Fans will be hoping for a much more sporting surface after one of the awful Tests to start off a highly-anticipated series.

The second Test begins on Saturday.

Thank you, Warney: My tribute to Shane Warne, the King of Spin

Charbel Coorey
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Thank you, Warney: My tribute to Shane Warne, the King of Spin

Over 48 hours has passed since the news that shook every cricket fan to their very core. The kind of news that you’d have to rub your eyes to make sure you are actually reading what you are reading. The kind you’d wish was a terrible dream that you’d wake up from in relief. Or, as Fox Cricket’s Mark Howard put it, where he would just appear and say it was all a joke.

Shane Warne, one of the greatest ever to grace the beautiful game of cricket, has died at age 52. That sentence will take a while to adjust to. It just hasn’t sunk in. Only hours before his fatal heart attack in Thailand, Warne paid tribute to another Australian cricketing legend who had passed away just a day earlier; the great Rod Marsh. It is a reminder of how short and fragile life is.

To say that Shane Warne bowled leg spin or to judge him on stats alone is to say that Pablo Piccaso merely painted. Warne, in an era where intimidation by pace ruled world cricket, brought spin back into fashion in the most remarkable way imaginable. Slow bowling was an art once again thanks to Warne, who weaved the brush so immaculately over 145 Tests that the final picture was a plethora of bamboozled batsmen, wonderful memories and a generation of inspired cricketers.

Shane Warne tribute: Batsmen mesmerised by spin, viewers mesmerised by beauty

Every Test cricketer has ability. After all, you can’t reach that level if you are a bad player. However, many have come and gone from Test cricket without realising their full potential as the game goes beyond talent.

Warne had all the attributes of a leg spin bowler; the ripping leg break, terrific wrong’un and famous flipper. Many others have graced Test cricket with similar attributes, but Warne stands head and shoulders above any leg spinner to play the game.

The King’s cricketing brain is unmatched. Yes, he could execute each of those deliveries with ease. His ball of the century to Mike Gatting, etched in the minds of millions, was his announcement to the cricketing world that something special was unfolding. Indeed, it is still incredible to think that delivery was his first in Tests in England. 12 years later in 2005, Andrew Strauss, among many others, suffered similar treatment in another memorable moment.

Yes, he can find any technical chink in a leg spinner’s bowling action as he did in a magnificent segment for Sky Sports in 2020. However, it was his mindset and understanding of the game that separated him from the rest; namely his ability to set a batsman up and then go in for the kill. Young cricketers grew up thinking that conceding a boundary is the poisoned chalice of bowling, but Warne taught that if it is part of a plan, then it’s worth giving up a few runs to take that vital wicket.

It’s a reason why his death has felt so personal for millions around the globe. Not only was Warne brilliant in his craft, but you would learn from his brilliance. When he bowled, you watched. Every delivery was an event. He was always aggressive in his approach, with wicket-taking at the forefront of his mind even though he didn’t necessarily try to take a wicket with each delivery.

As an example, think of poor Daryll Cullinan, whose pads and stumps would duck for cover when they would see Warne marking his run up at the other end. Richie Benaud, who said that Warne is the greatest bowler he’d seen, said in the clip below that Warne would “show them [the batsman]” a delivery or two before pouncing with the dream delivery.

Two greats of the game in-sync with one another. And Benaud’s judgement is one we all can appreciate.

Tribute to Shane Warne: Delivery to Daryll Cullinan

England’s Alec Stewart fell prey to the same set up in 1994 after enjoying runs via cut strokes to the off-side boundary. After creating a false sense of security, Australia saw the back of Stewart thanks to Warne’s classic flipper that landed in almost the exact same spot as the slow leg-spinners that were crashed away. Stewart thought he could cut again, but was bowled before he could bring his bat down.

The genius of Warne in a nutshell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZTqmTyccKs&t=147s
Tribute to Shane Warne: Delivery to Alec Stewart

Tribute to Shane Warne: The man who never said never

Warne epitomised what the great Australian teams of the 1990s and 2000s were about. If “risk it for the biscuit” were in the dictionary, Shane Warne’s face would be etched alongside it.

As a firm believer in risking a defeat to achieve victory, Warne made a generation believe that a win from almost any position was possible. Adelaide 2006 springs to mind right away, as a 13-year old who now writes this article came home from school to witness something he’d never forget for the rest of his life. Seven years earlier, in the famous 1999 World Cup Semi Final remembered mostly for one moment of madness, Warne ignited South African nerves with a game-changing spell that is etched in One Day history.

No was never an answer when Warne stepped out onto the field. If the opposition were to win, they would have to play out of their skin to do so against an Australian side that will fight to the very end with Warne in it. England held aloft the Ashes in 2005, but not before Warne took 40 wickets and batted magnificently against an attack at the peak of its powers.

Warne also left an undeniable mark on white-ball cricket. In addition to memorable ODI spells, Warne led the Rajasthan Royals to glory in the IPL’s first season back in 2008, where he has since always held a special place in the hearts of Rajasthan fans around the globe.

The sheer amount of tributes highlights Warne’s incredible impact

Such was his impact and iconic stature that my wife, who has no interest in or knowledge of cricket, knew who he was and was shocked at his passing. Non-cricketers such as Mick Jagger, Gary Neville and Ed Sheeran expressed their disappointment at Warne’s death. On a cricketing level, it’s hard to think of any player and pundit – past or present – who hasn’t yet paid tribute to one of the game’s best ever.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews offered his family a state funeral, which has been accepted. Also, the Great Southern Stand at the MCG, his beloved turf where he took his memorable hattrick in 1994 and 700th wicket in 2006, will be named the SK Warne stand.

If Harvard had a cricket course, Warne would be the top professor. When he talked tactics and spin, you would just shut up and listen. He was always an advocate for spin bowling, with the term “if it seams, it spins” associated with the King of Spin.

The pain of knowing we won’t hear such cricketing wisdom again cuts deep, but we should take heart that we were alive to witness Warne’s magic on the field and brilliant insights off it.

There will never be another Shane Warne. No doubt about it. He will be remembered forever.

Bowled, Shane.

Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne

Charbel Coorey
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Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne

Cricket News: Rajasthan Royals pays tribute to its legendary captain Shane Warne | Royals pay tribute to Warne after shock death

Rajasthan Royals have paid tribute to Shane Warne after the legendary spinner’s shock death. Warne led the Royals to the title in the first season of the IPL back in 2008, and as a result, Warne holds a special place in the hearts of Royals fans all over the globe.

Paying tribute to their IPL-winning captain, the Royals Lead Owner Manoj Badale said, “Everyone associated with the Rajasthan Royals is still shocked and devastated. Our first thoughts are for his family, who he cherished so dearly. We will ensure that he is never forgotten, and that his millions of fans in India get an opportunity to pay their respects.”

“Shane (Warne) was the first Royal. Our first captain. Our first family member. And Our first champion. He provided so many memories on and off the pitch. He shaped the values of the RR franchise. He co-created the Royals. And he helped transform the story of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He positively impacted the careers of so many – launching Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, re-energising the careers of Shane Watson and Jos Buttler, working with Rahul Dravid and Graeme Smith, and helping so many young cricketers play at, and often, above their potential. This was his unique ‘gift’.”

“He leaves an astonishing legacy. Wonderful memories shared with family and friends, who have been so impacted by him. A wonderful charitable foundation that has changed the lives of thousands of kids. And the title of ‘the greatest ever leg-spinner’ in the second most popular sport in the world. He inspired us all with his humour and passion for life.”

“He was a legend in cricket. A legend in India. A legend across the world. But most of all, he was a kind, generous, loyal and inspirational friend. We will miss him every day.”

4 key battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

Debashish Sarangi
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4 key battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

Cricket News: 4 key battles to watch out for in the PAK vs AUS Test series | Key player battles that could decide the PAK vs AUS Test series

As a result of some historic developments, the Australian cricket team will finally tour Pakistan after a huge interval of 24 years. The cricket fans of both the countries are excited for this series due to multiple reasons. The Pakistani fans are overwhelmed because the touring of a side like Australia is expected to bring international cricket back into Pakistan in the truest sense. On the other hand, this series is important for the Aussies with regards to the World Test Championship 2021-23, but it’s going to be a challenging assignment as they are finally touring for a Test series after a period of almost three years.

Overall, it’s speculated to be a cracking contest between two potentially great sides and we are supposed to witness some mouth-watering on-field battles. In this article, I am going to mention four such player battles. Here we go.

1. Babar Azam vs Josh Hazlewood

Both these world-class players have had a face-off on multiple occasions in which Hazlewood has emerged victorious on most occasions. His astute accuracy and ability to move the ball around from right lengths has troubled the Pakistani captain time and again.

Statistically, Hazlewood has dismissed Babar six times in Tests, with the latter averaging just 11.5 against the ace Aussie seamer. This clearly shows that facing Hazlewood hasn’t been a great experience for Babar in his Test career so far.

However, there could be very little assistance off the deck for Hazlewood in Pakistan. So, Babar will get a definite chance to improve his numbers against the Aussie pacer. But if Hazlewood controls the reverse swing well, he might get better of the star Pakistani batter yet again.

2. Marnus Labuschagne vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

This series is going to test the calibre of Marnus Labuschagne as it’s his first away series in three years. Both Marnus and Shaheen are in the peak of their prowess and if we consider stats, Shaheen has dismissed the star Aussie batter twice in Test cricket. His ability to move the ball both in the air and off the deck makes him a tricky customer for any batter.

Shaheen has been phenomenal in Tests for quite a while now and facing him with both the new as well as the old ball is going to be a daunting task for Labuschagne.

3. Mohammad Rizwan vs Pat Cummins

The rise of Mohammed Rizwan has contributed a lot to the renaissance of Pakistan cricket across formats. He has been one of the mainstays for the men in green, but the Pakistani wicket keeper hasn’t enjoyed facing Pat Cummins in his career so far.

The Aussie skipper has dismissed Rizwan four times in international cricket, while Rizwan averages just over 20 against him. Being relentless is the biggest asset of Cummins and Rizwan is also well known for his never-say-die attitude. Therefore, this battle is definitely going to be a very interesting one.

4. Steve Smith vs Hasan Ali

Although Smith hasn’t faced Hasan Ali in Tests, there are certain attributes of Hasan that might prove to be lethal for the legendary Australian batter. Hasan is known for his great control on the reversing old ball. He tends to pitch the ball up and attack the stumps more with the old ball at home. Smith tends to shuffle and play this kind of deliveries through the onside. But, on the relatively lower decks of Pakistan, it won’t be an easy task for Smith.

Given Hasan bowls at an excess of 140kph consistently, some deliveries might just skid on after pitching. He can also surprise smith with his bouncers. Therefore, I expect this face-off to be an exciting one should he recover from injury from the second Test onwards.

These are the four player battles I am looking forward to in this Test series. Do any others come to mind? Have your say!

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today

IND vs SL 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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IND vs SL 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

IND vs SL 1st Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | IND vs SL 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Key Players | Mohali Pitch Report

All roads will lead to the I.S Bindra Stadium in Mohali on March 4 when India locks horns with Sri Lanka in former skipper, Virat Kohli’s landmark 100th Test.

This will be the first time that India will play Test cricket post the heartbreak in South Africa earlier this winter where they squandered a 1-0 advantage and ended up losing 2-1.

That series proved to be the last time Kohli captained India in the longest format as the country’s most successful skipper relinquished leadership duties post the heart-wrenching defeat.

On Friday, Kohli will add another jewel to his crown as he’ll become the 71st cricketer and 12th Indian to represent his country in 100 matches. The legendary cricketer has not scored an international hundred in his last 70 innings. Will he score his 71st in 71st on occasion of him becoming the 71st man to play 100 games?

Landmark aside, this Test will be crucial for India in more ways than one. It will officially be the start of a new era with the team led by a name not named Virat and the middle-order not having the presence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

The veteran duo have finally been dropped from the squad following an extended lean patch and this offers a chance for the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer to stake their claim in the middle-order.

As for Sri Lanka, the Dimuth Karunaratne-led unit got off to a brilliant start to their WTC 2023 campaign as they swept aside the West Indies at home with ease last winter. But, the visitors know that a tougher challenge awaits them in the form of India. Sri Lanka have never won a Test match in India in 20 attempts and the gulf between the two teams in the last decade has increased even more.

In the last three series between India and Lanka, the former has six out of nine games, including consecutive wins in the island nation (2-1 in 2015 & 3-0 in 2017).

But Sri Lanka do have lot of pedigree in their squad  to challenge India. Skipper Karunaratne has been in magnificent form in the past 12 months as have Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dhananjaya De Silva. The trio, along with the senior duo of Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal will have to shoulder the responsibility of spearheading the batting against an all-round Indian attack, especially Ashwin-Jadeja.

With Ramesh Mendia and Mahesh Theekshana not available, the spin attack will be dependent on Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrema while Dushmantha Chameera and Suranga Lakmal will lead the pace attack.

Possible Playing 11

Rohit is back in the side after missing the last two series and it will be interesting to see who partners him at the top in the absence of KL Rahul. Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal are the two contenders but the latter’s brilliant home record could sway the balance in his favour.

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin will lead the spin attack while the third spot will go to one of Jayant Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav- If at all India decide to go with three spinners.

It will be interesting to see who partners Jasprit Bumrah in the seam-bowling department if the home side decided to go with just two pacers, with Mohammed Siraj, Shami and Umesh Yadav all available for selection.

India:

Rohit Sharma ©, Mayank Agarwal/Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami/ Mohammad Siraj

Sri Lanka:

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Chamika Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrema, Dushmantha Chameera

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

India:

  • Rohit Sharma: Sharma has been India’s best Test batsman alongside Rishabh Pant in the last 12 months and he will be looking to continue with the same on Test captaincy. He loves batting in India, and especially when the opposition is Sri Lanka. Back in 2017, he hammered 217 runs in three innings against them.
  • Virat Kohli: All eyes will be on Kohli in his landmark Test. He may not have scored a 100 in the last 18-20 months but Kohli has shown increasing signs of getting back to his best in his recent outings against South Africa.
  • He has scored four 50s in his last nine innings. Kohli’s record vs Lanka in India: 610 runs in five innings @ 152.50, including three tons.
  • Mayank Agarwal: He may not have scored that many runs in South Africa but a stellar home record makes his case strong for selection in the 1st Test. Agarwal is averaging 83.90 in seven home Tests with the help of four hundreds. He scored a series-winning ton against New Zealand in his last home outing.
  • Shreyas Iyer: The Mumbai lad is at the peak of his powers currently across formats. He scored a century on Test debut against New Zealand besides scoring three consecutive unbeaten 50s in the recent T20I series against Lanka. With No.5 spot up for grabs, Iyer will look to seal it with good performances in this series.
  • R Ashwin: The legendary spinner did not have a great time in South Africa but in familiar conditions, he will once again be India’s prime arsenal. His record vs Sri Lanka: 50 wickets in 17 innings @ 23.58.
  • R Jadeja: The all-rounder has missed a lot of Test cricket in the last 12 months due to injury and his bowling too has taken a bit of a hit. However, on home tracks, he will still be tough to handle as New Zealand discovered last year. Also his batting form has been as good as anyone’s in the last four years.

Sri Lanka:

  • Dimuth Karunaratne: Having racked up 902 runs in 13 innings at an average of 69.4 in the last 12 months, Karunaratne will come into this series on the back of a good year in Test cricket.
  • He struggled during the last tour back in 2017, managing just 91 runs in six innings. The skipper will look to make amends for it this time.
  • Pathum Nissanka: The young batsman has had a good start to his career. In 10 innings, he has scored 423 runs @ 43.30 apiece. This series will, however, be a huge test of his physical and mental skills.
  • Dinesh Chandimal: The former skipper is likely to carry out the wicketkeeping duties in the first Test and he will hope to do an encore of his performances from 2017. Back then, he racked up 366 runs in six innings @ 61 apiece with the help of two half-centuries and one hundred.
  • Dhananjaya de Silva: The vice-captain will come in this series with 530 runs in his last 10 innings at an average of nearly 60. He will have fond memories of India as he scored a brilliant hundred in one of the two innings he played in that series.
  • Angelo Matthews: The veteran all-rounder will add a much-needed solidity to the middle-order. However, he will look to improve on his Test record in the country.  In 11 innings since his first trip in 2009, Matthews has managed just 345 runs at an average of 31.36 with a lone hundred.
  • Lasith Embuldeniya: With 32 wickets in 11 innings since the start of 2021, Embuldeniya is the leading wicket-taker for his side and once again the onus will be on him and Praveen Jayawickrama to lead the spin-bowling attack.

Stats & Facts

  • Sri Lanka have never won a Test in India. In 20 attempts, they have lost 11 times while the rest have ended in a draw.
  • India have lost just two Tests at home since January 2013.
  • India’s record in Mohali: 7 wins and 1 defeat in 13 games.
  • This will be the first Test that Mohali will host since December 2016, where they hosted England.
  • Virat Kohli is 38 runs away from breaching the 8000-run barrier in Test cricket. He will be only the 6th Indian to achieve the landmark.
  • No Indian has ever scored a 100 in his 100th Test. Will Kohli become the first?

Mohali Pitch Report & Weather conditions

Mohali’s pitch is traditionally a very good one for batting as true bounce and good enough pace aids shot-making. Runs scoring is likely to be fast. However, as the game progresses, spinners as well as pacers with their reverse swing will come into the game.

The average 1st innings & 2nd innings scores here are 355 and 379 respectively and teams bowling first have won five out of 13 games as compared to three by the side batting first.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be overcast but chances of rain are minimal. The temperatures are likely to hover between 14-24 degree Celsius while the humidity is set to be around 60 per cent.

Dream11 and Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant
  • Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dimuth Karunaratne
  • All-rounders: R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja
  • Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Embuldinya

Match Prediction

Team India will start as massive favorites.

NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Women’s World Cup 2022 Match 1

Charbel Coorey
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0
NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Women’s World Cup 2022 Match 1

NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report: Women’s World Cup 2022 Match 1 | NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Mount Maunganui Pitch Report

After a wait of an extra year due to COVID-19, the highly-anticipated Women’s ODI World Cup is upon us, and it promises to be a terrific tournament. Defending champions England will be looking to overturn some recent poor form, while Australia start as favourites once again.

One team that can challenge for the title is New Zealand. Led by the likes of Amelia Kerr, New Zealand have been magnificent in recent times, with a 4-1 series win over India and solid warm up performances headlining their preparation for the tournament. Also, the fact that they play the World Cup on their home turf can be a significant advantage, with knowledge of the conditions and home support sure to drive Sophie Devine’s team.

However, the pressure of a home World Cup has undone teams in the past, and New Zealand will be aiming for the perfect start against West Indies. The Windies remain inconsistent, but possess a number of talented players in their lineup who can cause any team trouble on their day. Indeed, the experienced core of Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Hayley Matthews and Anisa Mohammed need to lead the way if they are to cause an in-form New Zealand trouble on the tournament’s opening day.

Possible Playing 11

Lauren Down is out of the tournament with a thumb injury.

New Zealand: 1. Suzie Bates, 2. Sophie Devine (c), 3. Amelia Kerr, 4. Amy Satterthwaite, 5. Maddy Green, 6. Katey Martin (wk), 7. Hayley Jensen, 8. Frances Mackay, 9. Hannah Rowe/Jess Kerr, 10. Rosemary Mair, 11. Lea Tahuhu

West Indies: 1. Aaliyah Alleyne, 2. Deandra Dottin, 3. Kycia Knight (wk), 4. Stafanie Taylor (c), 5. Hayley Matthews, 6. Shemaine Campbelle, 7. Chedean Nation, 8. Chinelle Henry, 9. Cherry-Ann Fraser/Shakera Selman, 10. Anisa Mohammed, 11. Shamilia Connell

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

New Zealand:

  • Amelia Kerr is in the form of her life. She smashed 353 runs in five ODIs vs India, along with seven wickets with the ball. She then hammered 92* off 75 balls to seal an incredible chase of 322 with nine wickets to spare in the warm up vs Australia.
  • The world class Sophie Devine smashed 161* off 117 balls in the same warm up match. It was a welcome return to form after a bit of a quiet series vs India with the bat (112 runs, avg. 22.40). Against West Indies, Devine has struck 532 runs in 15 ODIs at an average of 40.92. She will also be key with the ball.
  • Suzie Bates has the most runs for any New Zealand player against West Indies in ODIs. The former captain has hit 664 runs in 16 ODIs at a brilliant average of 51.07 with three half-centuries and two centuries. She also struck a century in the recent series vs India.
  • Jess Kerr took seven wickets in three ODIs against India recently at an average of 13.14 and economy rate of 4.45.
  • Hayley Jensen took a wicket every 26 deliveries against India (six wickets in four ODIs).

West Indies:

  • Skipper Stafanie Taylor will be key to the Windies’ hopes. She has a terrific record with bat and ball against New Zealand, with 728 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 52.00, including four half-centuries and a century. She also has 24 wickets to her name at an excellent average of 17.37.
  • Also, Taylor took 3/51 and scored 66 in her last warm up game against Australia.
  • Can Deandra Dottin make an immediate impact? The all-rounder has struck three half-centuries in 13 ODIs vs New Zealand at an overall average of 29.27. She also has seven wickets in nine innings at an average of 30.28.
  • Kycia Knight has the third-most runs for any West Indies player against New Zealand: 13 ODIs, 286 runs, avg. 22.00.
  • Hayley Matthews will also be key for the Windies. She does not have good career numbers in four matches against New Zealand (batting average 18 and bowling average 72), but she is capable of turning this around. She scored 44 and 24 in the warm ups.
  • Anisa Mohammed has some excellent numbers against New Zealand. The off-spinner has taken 17 wickets in 13 ODIs against the White Ferns at an average of 20.58 and economy rate of 4.02.

Stats and Facts

  • New Zealand have won their past four ODIs against West Indies, with the last meeting between the teams taking place in 2018.
  • New Zealand are coming off an impressive 4-1 series win vs India and then chasing 322 with nine wickets in hand in a warm up vs Australia.
  • West Indies beat Pakistan 3-0 late in 2021, before losing 2-1 in South Africa last month.
  • Amy Satterthwaite averages 21.09 in 12 ODIs vs West Indies. However, she has scored three half-centuries in her past six innings, including 80 vs Pakistan in the warm up match.

Mount Maunganui Pitch Report and Weather

Mount Maunganui is typically a good, easy-paced batting surface, and we can expect the same in this match. Bangladesh beat New Zealand in a men’s Test match in January on a pitch that was slow in nature. The match will start at 2:00pm local time, with clear conditions 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:

NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Women's World Cup 2022 Match 1 | NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Today | Mount Maunganui Pitch
Women’s World Cup 2022 Match 1: NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11: Women's World Cup 2022 Match 1 | NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Today | Mount Maunganui Pitch
Women’s World Cup 2022 Match 1: NZ-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Katey Martin
  • Batters: Deandra Dottin, Suzie Bates
  • All-rounders: Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Stafanie Taylor
  • Bowlers: Jess Kerr

Match Prediction

New Zealand come into this match full of confidence and good form. The White Ferns should win.

Also read: Australia’s possible XI for the first Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi

BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report

BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Key Players | Mirpur Pitch Report

Six or so months ago as Bangladesh beat Australia and New Zealand in their home den, optimism grew among their passionate fanbase that something special would ensue at the World Cup. However, it was quite the opposite, with the Tigers enduring a poor tournament, followed by a 3-0 defeat at home to Pakistan in December.

So, Mahmdullah’s team come into this match off the back of eight straight defeats in T20 Internationals. It is a format they have never really nailed, unlike the ODIs where they sit atop the Super League table after beating Afghanistan 2-1 in the recent series. Senior players will be on deck to lead the team, while eyes will also be on some youngsters looking to make a mark in this two-match series.

And it won’t be an easy task. Afghanistan enjoy T20 cricket, with a number of their players now seasoned professionals around the globe. A key part of their success has been their spin attack, and if Bangladesh produce a Mirpur track anything like we saw against Australia and New Zealand last year, the Afghan spinners will have a field day. So, can Afghanistan build on their victory in the third ODI and start the T20I series with a win?

Possible Playing 11

Munim Shahriar has been named in Bangladesh’s T20 squad, and he could make his debut.

Bangladesh: 1. Mohammad Naim/Munim Shahriar, 2. Liton Das, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Yasir Ali/Shoriful Islam, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Nasum Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Afghanistan: 1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2. Hazratullah Zazai, 3. Darwish Rasooli, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi (c), 6. Azmatullah Omarzai, 7. Karim Janat, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10. Fazalhaq Farooqi, 11. Farid Ahmed

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Bangladesh:

  • Bangladesh needs some firepower at the top, and Munim Shahriar could provide that. The 23-year old right-hander struck 178 runs in six matches in the recent BPL at an impressive strike rate of 152.13.
  • Shakib Al Hasan will be looking to make an impact after a relatively quiet ODI series. He has struck 123 runs in six T20Is vs Afghanistan (avg. 30.75) and has eight wickets too (avg. 15.25). Also, Shakib has now taken 152 wickets in 118 T20s at Mirpur.
  • Liton Das was Bangladesh’s shining light in the ODI series. He struck a fifty and century in the three matches, so he comes into this match in great form.
  • Mahmudullah has the most runs in BAN-AFG T20Is: 5 inns, 138 runs, avg. 27.60, SR 116.95. He also has the most runs in T20Is at Mirpur, with 719 runs at an average of 37.84 and strike rate of 117.86.
  • Mustafizur Rahman took the most wickets in the recent BPL (19). Also, he loves bowling at this ground, with 110 wickets in 75 innings at an average of 15.76 and strike rate of 15.10. He has just the one wicket in two matches vs Afghanistan so far.
  • Mahedi Hasan (54 wickets in 66 innings at Mirpur) and Nasum Ahmed (44 wickets in 49 innings at Mirpur) were terrific against Australia and New Zealand last year. Both will be key if the pitch provides some spin.

Afghanistan:

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes into this T20I off the back of a classy, unbeaten century in the third ODI. He made scores of 29 and 0 vs Bangladesh in T20Is in 2019.
  • Hazratullah Zazai has scores of 47 and 1 to his name vs Bangladesh. The left-hander has the ability to take the game away from opponents with a career T20 strike rate of 143.96 in 77 matches.
  • Skipper Mohammad Nabi has the most runs for an Afghanistan player against Bangladesh. He has scored 125 runs at an average of 31.25, which includes a brilliant 84* on this ground in 2019. He also has four wickets in six matches vs Bangladesh (avg. 26.50, econ. 5.30).
  • Rashid Khan will be a factor, as always. The great leg-spinner has the most wickets in BAN-AFG T20Is, with 12 wickets in five matches at an average of 8.20 and economy rate of 5.50.
  • Mujeeb ur Rahman has done plenty of bowling in Bangladesh lately with the BPL and ODI series. He was excellent in the recent BPL, taking 10 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of just 5.81. Also, Mujeeb has taken seven wickets in five matches vs Bangladesh at an economy rate of just 4.70.
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi was the top wicket-taker in the ODI series (6).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 6, Bangladesh 2, Afghanistan 4.
  • Bangladesh have lost their past eight T20Is.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim has the most T20 runs at Mirpur: 110 inns, 2,693 runs, avg. 32.84, SR 125.61. He averages 23.80 in five innings vs Afghanistan.

Shere Bangla Stadium Mirpur Pitch Report and Weather

Bangladesh will be well served not producing sharp turning pitches against Afghanistan’s potent spin attack. So, we could see a truer, pacier pitch than what was on offer in 2021.

The average first innings score in the recent BPL was 145.1. The chasing team had a better time of things, winning six of the 10 matches.

A clear afternoon and evening is forecast in Mirpur.

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:

BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Key Players | Mirpur Pitch Report
BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Key Players | Mirpur Pitch Report
BAN vs AFG 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Liton Das
  • Batsmen: Najibullah Zadran
  • All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan
  • Bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman, Rashid Khan

Match Prediction

Bangladesh at home in white-ball cricket is always a tricky proposition. However, Afghanistan look to be more clear on their T20 approach. Afghanistan to win.

Incredible Kagiso Rabada: The stats putting him among the best

Charbel Coorey
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0
Incredible Kagiso Rabada: The stats putting him among the best

Incredible Kagiso Rabada: The stats putting him among the best | The remarkable stats by Kagiso Rabada that places him among the best bowlers ever

Kagiso Rabada starred once again for South Africa as the Proteas executed a magnificent fightback to level the Test series 1-1 in New Zealand. His superb eight-wicket haul with the ball and contributions with the bat blew the Black Caps away, keeping South Africa’s record of never losing a Test series to New Zealand intact after an embarrassing first Test.

It was another chapter in the wonderful story that Kagiso Rabada’s Test career. He is now just seven wickets away from 250 Test wickets at 26 years of age, and he is showing no signs of stopping as he continues to take wickets for fun.

Remarkable Kagiso Rabada Test stats

Rabada’s incredible numbers put him on par with some of the best bowlers the game has ever seen. Below are some of his mind-boggling statistics that are worthy of applause.

1. Best strike rate in Test history (minimum 200 wickets)

Rabada’s strike rate of 40.7 is the best in history among bowlers with at least 200 Test wickets. He takes a wicket nearly two deliveries less on average than his fellow countryman Dale Steyn, who finished his career with a strike rate of 42.3 that is marvelled by many around the world to this day.

Also, Rabada’s strike rate is the fourth-best in history among all bowlers. However, none of the top three players on the list (George Lohmann 34.9, John Ferris 37.7 and Shane Bond 38.9) played 20 Tests. Rabada has played 52.

Among Rabada’s current rivals in the exciting, young pace-bowling core, Pat Cummins strikes every 45.9 deliveries, Shaheen Shah Afridi every 47.7 and Bumrah every 51.5.

Incredible Kagiso Rabada: The stats putting him among the best | The remarkable stats by Kagiso Rabada that places him among the best bowlers ever

2. Fourth-most wickets in Test history among pacers before 27th birthday

Rabada’s 243 wickets puts him fourth for most wickets among pace bowlers before turning 27. Kapil Dev (281), Waqar Younis (267) and Ian Botham (251) are ahead of him at this stage.

Rabada has more wickets at this stage than the likes of Wasim Akram (186 in 48 Tests) and Malcolm Marshall (171 in 38 Tests).

Should he not be available for a part of the IPL, Rabada is set to play two Tests at home to Bangladesh in late March and early April. So, he should cross Botham’s 251 before he turns 27 on May 25th.

3. Seventh-most wickets for South Africa

At just 26, Kagiso Rabada is already seventh on the list for most Test wickets for South Africa. Dale Steyn (439), Shaun Pollock (421), Makhaya Ntini (390), Allan Donald (330), Morne Morkel (309) and Jaques Kallis (291) are in his sights.

If Rabada continues on the same path (4.67 wickets per Test), he will overtake Dale Steyn’s record in around 42 Tests. Should he stay largely injury-free, the star pacer is every chance of finishing his career as South Africa’s most prolific Test bowler.

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