Cricket News: 4 players RCB should retain for IPL 2022 | Which players should RCB look to retain for the IPL 2022 season?
The perennial underachievers of the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore, will look to build a strong and balanced squad in the upcoming Mega Auction before IPL 2022.
RCB had a pretty balanced squad in IPL 2021 but they lost to KKR in the Eliminator. The likes of Glenn Maxwell and Harshal Patel stepped up to the plate and led the way for RCB in IPL 2021. But like all teams, RCB too can retain a maximum of four players for IPL 2022 before going into the auction.
The RCB management will have to look at various aspects as Virat Kohli has already announced that he’ll step down as captain. Also, the great AB de Villiers has recently retired from all forms cricket so he will be a major absence as well. So, which four players RCB should retain for IPL 2022?
Virat Kohli has been at RCB from the start of the Indian Premier League. He is the face of RCB and there’s no doubt that he will be the first player RCB will retain for IPL 2022.
Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 6,283 runs in 207 matches at an average of 37.39. Virat is one of the best batters in all the three formats. He scored 405 runs in 15 games at an average of 28.92 and striking at 119.46 in IPL 2021. He clearly wasn’t at his best but he is a champion player and shouldn’t be underestimated at all. Virat now can play freely as the workload of captaincy is off his shoulders.
2. Glenn Maxwell
4 players RCB should retain for IPL 2022: Glenn Maxwell.
Glenn Maxwell, after struggling for a few years, finally performed up to expectations in IPL 2021. He scored 513 in 14 innings at an average of 42.75 and strike rate of 144.10.
Maxwell was the backbone of RCB’s batting unit and scored runs very consistently particularly in the middle overs – an area of concern for RCB in previous years. RCB used him really well by assigning him the role of number four and allowing him to play his natural game. He is one of the most aggressive batters in the shortest format and RCB should retain him for IPL 2022 especially with AB now retired.
3. Harshal Patel
4 players RCB should retain for IPL 2022: Mohammed Siraj
Harshal Patel had a phenomenal campaign in IPL 2021 with the ball. He was the highest wicket-taker with 32 wickets in 15 games – a record for an Indian in a single IPL season. His economy rate was 8.14 with a strike rate of 10.5, which are terrific numbers considering he regularly bowled at the death.
He was exceptional in this period with his dipping slower deliveries and yorkers. Harshal picked wickets whenever the captain needed him to. He recently made his debut for India in T20is and continued his good form. Plus, Harshal is more than handy with the bat as well.
Death bowling has been an issue for RCB for quite some time now and Harshal seems to have fixed that issue for them. His economy in overs 16-20 in IPL 2021 was just 8.73 in 31.1 overs. His strike-rate was just 7.5 during that phase. Harshal with his outstanding performance has secured his place in RCB for at least one more season as RCB should retain him before going into the Mega Auction.
It will be a really tough call to pick between Mohammad Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal. Chahal has been one of the best players for RCB in the last few years, but Siraj has improved a lot in recent seasons.
Chahal picked 18 wickets in IPL 2021 while Siraj was brilliant in IPL 2021 leading the bowling attack with plenty of intensity. He bowled well with the new ball and in the death overs as well, with his economy rate the key feature. He picked four wickets in the first six overs in 15 matches of IPL 2021 at an economy of 6.44 while he took six wickets in the death overs at an economy of just 7.53.
Siraj alongside Harshal Patel can be a very lethal combination in the death overs, in addition to Siraj’s ability in the powerplay. He picked 11 wickets at an economy of just 6.78 after 15 matches in IPL 2021. Siraj and Chahal for RCB’s 4th retention could divide opinion, but RCB should retain Siraj as a good Indian fast bowler is very valuable in the IPL.
These were our four players that RCB should retain for IPL 2021. Virat, Maxwell, Harshal, and Siraj is a very solid core of players. Harshal and Siraj will be an excellent pace bowling duo for RCB in the future, allowing them to use an overseas slot for an all-rounder or good batter.
Thanks for reading.
Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.
IND vs NZ 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs NZ 1st Test Dream11 Prediction Today| India vs New Zealand 1st Test Match Key Players| Kanpur Pitch Report
Two months and 18 days since they ‘conquered’ London in the most stunning fashion possible, the Indian Test team will return on the field on Thursday to lock horns with the reigning world Test champions, New Zealand.
The first Test will take place at the iconic Green Park in Kanpur. Last time these two sides met in a Test match, New Zealand showed just why they are such an impregnable side in swinging conditions. They were crowned inaugural world Test champions in Southampton at the expense of India and they will now look to assert their supremacy in conditions that are completely alien to their style of play.
Much has been talked about New Zealand’s rise as a Test powerhouse. While their admirers have lauded them (and rightfully so) for making the most of their limited resources to become one of the powerhouse teams in the longest format, their detractors often point to their listless away record to shrug off their rise.
The upcoming two-match series is a great opportunity for Kane Williamson’s men to show everyone that they are an all-conditions side but they will have to be at the top of their game to ensure they compete in India’s fortress.
New Zealand have never won a Test series in India. In fact, they haven’t even won a Test in India since 1988. They got blanked 0-2 and 0-3 during their last two visits in 2012 and 2016 but to be fair, they have performed admirably in the subcontinent in the last three years.
They beat Pakistan in the UAE in 2018 and managed a 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka in 2019. However, facing India in India will be a different kettle of fish altogether even though the home side is without the services of the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant.
The spin trio of Ashwin, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja will provide a stern test to their batters as will Umesh Yadav, who is as good as anyone with the old SG ball. That India will be without their six match-winners in Kanpur and still start as favorites tells you the depth of their cricket at the moment.
But, New Zealand will fancy their chances against a batting-unit sans Rohit, KL and Virat and given the fact that Cheteshwar Pujara and stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane haven’t really set the stage on fire consistently in the last two years, they would be hoping to break into the middle order as quickly as possible.
Last time, these two sides played in Kanpur, the visitors were smashed by 197 runs thanks to the spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja, who claimed 16 wickets between them. Will the script be any different this time around?
Mayank Agarwal: The sample size may be small but it is fair to say that Mayank Agarwal loves batting in home conditions. In six innings on home soil, Mayank is averaging 99.50, having scored 597 runs with the help of three hundreds. It also includes a couple of double tons against South Africa and Bangladesh.
Shubman Gill: It has been an interesting year for young Gill. He started off his Test career with a brilliant tour of Australia but struggled in home conditions against England. His main struggle came against James Anderson. The likes of Tim Southee would look to exploit the same weakness in the upcoming Tests.
Ajinkya Rahane: Last time New Zealand toured India, Rahane smashed his career best score of 188 in Indore to take his average past 50 in his 29th Test.
Five years and close to 50 Tests later, Rahane’s average has dropped below 40 and he is in the midst of his worst phase in Test cricket. In 19 innings this year, Rahane has managed just 372 runs at an average of 19.57.
Cheteshwar Pujara: The modern day ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket showed signs of regaining his form during the backend of the England tour.
Pujara hasn’t scored a Test ton since January 2019 and while he has chipped in with decent match-winning contributions, he will be hoping for a three figure score in this series.
Pujara surprisingly had a poor series at home against England earlier this year as he managed just 133 runs in six innings at 22.16 and he will be looking to shrug off the blip against New Zealand.
His record vs New Zealand on home soil: 589 runs in 9 innings at 73.62 with three 50s and a couple of hundreds.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The champion spinner has been at the peak of his powers across formats in the last 12 months. In Test cricket, Ashwin has taken 38 wickets in six games at an average of 18.02.
Ashwin loves bowling against New Zealand. In seven games against them, he has taken 52 wickets at an average of 16.53 with six five-wicket hauls and three ten-for. He was the ‘Player of the series’ in the last two home series against the Kiwis.
Axar Patel: Patel obliterated the English batters albeit in favorable conditions earlier this year. In three Tests, he claimed 27 wickets at 10.59.
Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder has been one of India’s biggest match-winners in Test cricket on home soil since his debut in 2012. Since the start of 2016, Jadeja has claimed 107 wickets in 24 Tests at 23.57 besides scoring 1,000 runs at an average of 47.61.
New Zealand:
Tom Latham: The southpaw is one of the best Test openers going around and his role will become even more crucial this time given the fact that New Zealand are without Devon Conway.
His record vs India: 384 runs in 14 innings at an average of 29.53 with five 50+ scores.
Kane Williamson: The Kiwi skipper made a brilliant hundred on his Test debut against India back in 2010. But since then, he has been rather ordinary against India in the longest format.
Overall, Kane is averaging 39.47 in 22 innings against India. The average drops to 35.46 when it comes to Indian conditions. If New Zealand have to pose a serious challenge, they will need their talisman at the peak of his powers.
Ross Taylor: Like Williamson, Ross Taylor has an underwhelming record against India, especially away from home. In 15 innings in Indian conditions, Taylor has just 382 runs at an average of 25.46 with just one hundred.
Ajaz Patel: The left-arm orthodox played a stellar role in New Zealand’s Test series win over Pakistan back in 2018. In three games, he claimed 13 wickets, including a match-winning five-wicket haul in Abu Dhabi. He will be extremely key to the visitor’s fortunes.
Tim Southee: The veteran seamer has an incredible record in Asia: 40 wickets in 20 innings at 25.12. In India, he has played three Tests, claiming 12 wickets at 29.66.
Neil Wagner: The left-arm pacer has 21 wickets against India in six Tests, out of which five have come in the opposition’s den. It will be interesting to see how he fares this time around.
Stats and Facts
New Zealand haven’t won a Test series in India in 66 years. Last time they won a Test in India was way back in 1988.
India have dropped just two out of their last 38 home Tests, winning 31 in the process.
India are yet to drop a Test series on home soil since losing to England 1-2 in 2012/13.
India’s Test record in Kanpur: 7 wins and 3 defeats in 22 outings.
Possible Playing 11
India:
Ajinkya Rahane confirmed that Shreyas Iyer will make his Test debut. The top-six pick themselves with Agarwal, Gill opening followed by Pujara, Rahane, debutant Iyer and Jadeja as spin-bowling all-rounder.
Three spinners are likely to be the order of the day and with Umesh Yadav a lock in home conditions, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj will likely fight it out for the second seamer’s spot.
It will be interesting to see if New Zealand go with three seamers + two spinners combination or will they bank on having three spinners.
In case, they play three spinners, then Mitchell Santner could replace Kyle Jamieson. WIll Young will likely replace injured Conway at the top of the order while Tom Blundell will take over the wicket keeping duties after the retirement of BJ Watling.
Green Park has traditionally been a safe haven for spinners. Last time these two sides played here, Ashwin and Jadeja claimed 16 wickets between them. Another spin friendly track may well be in the offing.
As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be a sunny day with temperatures set to hover between 13-27 degree celsius. Humidity is around 64 per cent and chances of rain is minimal.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:
IND vs NZ 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Team 02:
IND vs NZ 1st Test Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha
Batsmen: Kane Williamson, Cheteshwar Pujara
All-rounders: R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee
Match Prediction
India will start as massive favorites and should win despite their habit of starting a Test series slowly..
4 teams who will go after David Warner in the IPL Mega Auction | Which franchise will purchase David Warner in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction?
Sometimes cricket can be very cruel. You might be the most valuable asset for your team someday, but can find yourself out of the team the next day.
The David Warner saga is another example of poor man management in recent times. The legendary Australian batsman played the most important role for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) over the years, but after a couple of under-par performances in IPL 2021, Warner was cast aside.
4 teams who could sign David Warner in the IPL Mega Auction
1. Kolkata Knight Riders
After many experiments, KKR found a balanced top four in IPL 2021. But they most probably won’t retain players like Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi as they have more impactful players like Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell to choose from. Further, the abysmal returns of Eoin Morgan in IPL 2021 will make him out of favour. So, it’s quite probable that they will release some of their top order batters as well the current skipper.
David Warner would be a great pick for them, considering his dynamic batting at the top as well as exemplary leadership. If they buy Warner in the mega auction, they can get a solid opener and a brilliant captain to lead the side. Therefore, I see a big possibility of KKR bidding for the legendary Aussie batter.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB had another strong IPL this season as they qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive year. But unfortunately, this was Virat Kohli’s last season as a captain after he decided not to lead the team anymore.
Further, the performance of Devdutt Padikkal hasn’t been encouraging enough. He has struggled to get going particularly outside the powerplay. There is a great chance of RCB releasing Padikkal into the auction and looking for a more aggressive opening option against both pace and spin right at the top.
So, David Warner could prove to be the solution to both of their problems. He can be a complete package as an opener as well as the leader of the side.
3. Punjab Kings
Punjab’s opening combination of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal has been magnificent over the past couple of seasons. However, there are some reports suggesting that Rahul doesn’t want to represent PBKS and he will make himself available for the Mega Auction ahead of IPL 2022.
If he does so, Punjab will be devoid of an opening batsman and their captain. Therefore, there will be a huge possibility of PBKS bidding really big for David Warner. The duo of Mayank and Warner will be a great one to capitalize on the field restrictions in the first six overs and they are very capable against the spinners as well. They can compliment each other superbly.
4. Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are the nearly men over the past couple of seasons, and no one can deny their improvement in this period.
Rishabh Pant, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada are the three names that come to mind first if I talk about the probable players whom DC might want to retain. Shikhar Dhawan didn’t have his best time in the UAE, and DC may wish to retain the young Prithvi Shaw.
Also, there have been some poor on-field calls by Rishabh Pant that have cost DC some matches including the all-important first Qualifier. Therefore, DC might look to go for Warner in the mega auction which will provide them a solid opener as well as a better on-field tactician. If they do so, Ricky Ponting and Warner can work collaboratively to develop the Australian mindset in the dressing room, which might take DC to new heights.
Apart from these four teams, Rajasthan Royals are also expected to bid for Warner if any of their international stars are unavailable.
This is my list of four IPL teams those will go to a great extent to get David Warner in the Mega Auction ahead of IPL 2022. Have your say!
What makes AB de Villiers the best all-format batter ever? | A look at what made AB de Villiers more than just a great batsman
Mr.360 degrees and a modern day classic batter best known for his clean striking and counter-attacking approach, here is a note on AB de Villiers, the man who would do anything for his team, always.
A…B…D, A…B…D, A…B…D………………
These were chants from Wankhade Stadium in an ODI series decider (Ind Vs SA, 2015) where South Africa is belting Indian bowlers to all parts of the grounds. The Mumbai crowd, including the famous North-Stand gang goes berserk chanting ABD despite their local hero Rohit Sharma fielding on the boundary.
Such was the love India had for this extraordinary cricketer.
As a batter there wasn’t anything that AB de Villiers couldn’t do on the cricket field. He has scored 25 runs in 244 balls in the attempt to save a Test (slowest innings of all time for min. 25 runs) as well as the fastest 100 in ODI cricket of just 31 balls. While his abilities were beyond comparison it was when and how he applied himself made him even more special.
In Test matches, he has batted at all positions from 1 to 8, and played more than 15 innings at five different positions, fulfilling whatever role he was asked to. His most prolific runs came at number five where he played the most and scored nearly 4000 runs at an average of 62.11 (best in cricket history). But what is more important that less than half of his aggregate came at that position.
The SA Sports Awards, Sandton International Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 30/11/2014. Siyasanga Mbambani/DoC
In the South African team post Mark Boucher’s retirement, to accommodate an extra batter in the lineup, he was also given the full time responsibility of keeping wickets in Tests along with being the main batter in the side. This was despite the fact that he was the best fielder in the side by a stretch. Keeping over time took a toll on his back and he had to opt for sabbaticals and was forced an earlier than expected retirement due to that. Yet, he never complained about it.
Even in the IPL, then 36 year-old ABD took the gloves again for a similar cause, to accommodate another batter in Devdutt Padikkal at RCB. All this inspite of wicket-keeping having had tolls on his fitness in the past. He kept for a season and a have including his last season (2021) and yet continued to flourish with the bat for RCB.
In 2016, due to fitness concerns he took a sabbatical from international cricket. At that point he was the captain of the South African cricket team. The leadership was passed to Faf du Plessis in his absence. Later, when AB returned to the national side he was asked to lead again by the board. However, de Villiers made a point that Faf was doing a wonderful job leading the side and should continue doing so (after captaining for a few games) and he shouldn’t be the captain just by the virtue of being the incumbent leader.
He retired from international cricket in 2018 due to not being able to manage his workload and injuries. It was not that he couldn’t play for South Africa, but he did not want to be “selectively available” for the team. He always was a 100% guy and didn’t want to give anything short of a cent to any side he played.
The great AB de Villiers excelled no matter what he was faced with.
Later when the South African team was not doing too well particularly in T20Is, the new management approached AB to come out of retirement to play the T20 WC as he was doing so well in the IPL. De Villiers initially agreed, but later went on to tell the board that it would be unfair to the cricketer who had filled his place in the South African cricket team that if he walks in at the cost of him, whosoever that may be.
Because, he thought beyond getting results for the team but also for the culture of the team and the individuals in it.
He could walk into the side, but found it wrong to take someone’s pace who had done the hard yards and performed for South Africa.
And lastly, few days back he retired from all forms of cricket which was mainly the IPL. It is of worthy context that two new teams are being added to the IPL, and a mega auction is scheduled for the upcoming season. All players (expect at most four players retained per franchise) will be going under the hammer for the new cycle of 3-4 years.
AB de Villiers has been a vital part of the RCB (his franchise in IPL) not just as a player but as a part of the RCB brand and ethos. Virat Kohli and he together for 10 years built a partnership beyond cricket. RCB, for most fans, was merely Kohli and De Villiers.
Now with only four retentions allowed, with maximum of two overseas players, choosing those players would have been tough for the RCB franchise. These four players would form their core for the next 3-4 years. RCB couldn’t have let De Villiers go into the auction, as they would not want him anywhere else. But ABD wouldn’t certainly have been around for next three years. For the franchise that means so much to him, he wouldn’t have wanted to block a key retention slot for them as they built for the future. While all this is speculation, AB De Villiers has probably retired for the betterment of his team for years to come.
While a lot of cricketers do everything for their team, ABD is one of the unique few who has done good things for his team by not playing too. The world will always remember ABD as a great cricketer, but one can be quite certain that he would love to be remembered as a great team man.
Cricket News: Questions India need to address for Tests vs New Zealand | 4 questions India need to answer ahead of Tests against New Zealand
Team India started the second cycle of the World Test Championship on a positive note as they overcame their toughest challenge in this Test cycle against England. India leads the Test Series versus England at 2-1 with one match left in the series which will be played next year, after a brilliant victory at The Oval.
After completing the England series, India moves back to their comfort zone at home to face their ICC events-spoilers New Zealand in a two-match Test series after a plethora of white-ball cricket.
Both sides will land in Kanpur for the opening Test match, which kicks off on November 25 at the Green Park Stadium. The series will end at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Given India’s history against New Zealand, their home dominance in red-ball cricket in the last few years and their insane schedule over the past year or so, India has opted to rest their key players.
Virat Kohli is rested for the first Test while Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah are going to miss the entire series. This itself suggests that even in the absence of a few senior players, India are confident of doing well in the series against the Black Caps. But there are some questions that the new-look team management needs to address before the start of the series. Here we look at the same in this article:
1. Who will bat at number four in Virat Kohli’s absence?
Virat Kohli’s unavailability for the first Test definitely leaves a gaping hole at number four. Kohli has cemented that place for himself and his record is terrific, accumulating over 6,000 Test runs at an average of 55.32 in 119 innings in this position.
It is a tough ask for the team management to slot in a player who can do the job for the team as Kohli has done over the years. The Kanpur Test will provide the opportunity for someone like Shreyas Iyer who has played a good amount of first-class cricket. Having scored more than 4,500 runs at an average of over 50 in first-class games, he seems to be the perfect option for the Kanpur Test.
The other option for India is elevating the stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane to number four. He produced a monumental hundred at four in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne when Kohli had to leave the Australian series midway.
2. Who will don the gloves?
Rishabh Pant has been rested from the Test series. Once termed as the number one choice wicket-keeper batsman, Wriddhiman Saha looks most likely to play as the wicket-keeper. Saha is a mighty fine wicket-keeper and has a good record with the bat in home conditions.
However, the team also has uncapped keeper batsman KS Bharat in the squad, who’s been in good form with the bat. Now it’s up to the management whether they go for a superior wicketkeeper in Saha or a superior batsman in Bharat.
3. What will be the bowling attack?
Umesh Yadav and KL Rahul will be key for India against New Zealand
India will miss the services of lead pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. These two bowlers have been the leaders of India’s pace bowling unit, but their absence will provide an opportunity for others to make a mark.
Team India have four options in the form of Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav & the uncapped Prasidh Krishna in the squad. Among these, Umesh Yadav has been the most impactful bowler for India in home conditions. His record in India speaks for him; he is expected to be India’s lead bowler in the series. He has the skill to swing both the new and old ball and the same goes with the other two pacers – Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj.
Considering the conditions in India and how the pitches play here, it is highly unlikely that Prasidh Krishna will get to make his Test debut in this series. We believe Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav should start for India with Ravichandran Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja being the spin bowling options. There will be a toss between Axar Patel and Jayant Yadav for the third spinner’s place.
4. Who will partner KL Rahul at the top?
Since Rohit’s comeback into the Test team, he’s been a force to reckoned with at the top of the order and his record in India is next only to Don Bradman. Rohit’s partner KL Rahul impressed as an opener in the four Tests in England and he’ll definitely play the entirety of the series against New Zealand.
But, who partners him is still a big question. Mayank Agarwal is back in the Test fold and so is Shubman Gill; of these two, only one will open with Rahul. Before the emergence of Gill in Australia, Mayank was India’s first choice for opening the innings. But, a form slump saw him sit out of the playing XI and opened the gates for Gill.
Shubman also played the WTC final against New Zealand and was then ruled out of the England Test series with an unfortunate injury. Thus, he’s most likely to retain his place at the top which he never lost.
BAN vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Key Players | Mirpur Pitch Report
Pakistan have already won the series with a game in the hand, thanks to the Pakistan bowling unit that has been quite impressive in limitingBangladesh over the course of the first two matches. There are some fantastic spinners on both sides that expect to perform in slower conditions, but Pakistan have outperformed their opponents.
Bangladesh’s top order has not fired and has put the team on the backfoot due to powerplay wickets. Bangladesh are always a chance in thir home conditions, but it will be a tough job to beat Pakistan who is a confident team with continuous winning momentum. Bangladesh bowlers should give their best to get wickets of the in form Pakistani batsmen.
Last game Pakistan won the match with the return of pacer Shaheen Afridi who took a wicket yet again in his first ever. Now, they could look at some squad rotation given the series is over.
Mohammad Naim remains Bangladesh’s top scorer in T20Is this year (528, avg. 22), but he needs to bounce back after two failures this series.
N Hossain Shanto handles bat at one down. He scored 40 runs from 34 balls in the last match. If he performs the same here, the team can set a markable total to defend or chase.
Mahmudullah averages just 10.60 in 14 T20Is vs Pakistan. But, he still has the most T20I runs of any player on this ground: 706 runs, average: 39.22, strike rate: 118.45.
Afif Hossain has scored 36 and 20 in this series so far. His 291 runs on this ground come at an average of 26.45.
Mahedi Hasan is a key all-rounder for Bangladesh. He performed well in the first T20I (30 and 1/17), and Bangladesh will be hoping for some of the same today.
Mustafizur Rahman has taken 98 wickets in 70 T20 matches on this ground. He has two wickets in two matches this series.
Pakistan:
Babar Azam has had a quiet series to date, but can bounce back at any stage. He recently scored the most runs in the T20 World Cup.
Fakhar Zaman was player of the match last game with an unbeaten half-century. He also scored an unbeaten half-century in the T20 World Cup Final last week.
Mohammad Rizwan has six dismissals as wicket-keeper so far in this series, and is coming off a steady but unspectacular 39 in the second T20I. He is the only player with at least 1,000 T20I runs this year.
Shadab Khan was excellent again in the second T20I after playing a match-winning role in the first match. He has a total of three wickets in these two matches, with his googly tough to handle.
Mohammad Wasim will be a crucial bowler and is a talented young pacer looking to impress further. He has taken three wickets in two matches this series.
Possible Playing 11
Bangladesh: 1. Mohammad Naim, 2. Saif Hassan, 3. Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4. Yasir Ali, 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Nurul Hasan (wk), 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Aminul Islam/Kamrul Islam Rabbi, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Taskin Ahmed
Pakistan: 1. Babar Azam (c), 2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Haider Ali, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Khushdil Shah, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Hassan Ali, 10. Mohammad Wasim, 11. Haris Rauf/Shaheen Afridi
Mirpur Dhaka Pitch Report and Weather
Slow and sluggish is the case in Dhaka. The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla national stadium in Dhaka will be on the slower side as we have seen in last two matches. The pitch assists spinners and batsmen struggle to play freely. Expect scores to be on the lower side again.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
BAN vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BAN vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
Batsmen: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman
All-rounders: Mahedi Hasan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Mohammad Wasim, Taskin Ahmed
Match Prediction
Pakistan start as favourites and should win again. Any score between 130 and 150 will be very competitive.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs New Zealand 3rd T20 Key Players | Kolkata Pitch Report
India wrapped up the three-match T20I series in Ranchi courtesy of a seven-wicket win on Friday night and the Rohit Sharma-led unit will look to complete a series whitewash when both sides lock horns for one final time at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The second T20I followed the same template as the first one in Jaipur as India won the toss and once again opted to bowl first. In dew-laden conditions, New Zealand knew they had to post an above par total to challenge the might of Indian batting.
And, unlike the first game, their opening duo of Daryll Mitchell and Martin Guptill came out swinging in the powerplay. The duo racked up 48 runs in just 4.2 overs before Mitchell was dismissed by debutant Harshal Patel.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar proved to be mighty expensive, conceding 81 runs between them for two wickets in eight overs. However, the spin duo of Ashwin and Axar Patel applied the middle-overs choke while Harshal bowled exceedingly well at the death to restrict the Kiwis to 6/153 in 20 overs.
It was never going to be enough and it didn’t as Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put the chase on auto-pilot mode courtesy of a 117-run-stand. Apart from skipper Tim Southee, who claimed 3/16 in 4 overs, none of the Kiwi bowlers proved to be effective.
Coming into the third T20I, India would look for chances to fringe players like Ruturaj Gaikwad after a challenging World Cup campaign. They may also look to bring back Yuzvendra Chahal in the starting XI by resting one of their spinners. However, it remains to be seen if India will try to bat first if they end up winning the toss considering the fact that it’s been their Achilles heel for a long time now.
With regards to the visitors, they will look to pull one back and end the series on a high. It can be said that New Zealand lost both games due to the inability of their batters to cash in on their starts. This is something the Southee-led unit will look to address if they once again end up batting first.
KL Rahul: He missed out in the first T20I but more than made up for it in Ranchi by painting the entire ground with his sumptuous strokeplay. Rahul scored a brilliant 49-ball 65 with the help of six fours and a couple of sixes. This was his 18th 50-plus score in T20I cricket in his 52nd innings.
Suryakumar Yadav: After enthralling the folklore with brilliant stroke play in the first game, Surya missed out in Ranchi, managing a 2-ball 1. One can expect yet another innings of substance from the Mumbai cricketer at his former IPL home.
R Ashwin: The veteran off-spinner seems to have hit peak form in T20s over the course of the last five games. Ashwin has been sensational in the first couple of games and it is his bowling during the middle-overs that helped India put brakes on New Zealand’s batting.
Ashwin has thus far registered figures of 2/23 and 1/19 in eight overs.
Harshal Patel: The 30-year-old seamer enjoyed a memorable outing in his debut T20I. He registered figures of 2/25 in four overs and was fittingly adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ after a wonderful IPL campaign.
New Zealand:
Martin Guptill: The right-handed opener gave New Zealand an ideal start in the last games he tee into Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar. Guptill backed up his 70 in the first game with a 15-ball 31 in the second. One can expect a similar sort of fireworks from him at Eden Gardens.
Mark Chapman: Unlike the first game where he did a stellar job by playing with intent during the middle-overs, Chapman failed to do the same in Ranchi as he registered a scratchy 17-ball 21. New Zealand will hope the southpaw does an encore of Jaipur in Kolkata.
Glenn Phillips: He missed out in Jaipur but Phillips looked in his elements in the last game as he smashed three sixes and a four during his 21-ball 34. However, the Kiwis will hope the hard-hitting batter converts his start into a big knock in the final game.
James Neesham: The all-rounder had a night to forget in Ranchi as he managed a 12-ball 3 with the bat besides conceding back-to-back sixes off the couple of deliveries he bowled to Rishabh Pant. He will look to bounce back in Kolkata.
Tim Southee: The skipper [3/16] was the lone shining light in Ranchi for New Zealand as far as the bowling department is concerned.
Not only was he economical, he also claimed three wickets. However, all those wickets came when the game was virtually over. He will look to make early in-roads in India’s batting-unit in Kolkata.
Stats and Facts
India have played three T20Is in Kolkata, winning two and losing one.
This will be the first time both these sides will lock horns in a T20I at the Eden Gardens.
If India win tomorrow, it will be their second consecutive whitewash of the Kiwis in the format. The Men in Blue had previously blanked New Zealand 5-0 under Virat Kohli in January 2020.
India’s W/L ratio in the last three years while batting first is 0.909. Teams’ who have worse W/L ratio than India are Bangladesh, Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Possible Playing 11
India:
With series already in the bag, India will certainly look to make some changes to their playing XI. Young Ruturaj Gaikwad, uncapped Avesh Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal might get an opportunity to play at the Eden Gardens.
Ruturaj is likely to make an appearance which means one of Rohit or Rahul could sit out. If Rohit takes rest then Rahul will lead the team. Bhuvneshwar Kumar might make way for Avesh Khan while Chahal could come in place of Axar Patel or even R Ashwin.
New Zealand may look to bring back Lockie Ferguson in place of Adam Milne, who proved to be mighty expensive in the last game.
Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (WK), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (C), Lockie Ferguson/Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Kolkata Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Another game which may well be decided at the toss thanks to the dew factor. New Zealand will be desperate to win the toss and field first while India might look to test themselves by doing something they aren’t traditionally good at – setting a target.
As far as the weather is concerned, the temperatures are set to hover between 23-31 degree celsius. Humidity – 84 per cent. Chances of rain: minimal.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IND vs NZ 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant
Batsmen: KL Rahul, Martin Guptill
All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Trent Boult
Match Prediction
India will start as favorites but once again the toss is likely to play a decisive role.
BAN vs PAK 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs PAK 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction | Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2nd T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
The series kicked off in cracking fashion yesterday, with Team Pakistan winning the game thanks to some great fight against the Bangladesh bowlers. Bangladesh picked up crucial wickets early and had the game in their hands, but lost the match in a close encounter. But, as was the case against Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, Bangladesh’s attack looks tough to play in these conditions.
Bangladesh will need to perform well to beat Pakistan even in their home conditions, as the tourists have continuous winning momentum. Bangladesh team got a start from the bowling unit and from the middle order batting line-up, but they need a more consistent performance as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz sealed the win for Pakistan with some great finishing.
Now, the series is on the line and Bangladesh must win to keep their hopes of a fourth straight bilateral T20I series win alive.
Mohammad Naim has scored the most T20I runs for Bangladesh this year (526, average: 22.86, strike rate: 102), but will need to bounce back today after getting out early yesterday.
Mahmudullah the skipper who plays well at short format of the game can score good runs with his experience and hitting ability. He has an average of 24 in this format of the game.
He has the most T20I runs of any player at Sher e Bangla Stadium: 694 runs, average: 40.82, strike rate 119.44.
Afif Hossain, the youngster, handled a pressure situation well and he managed to scored 36 runs to resurrect the Bangladesh innings. He has a solid record on this ground: 271 runs, average 27.10, strike rate 127.83.
Mehedi Hasan performed well as an all-rounder, scoring 30 runs from 20 balls with excellent strike-rate and picked up one wicket at a steady economy rate. He will be key.
Taskin Ahmed picked up crucial wickets including the wicket of Babar. He has been brilliant in the past against Pakistan; he has six wickets from four games. Also, he was impressive in the World Cup.
Mustafizur Rahman, the main pacer, bowled the inform batsman Rizwan yesterday. He has taken 97 wickets in 68 T20 matches at Sher e Bangla Stadium. He will be aiming for an improved showing at the death.
Pakistan:
Babar Azam has a score of 66* against Bangladesh, but just seven runs across his other two innings against them. However, he has the class to bounce back today after scoring the most runs in the T20 World Cup.
Mohammad Rizwan was also out cheaply in the first game, but like Babar, he can bounce back. He is the only player with at least 1,000 T20I runs this year (1,044 runs, avg. 80.30, SR 135.93).
Fakhar Zaman struck below 100 yesterday, but his 34 helped stablise the Pakistan innings after a tough start. He scored a brilliant 55* against Australia last week, so he is in some form.
Shadab Khan looked in fine touch with the ball, troubling the Bangladeshis with the googly. He took one wicket and finished the match brilliantly with the bat (21* off 10 balls).
Mohammad Nawaz also batted beautifully (18* off 8 balls) after an economical spell of 1/27. He will be key again on a slow, turning pitch.
Hasan Ali gave an excellent start with the ball last match with three wickets and conceded just 22 runs.
Mohammad Wasim Jr is a talented young pacer and can further build confidence today after he picked up two wickets yesterday.
Bangladesh won their last three bilateral T20I series. They need to win today.
There was plenty of action for the wicket-keepers yesterday. Both Rizwan and Nurul initiated three dismissals each.
Possible Playing 11
Bangladesh: 1. Mohammad Naim Sheikh, 2. Saif Hassan, 3. N Hossain Shanto, 4. Nurul Hasan (wk), 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Mehedi Hasan, 8. Aminul Islam, 9. Shoriful Islam, 10. Taskin Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan: 1. Babar Azam (c), 2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Haider Ali, 5. Khushdil Shah, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Wasim Jr., 11. Haris Rauf/Shaheen Shah Afridi
Mirpur Dhaka Pitch Report and Weather
Another low-scoring match is in store today after 127 was nearly enough for Bangladesh yesterday. Turn and grip was on offer for both spinners and pacers. Any score in the region of 130-140 will be quite competitive.
Another clear afternoon is forecast.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
BAN vs PAK 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
BAN vs PAK 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
Batsmen: Babar Azam, Mahmudullah
All-rounders: Mahedi Hasan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz
Bowlers: Hassan Ali, Taskin Ahmed
Match Prediction
Pakistan are favourites to win given their depth and history between the teams. A score between 130-150 can be a very difficult chase.
Cricket News: Tim Paine resigns as Australia Test captain: Twitter reactions | Tim Paine resigns as Test captain due to sexting scandal
In a shock just weeks out from the Ashes, Tim Paine has stood down as Australia Test captain due to a sexting scandal that took place with a former colleague back in 2017.
In 2018, when Tim Paine was made the captain of the Australian Test side following the sandpaper gate, those at CA hoped he would serve as skipper and end with his head held high. But what happened on 19th November no one really saw coming and everyone was absolutely dumbfounded when reports started circulating that Tim Paine had decided to step down from the captaincy amids sexting scandal back in 2017.
Tim Paine announces resignation via press conference
Around 2:30pm Hobart time, Tim Paine walked into a press conference to announce exactly the same. An emotional Paine read out a statement and gave up his skipper status but expressed his desire to keep playing for Australia.
“Today, I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s Test team. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket.”
He also added that Cricket Tasmania had conducted an investigation of their own in 2017 and he had been exonerated.
“As a background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in.”
When we dive further into what actually transpired in 2017, we get a much clear picture of the entire scandal. Cricket Tasmania put out a statement immediately after the press conference. According to the Cricket Tasmania statement this morning, the allegations against the former skipper were raised by a former employee within the organization when formal theft charges were laid against that said employee.
Cricket Tasmania Chairman, Andrew Gaggin in the press release, said “As soon as Cricket Tasmania was made aware, it undertook an investigation that determined the interaction was consensual, private, occurred on the one occasion only, was between mature adults and was not repeated”
Tim Paine got married in 2016 and has deeply apologized to his wife, family and also the wider cricketing community for his actions. Although the exchange was consensual, Cricket Tasmania has stated that it does not condone this type of behaviour and hence directly addressed the matter with Paine himself in 2017.
“However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport,” said Paine.
Tim Paine ended his press conference by saying he will remain part of the team. “I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour.”
He made it clear that he wasn’t taking questions. But the questions will start looming in the minds of the fans and followers as to who takes over the captaincy and whether Tim Paine stays in the playing XI if not the skipper.
Paine hasn’t played First Class cricket since April, and without the leadership string to his bow, attention quickly comes back to what is a crowded field of wicketkeeper-batters Australia has available for selection.
Australia A captain Alex Carey and WA gloveman Josh Inglis, who was in Australia’s World Cup winning squad and was also picked in this week’s Australia A side, loom as the two most likely to push for a Baggy Green.
JUST IN: Tim Paine stands down as captain of the Australian Men's Test team…
I suspect Australia will have to go back to Steve Smith as captain. Pat Cummins would be a deserving candidate but as a large hearted fast bowler who gives every spell everything he has, and plays all three formats, his workload will need to be managed.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs New Zealand Key Players | Ranchi Pitch Report
After a scrappy five-wicket win in the first T20I, Team India will look to seal the three-match series against New Zealand in Ranchi on Friday [November 19].
The ‘new era’ of Indian T20I cricket under the leadership duo of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid started on a positive note on Wednesday as the home side chased down the target of 165 in the final over. India’s run-chase was led brilliantly by Sharma [48 off 36 balls] and Suryakumar Yadav [62 off 40 balls] but their untimely dismissals and scratchy knocks by Rishabh Pant (13* off 13 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (5 off 8 balls) meant that the game inexplicably went into the final over.
The decision to bat Shreyas at five left a lot to be desired given his weakness against pacers while Pant once once underwhelmed as a T20 batter. So, India will be looking for an improvement in this area in the second T20I.
In terms of bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin were the pick of the bowlers while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel endured a poor outing. Rohit missed the trick of not trying out Venkatesh given the fact that he is being looked at as a seam-bowling all-rounder, something the may look to try in Ranchi.
As for New Zealand, despite the absence of many first-choice players, the visitors ran India close in the first game. Mark Chapman grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he made a well compiled 50-ball 63. Martin Guptill finally turned up to the party after a lean World Cup, finishing with a 42-ball 70.
However, New Zealand would hope that he and Daryll Mitchell make the most of the powerplay, something they didn’t do in the last game. The BlackCaps managed just 65 runs in the first 10 overs in Jaipur, which eventually proved to be decisive in the end, much like the World Cup final, a few days ago.
Rohit Sharma: The stylish opener looked in his elements in Jaipur as he dished out sumptuous strokeplay to whet the appetite of fans.
Sharma scored a 36-ball 48 with the help of five fours and a couple of sixes and he would ideally like to convert such a start into a big score in the second match.
KL Rahul: Rahul missed out in the last game, managing a 14-ball 15. But given his stellar T20 record, especially against New Zealand- 257 runs in 7 innings- we could be in for a special knock from him on Friday night.
Suryakumar Yadav: SKY on Wednesday displayed just what India missed during their T20 World Cup game against New Zealand last month as he flayed their spinners to all corners of the ground.
He batted with the intent India missed in that WC game and ended up scoring a 40-ball 62. He was deservedly adjudged the ‘Player Of the Match’
Ravichandran Ashwin: The veteran spinner was at the height his powers in the last game as he bamboozled the likes of Chapman and Glenn Phillips with drift, turn and guile. Ashwin finished with figures of 2/23 in four overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: After a disappointing WC outing where he was left out after the game against Pakistan, Bhuvi showed signs of getting back close to his best in the first match.
He bowled Mitchell with a brilliant inswinger to kickstart the proceedings before claiming Mark Chapman at the backend to finish with figures of 2/24 in 4 overs.
New Zealand:
Martin Guptill: The veteran opener got off to a slow start but cashed in at the backend to finish with a 42-ball 70 with the help of three fours and four sixes.
However, the visitors would want Guptill to show more intent in the powerplay,something that has been missing in the past few games.
Mark Chapman: The southpaw made the most of the opportunity and racked up a brilliant 50-ball 63. He will once again be the key to New Zealand’s fortunes during the middle overs.
Glenn Phillips: He missed out in the last game thanks to being completely undone by a carrom ball from Ashwin.
Phillips is key to New Zealand as far as exploiting the death overs is concerned, especially in the absence of James Neesham.
Mitchell Santner: The left-arm orthodox once again proved to be a difficult customer to get away during the middle overs.
He gave away just 19 runs in four overs and claimed the prized scalp of Rahul.
Lockie Ferguson: The pacer impressed in his maiden outing after injury and while he didn’t claim a wicket, he ended up giving just 24 runs. He will once again be the key for the Kiwis in the death overs.
Stats and Facts
India have played a total of 2 T20Is in Ranchi and the ledger remains 2-0.
If India win the second T20I, then it will be their second consecutive bilateral series win over the Kiwis on home soil in the format. They won 2-1 under Virat Kohli back in 2017.
India have won six out of their previous seven T20Is against New Zealand.
New Zealand has never played a T20I in Ranchi.
Possible Playing 11
Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj endured a poor outing in the last game but it looks unlikely India will change their playing XI after just one game.
The Kiwis rested some of their key players in the last game and handed out opportunities to the likes of Chapman, Ravindra and Todd Astle.
Astle underwhelmed and with the series on the line, the management might look to bring back Ish Sodhi.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Daryl Mitchell, 3. Tim Seifert, 4. Glenn Phillips (wk), 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Rachin Ravindra, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee (c), 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Todd Astle/Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
Ranchi Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Another flat pitch is likely to be the order of the day. However, once again dew could play a major role and captains would be motivated to field first.
As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be clear in Ranchi on Friday. The temperatures will hover between 14-25 and humidity is set to be around 86%.
Dream11 Prediction
Team 01:
IND vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Team 02:
IND vs NZ 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
Wicket-keepers: Tim Seifert
Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Martin Guptill
All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Match Prediction
India will start as slight favorites but once again the toss could well play a decisive role.
