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T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

Incredibly, it is very much possible that a team could miss out on the Semi Finals despite winning four of five matches. Australia play West Indies in a crucial game before this one, which will give South Africa more of an idea of what they need to do. However, the Proteas need to stay focused at the job at hand.

Whether Australia win or lose, South Africa still need to produce a strong performance against an England side that has proved unstoppable so far in this World Cup. This was even the case after being reduced to 47/3 in 10 overs against Sri Lanka, before Jos Buttler played an absolute blinder to further highlight England’s terrific batting depth.

Eoin Morgan’s team are through to the Semi Finals, but could be motivated to avoid Pakistan in the Semi Final. The Proteas will back themselves to put in a big performance today courtesy of their bowling attack. Their seamers have what it takes to challenge England’s hard-hitting batsmen, while Tabraiz Shamsi continues to produce the goods despite being overtaken by Wanindu Hasaranga as the number one T20I ranked bowler. All to play for.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Jos Buttler is in imperious form. The brilliant keeper-batsman is coming off scores of 72* off 39 balls vs Australia and 101* off 67 vs Sri Lanka. He also has the most runs for any England player against South Africa: 14 innings, 390 runs, avg. 35.45, SR 152.94.
  • Dawid Malan is yet to get going in this tournament. However, today could be the day as he loves playing against South Africa: 5 inns, 262 runs, avg. 65.50, SR 160.74. He scored two half-centuries in three matches in South Africa in late 2020, including 99*.
  • Jonny Bairstow also has an outstanding record against South Africa. In nine innings, Bairstow has smashed 337 runs at an average of 48.14 and strike rate 156.02.
  • Moeen Ali has taken two wickets in each innings he has bowled in the Super 12s. Expect him to play a role in the powerplay against the left-handed Quinton de Kock.
  • Liam Livingstone has taken four wickets in his last three matches. He will be key with the ball, and will also be looking to make an impact with the bat if he gets a chance at a ground he has historically struggled at: 5 inns, 46 runs, avg. 11.50, SR 83.64.
  • Chris Jordan is conceding just 5.25 runs per over in this tournament, along with his six wickets. He has historically been expensive against South Africa (econ. 9.84), but is a wicket-taker in these matches (15 wickets in 13 matches).
  • Adil Rashid has been excellent in this tournament (4 inns, 7 wickets, avg. 10.71, econ. 5.23). Can he improve on his average of 38 in 11 innings vs South Africa? He usually plays them on good batting pitches, so he should be a factor at Sharjah – a ground where he has taken three wickets in two matches at an economy rate of 6.00.

South Africa:

  • Quinton de Kock has a strong record against England. In eight innings, de Kock has struck 289 runs at an average of 36.13 and strike rate of 169.01. He also has a similar record at Sharjah: 185 runs in six innings at an average of 37.00 and strike rate of 131.21.
  • Aiden Markram is South Africa’s highest run-scorer in this T20 World Cup (110 runs, avg. 36.66, SR 127.90). This will be his first game against England, and he comes into this match on the back of an excellent year to date: 15 inns, 518 runs, avg. 39.84, SR 144.69.
  • Rassie van der Dussen was South Africa’s top run-scorer in England’s tour of South Africa in late 2020. He scored 136 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 152.80 (one dismissal).
  • Dwaine Pretorius has taken seven wickets in his last three matches (3,17, 3/17, 1/11).
  • Anrich Nortje is in outstanding form. The fast bowler has taken eight wickets in four matches in this World Cup at an average of 8.75 and economy rate of 4.57. He enjoys bowling at this ground, with 12 scalps in seven matches.
  • Tabraiz Shamsi has taken just six wickets in eight matches vs England at an average of 40.80. However, he is likely to enjoy the Sharjah conditions a lot more. He took 3/17 against Sri Lanka on this ground.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 22, England 11, South Africa 9, N/R 2.
  • England beat South Africa 3-0 in their tour in late 2020. In fact, they have won their last five matches against them.
  • South Africa’s top five have the fourth lowest strike rate in the Super 12s (107.52). Only Scotland, Bangladesh and Namibia have lower. England have the highest – 137.10.
  • Eoin Morgan spent important time at the crease vs Sri Lanka (40). He has a solid record against South Africa: 16 inns, 385 runs, avg. 32.08, SR 147.51.
  • Jason Roy vs South Africa: 12 inns, 317 runs, avg. 26.42, SR 148.13. Can he handle the low bounce of Sharjah?
  • Kagiso Rabada vs England: 5 inns, 6 wickets, avg. 27.33, econ. 8.41.

Possible Playing 11

Mark Wood is likely to come in for Tymal Mills, who is now out of the tournament with injury.

England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Liam Livingstone, 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Chris Jordan, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood

South Africa are likely to remain unchanged.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Dwaine Pretorius, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

Expect another slow, low Sharjah track. The team batting first has won three of the last four matches, with any score above 140 proving to be a very tough chase. The same is likely to apply here on a surface that is typically tough to score quickly on.

A clear evening is forecast, with dew likely in the second innings.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs South Africa Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 39: ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler
  • Batsmen: Dawid Malan, Temba Bavuma
  • All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Moeen Ali
  • Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Chris Jordan

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

If the team batting first can score above 160, they should win this crunch match.

T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs West Indies Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Before the tournament, many predicted that West Indies would be on their way to the Semi Finals by this stage, while Australia would be fighting hard just to stay alive. However, the Windies have arguably been the tournament’s most disappointing team, crashing out of the group stage, while Australia have put themselves in pole position to qualify.

Aaron Finch’s team had the perfect day out two days ago against a hapless Bangladesh side. The bowlers, led by Adam Zampa, blew the Bangladeshis away for 73, which Australia chased in just 6.2 overs. Incredibly, they went ahead of South Africa on net run rate, which puts the Aussies in the driver’s seat to qualify for the Semi Finals as the Proteas have a tough test against England later today.

But, Australia must beware of a Windies team with nothing to lose. Who knows what kind of Windies team will show up on a day like this, so the Australians need to be on their game from the get go after such an easy outing 48 hours ago. A strong performance here will go a very long way to achieving qualification to the Semi Finals – a great result for a team that still doesn’t quite fully understand its T20 strategy.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • Aaron Finch is finding some of his best touch again, but the challenge will be to continue that today. He smashed Bangladesh’s bowlers to all parts in his 20-ball 40, after scores of 37 and 44 against Sri Lanka and England respectively.
  • Finch scored 127 runs in five matches against West Indies earlier this year (avg. 25.40, SR 122.11). But, Finch will be looking to improve on a poor record at Abu Dhabi: 6 inns, 58 runs, avg. 9.67, SR 81.69.
  • David Warner last played a T20I vs West Indies back in 2014. He has scored 311 runs against them at an average of 34.56 and strike rate of 151.71. Warner has a decent record at Abu Dhabi: 7 inns, 193 runs, avg. 32.17, SR 116.27.
  • Mitchell Marsh was Australia’s shining light in the T20I series vs West Indies earlier in 2021. He was the top scorer with 219 runs in five matches at an average of 43.20 and strike rate of 152.08.
  • Glenn Maxwell has had a quiet Super 12s so far. He has scored 207 runs in nine career matches on this ground at an average of 29.57 and strike rate of 134.42.
  • Adam Zampa is coming off a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He will be looking to improve on his four wickets in five matches vs West Indies (average of 35.75).
  • Josh Hazlewood continues to take wickets, especially in the powerplay. West Indies have been poor in this period during the World Cup, so watch out for Hazlewood early.

West Indies:

  • Evin Lewis has the potential to take the game away from Australia. He has had a disappointing tournament for someone of his ability (scores of 6, 56, 6 and 8).
  • Lewis smashed 110 runs in three matches vs Australia earlier this year at an average of 36.67 and strike rate of 220.00.
  • Nicholas Pooran has rediscovered his best touch. He has smashed 40 (22) and 46 (34) in his last two matches. Also, Pooran had a decent series against Australia a few months ago, striking 96 runs at an average of 32.00 and strike rate of 126.32.
  • Shimron Hetmyer was the shining light for the Windies in a disappointing display vs Sri Lanka. He smashed 81* off 54 balls. Also, Hetmyer struck 81 runs in two innings vs Australia earlier this year, including a score of 61.
  • Andre Russell is woefully out of form, but he does have success against Australia. He scored 107 runs in three innings against them a few months ago at an average of 53.50 and strike rate of 198.14. He also took six wickets.
  • Can Dwayne Bravo finish his T20I career on a high? He has 236 runs vs Australia at an average of 33.71 as well as eight wickets at an average of 28.50.
  • Windies to play Hayden Walsh Jr? The leg-spinner dominated Australia a couple of months ago, taking 12 wickets in five matches at an average of 11.66 and economy rate of 7.00.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, Australia 6, West Indies 10.
  • West Indies beat Australia 4-1 in the Caribbean, but it was a different Australian batting lineup to this one.
  • Hayden Walsh Jr has dismissed Aaron Finch in all three innings he’s bowled to him in T20Is.

Possible Playing 11

Australia should stick with the same XI that thrashed Bangladesh.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Matthew Wade (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood

This will be Dwayne Bravo’s final T20 International, so the Windies will look to send him out on a high. West Indies could look to bring in Hayden Walsh Jr, who had a great series against Australia earlier this year.

Also, it remains to be seen if the Windies give another chance to the out-of-form Chris Gayle.

West Indies: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4. Roston Chase, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Kieron Pollard (c), 8. Jason Holder, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Akeal Hosein, 11. Ravi Rampaul/Hayden Walsh Jr

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first has won the last three matches at this ground, including Sri Lanka over West Indies on Thursday. Australia have been very strong when bowling first in 2021 (22 powerplay wickets) compared to just eight powerplay wickets bowling second. So, expect Australia to bowl first if they win the toss.

A hot and sunny day is forecast.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs West Indies Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs West Indies Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 38: AUS vs WI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Nicholas Pooran
  • Batsmen: Aaron Finch, Evin Lewis
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell
  • Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

A Windies team with nothing to lose is a very dangerous proposition for Australia. With the bowlers in form, however, Australia should do enough to win.

ECB suspends Yorkshire from hosting major matches

Nash Sant
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0
ECB suspends Yorkshire from hosting major matches

Cricket News: ECB suspends Yorkshire from hosting major matches | ECB suspends Yorkshire from hosting matches in ongoing Azeem Rafiq

English households are now becoming more familiar with the name Azeem Rafiq as he fights the institutional racism he was subjected to during his playing time at Yorkshire CCC.

He first raised this issue in 2018 and since then he has been fighting to get justice and hold people accountable for their actions. But the way this investigation has been handled by Yorkshire CCC management and the executive board has been nothing short of appalling and disgusting.

In the full investigative report published by Yorkshire CCC, they claimed that at least one YCCC player admitted to using the term “P**i” aimed at Rafiq. However, that player was cleared of any wrongdoing as, according to the report, it was perceived as “friendly banter”. They go on to say that, in the context of “banter between friends” Rafiq might be “expected to take such comments in the spirit in which they were intended (i.e. good natured banter between friends)… [so] it was not reasonable for Azeem to have been offended by [the other player] directing equally offensive or derogatory comments back at him in the same spirit of friendly banter.”

But since then ECB has put out an official press release. They will be undertaking a full investigation on Rafiq’s allegations and the way YCCC handled the investigation in the first place. “The ECB has this afternoon received a copy of the report carried out on behalf of Yorkshire CCC into the allegations made by Azeem Rafiq, together with assurances from the club to cooperate fully with the ongoing regulatory process,” read the press release.

“It is clear to the Board that YCCC’s handling of the issues raised by Azeem Rafiq is wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game. The ECB find this matter abhorrent and against the spirit of cricket and its values.”

Further to this, YCCC have to further deal with their major sponsors pulling out of renewing their contracts or terminating their current contracts. It was Anchor, their shirt sponsor, to first terminate the contract. The domino effect took place right after when other sponsors, namely Tetley’s, Yorkshire Tea, Harrogate Spa Water, Emerald and Nike all chose to terminate their agreement or not renew their contracts after the end of the current one. 

ECB have also chosen to name that player in its statement as Gary Ballance who last represented England in 2017. He has been suspended from selection as an immediate action.

“Before any regulatory investigation is complete, the Board wishes to take immediate action in relation to Gary Ballance. While Mr Ballance has not been selected to play for England since 2017, he will be suspended indefinitely from selection. This position will be reviewed following the ECB regulatory investigation into his conduct.”

ECB backing Azeem Rafiq comes as a major win to his fight against institutional racism. Further in the statement, ECB said, “As a governing body with duties to act for all in cricket, the ECB Board reaffirmed its commitment to taking decisions in the best interests of the whole game. It also agreed that sanctions including, but not limited to, financial and future major match allocations may be considered at the conclusion of our investigations.”

But the major hit to YCCC comes from their ban on hosting any international or major matches. “In the meantime, YCCC are suspended from hosting international or major matches until it has clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected of an international venue, ECB member and First Class County.”

This means we will not see an international game being played at Headingley in 2022 or a match of The Hundred for that matter. In closing the report by ECB, they said “That the regulatory processes already underway into the allegations brought by Azeem Rafiq will ultimately be determined by an independent tribunal (The Cricket Disciplinary Commission).”

“The Board reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that cricket is a game for everyone. Discrimination of any kind on the field of play, in the dressing room, in the stands, or in the boardroom is intolerable in sport or indeed, society. Cricket must work together to eradicate it.”

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Namibia Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

Namibia will no doubt enjoy the most support they’ve ever had for an international match, with all of India behind them as they look to upset New Zealand.

Of course, this is a tough ask, but the Namibians will be looking to continue building what has been a terrific experience in this tournament. Although they were given a chance by many to make the Super 12s, the more experienced Ireland and Netherlands were favoured ahead of them. They performed superbly to qualify, and have also enjoyed some good periods in the Super 12s including victory over Scotland and resistance with the bat against Pakistan.

Another difficult test awaits them, but that is great for their growth. New Zealand are doing what they do best in ICC tournaments, and although they weren’t at their best against Scotland, their fate is still in their hands. Victory here, especially by a good margin, gives them a huge step towards the Semi Finals. And, with Martin Guptill in fine touch along with other capable batsmen looking to hit top form, you can be assured that there will be no complacency here from the Black Caps.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

New Zealand:

  • Martin Guptill was simply outstanding against Scotland. The opener got New Zealand out of trouble and then into a strong position thanks to his 93 off 56 balls. He will be key again.
  • Daryl Mitchell missed out against Scotland. He will be looking to rediscover the touch he had against Pakistan (27 off 20 balls) and India (49 off 35 balls).
  • Kane Williamson has a terrible record at Sharjah. The skipper has scored just 48 runs in six innings on this ground at an average of 9.60 and strike rate of 77.42. He has the class to turn this around, however.
  • Trent Boult has taken eight wickets in five matches at Sharjah at an economy rate of 6.25. He has also been in terrific form in the Super 12s, taking figures of 1/29 vs Pakistan, 3/20 vs India and 2/29 vs Scotland.
  • Ish Sodhi took 2/28 against Pakistan at Sharjah, followed by a player of the match performance vs India (2/17). He was expensive vs Scotland (econ. 10.50), but took two wickets again. He will be key on what is expected to be a slow pitch.
  • Tim Southee has been mighty consistent so far in the Super 12s. The experienced seamer has conceded just 6.25 runs per over in his three matches, along with one wicket in each outing.

Namibia:

  • Craig Williams holds the key to Namibia’s top order. He is coming off a 37-ball 40 against Pakistan, and will be aiming to improve on his Sharjah record: 3 inns, 34 runs, avg. 11.33, SR 106.25.
  • Gerhard Erasmus has been nursing a finger injury. It has been a struggle in the Super 12s (scores of 4, 12 and 15), but he returns to the ground where he scored a brilliant 53* vs Ireland to seal Namibia’s entry into the Super 12s.
  • David Wiese has been brilliant for Namibia. The all-rounder has struck 185 runs at an average of 61.66 and strike rate of 136.02 in this World Cup, with his latest effort a fighting 31-ball 43* vs Pakistan.
  • Wiese has smashed 93 runs at a strike rate of 186.00 at Sharjah for just one dismissal. He also has three wickets in as many matches.
  • Jan Frylinck is having a fine tournament. The left-armer is Namibia’s leading wicket-taker with eight wickets in six matches at an average of 18.62 and economy rate of 7.26. He took 3/21 against Ireland on this ground in the first round of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
  • Ruben Trumpelmann has taken five wickets in his last three matches.

Stats and Facts

  • This will be the first ever international between New Zealand and Namibia.
  • Ish Sodhi has taken 63 wickets in 48 T20Is since the 2016 World Cup. Only Rashid Khan has more (83).
  • Namibia beat Ireland on this ground to seal their passage into the Super 12s. New Zealand lost here to Pakistan.

Possible Playing 11

New Zealand should stick with the same XI, unless they wish to give one of their seamers a rest for Kyle Jamieson.

New Zealand: 1. Daryl Mitchell, 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Devon Conway (wk), 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Adam Milne, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Ish Sodhi

Namibia: 1. Stephen Baard, 2. Michael van Lingen, 3. Craig Williams, 4. Gerhard Erasmus (c), 5. David Wiese, 6. JJ Smit, 7. Jan Frylinck, 8. Zane Green (wk), 9. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, 10. Ruben Trumpelmann, 11. Bernard Scholtz/Ben Shikongo.

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

The chasing team has won six of eight matches so far in the T20 World Cup. However, the team batting first has won two of the last three matches on this ground, with Jos Buttler smashing a brilliant hundred a few nights ago. England’s 163 proved too difficult a chase for Sri Lanka, and any score in that region here will be tough to chase.

A hot and sunny day is forecast, with no chance of dew as it is a day game.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Namibia Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Namibia Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 36: NZ vs NAM Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Zane Green
  • Batsmen: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Craig Williams
  • All-rounders: David Wiese, Daryl Mitchell
  • Bowlers: Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

Namibia have shown plenty of promising signs in this tournament, but New Zealand should be too strong in this match.

T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

It has been a disappointing campaign so far for West Indies. One of the fancied teams heading into the T20 World Cup, the Windies have not got going. Worse, their two defeats have been by very heavy margins, culminating in their net run rate of -1.598.

But, their last start win against Bangladesh and potential to score massive totals keeps the Windies alive. But, as Ian Smith puts it, by the barest of margins. They must beat Sri Lanka convincingly today and hope South Africa lose convincingly to England later this week, which then means a likely showdown with Australia to decide the final Semi Finals spot. It seems unlikely, but a care-free Windies is a dangerous proposition.

It is also unlikely because Sri Lanka have held their own quite well in the tournament. They are the only team to challenge England so far, with the brilliant Jos Buttler proving the key difference between the sides. With Wanindu Hasaranga in such fine form, the Lions can hope to end their campaign, which promised so much at times, on a positive note.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

West Indies:

  • Evin Lewis had a sub-par series against Sri Lanka earlier in 2021. He scored 55 runs in three matches at an average of 18.33 and strike rate of 161.76. Lewis scored 27 in his only T20 at Abu Dhabi to date at a strike rate of 225.
  • Roston Chase struggled on a slow pitch against Bangladesh (39 off 46 balls). The Abu Dhabi surface is more conducive to strokeplay, and Chase could benefit. He was outstanding in CPL, with the most runs of any player (446, avg. 49.55, SR 144.33).
  • Kieron Pollard smashed six sixes against Sri Lanka earlier this year (vs Akila Dananjaya). However, his overall record against Sri Lanka is cause for improvement: 11 inns, 150 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 140.19.
  • Pollard does love batting at Abu Dhabi. He has smashed 216 runs on this ground at an average of 43.20 and strike rate of 144.00.
  • Andre Russell’s 139 runs vs Sri Lanka come at an average of 34.75 and impressive strike rate of 204.41. However, Russell will be aiming to improve on a poor record at Abu Dhabi: 10 inns, 72 runs, avg. 10.29, SR 122.03.
  • Nicholas Pooran was simply outstanding against Bangladesh, winning player of the match with his 40 off 22 balls. He will be looking to improve on his record vs Sri Lanka that reads: 45 runs, avg. 11.25.
  • Dwayne Bravo has the most runs (224) and most wickets (14) of any West Indies player against Sri Lanka.
  • Jason Holder was a welcome addition to the Windies team against Bangladesh (15* off 5 balls, 1/22). He took three wickets in as many matches vs Sri Lanka earlier this year, along with 52 runs (one dismissal).

Sri Lanka:

  • Wanindu Hasaranga has been outstanding. He has taken the most wickets (14) in the tournament. Plus, he took eight wickets in three matches against West Indies earlier this year (econ. 5.26).
  • Pathum Nissanka scored the most runs in the WI-SL three-match T20I series earlier in 2021 (81 runs, avg. 27.00, SR 115.71). He also has scored the most runs for Sri Lanka in the tournament: 170 runs, avg. 24.28, SR 115.64.
  • Charith Asalanka has been in good touch, but can he build on his starts? He has scored 37, 21 and 21 since his superb 49-ball 80* against Bangladesh.
  • Can Kusal Perera finish a difficult campaign on a high? He has scored 159 runs in five matches against West Indies at an average of 31.80 and strike rate of 152.88.
  • Dushmantha Chameera vs West Indies in 2021: three matches, four wickets, avg. 19.50, econ. 7.09.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 14, West Indies 7, Sri Lanka 7.
  • West Indies beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in their T20I series earlier this year.
  • Akeal Hosein has taken four wickets in three matches in this T20 World Cup.
  • Time is running out for the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, who continues to struggle. His record against Sri Lanka does not make for pretty reading: 8 inns, 105 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 81.40.

Possible Playing 11

West Indies could look at playing the same XI that just beat Bangladesh.

West Indies: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Roston Chase, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 8. Jason Holder, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Akeal Hosein, 11. Ravi Rampaul

Lahiru Kumara has been very expensive in recent matches, so Sri Lanka could look to bring in Binura Fernando in his place.

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Perera (wk), 3. Charith Asalanka, 4. Avishka Fernando, 5. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Chamika Karunaratne, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Binura Fernando

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

India smashed 210/2 on this ground yesterday. It looked an excellent batting track. There has been assistance for both batsmen and pacers at Abu Dhabi in recent times.

If West Indies win the toss, they could look to bat first and score big as they need to do a lot of catching up on net run rate. Dew is likely to appear again.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 35: WI vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Kusal Perera
  • Batsmen: Evin Lewis, Charith Asalanka
  • All-rounders: Jason Holder, Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Dushmantha Chameera

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

West Indies, with their depth, power and experience, should win this must-win match.

T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Bangladesh Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

The equation is simple for Australia. The absolute minimum they must achieve is win their last two games, even if South Africa loses their final match against England later this week. Australia’s horror show against England last weekend has hurt their net run rate, so a convincing victory today is the need of the hour.

The good news is that they come up against a side with their minds already back home. Bangladesh have disappointed once again, failing to win even a single match in the Super 12s. Their batting has been way under par, succumbing to South Africa’s pace last time out to crumble for just 84.

Australia have the pace bowlers to dismantle a Bangladesh batting lineup that is looking out of its depth. The Tigers will be hoping to channel some of the confidence they had when they hammered Australia 4-1 a couple of months ago, but it’s safe to say the conditions, circumstances and level of experience in the opposition is vastly different this time around.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • David Warner found some form vs Sri Lanka (61), before falling cheaply vs England. Deliveries pitched around off-stump going away from his bat is the concern for Warner, and Taskin Ahmed could look at exploiting that.
  • Warner has scored 81 runs in three T20Is vs Bangladesh at an average of 27.00 and strike rate of 147.27. He does enjoy batting at Dubai, with 602 runs in 17 matches at an average of 40.13 and strike rate of 135.59.
  • Aaron Finch was the only batsman to show resistance against England (44). The skipper scored 71 off 45 balls in his only T20I vs Bangladesh to date, back in the 2014 World Cup.
  • Mitchell Marsh was the highest run-scorer in Australia’s 4-1 series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this year. He scored 156 runs in five matches at an average of 31.20. If he gets the chance today, he could enjoy much truer conditions in Dubai than what he faced in Dhaka.
  • Can Glenn Maxwell rediscover his IPL form? He scored three fifties in three matches on this ground in the recent IPL. Since, however, he has had a quiet Super 12s. Also, expect Maxwell to deliver overs against Bangladesh’s left-handers.
  • Josh Hazlewood has been in good touch for Australia. He took eight wickets in four matches in Bangladesh earlier this year at an average of just 10.62 and economy rate of 5.42.
  • Adam Zampa took eight wickets in five matches in Bangladesh earlier this year (avg. 15.37, econ. 6.15). Also, Zampa has five wickets in as many matches on this ground (econ. 7.79).

Bangladesh:

  • Liton Das has provided the most resistance for Bangladesh in their last two matches (44 vs West Indies, 24 vs South Africa).
  • Mushfiqur Rahim has been disappointing since his classy fifty against Sri Lanka. Will today be his day? He has scored 89 runs in four matches against Australia at an average of 44.50 and strike rate of 120.27.
  • Mahmudullah has the second-most runs for Bangladesh against Australia in T20Is (148, avg. 24.66), only behind Shakib Al Hasan. The skipper will be key to Bangladesh’s hopes today.
  • Taskin Ahmed was brilliant against South Africa (2/18). He is one to watch out for again today, especially if the Dubai surface offers some assistance to the seamers.
  • Mustafizur Rahman was very close to winning player of the series against Australia earlier this year. He took seven wickets in five matches at a remarkable economy of 3.52. It is a different Australia team now and different conditions, but he will be key with his cutters nonetheless (if picked).
  • The Fizz has six wickets in as many matches at Dubai at an economy rate of just 6.34.
  • Shoriful Islam bowled nicely against South Africa (0/15 in four overs), which was his first wicketless outing in 12 T20Is. He took seven wickets in four matches against Australia earlier this year at an average of 11.85.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 9, Australia 5, Bangladesh 4.
  • Bangladesh’s spinners have taken just nine wickets at an average of 31.00 in the Super 12s.
  • Glenn Maxwell has scored above 18 just once in his last eight T20I innings.

Possible Playing 11

Australia could look at bringing Mitchell Marsh back for this match.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Mitchell Marsh, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Matthew Wade (wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Mustafizur Rahman could come back in for Nasum Ahmed.

Bangladesh: 1. Mohammad Naim, 2. Liton Das (wk), 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Shamim Hossain, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Taskin Ahmed, 10. Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Shoriful Islam

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

New Zealand’s win over Scotland yesterday was the first time that a team batting first won a match at Dubai in this World Cup. The fact that this is a day game places less importance on the toss, but the onus remains on the team batting first to post a good score. A total in the region of 160 or 170 will be a tough chase.

Another hot day is forecast.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Bangladesh Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Bangladesh Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 34: AUS vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Liton Das
  • Batsmen: David Warner, Aaron Finch
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Mahedi Hasan
  • Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Also read: Fan2Play vs Dream11 – What’s the difference?

Match Prediction

Given what is at stake for Australia, they should win this match. Bangladesh, without Shakib, don’t look the same team at all.

T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs Afghanistan Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Who could have possibly imagined that India would be in this position after just two matches? Favourites heading into this World Cup courtesy of the conditions and their players having a lot of T20 cricket under their belt, Virat Kohli’s team just hasn’t got going at all, slipping to heavy defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Now, they are clinging on to any hope they can find. They will need to inflict their own heavy defeat on Afghanistan, and hope today’s opponents then beat New Zealand. It looks like a tall order, but to have any chance of it come to fruition, India will need to throw caution to the wind and play with freedom. It is a situation that demands an attitude of “whatever happens, happens“, which calls on this India team to overcome criticsm, and in some cases, unfortunately, terrible online abuse.

However, it would be unfair to focus only on India’s struggles without celebrating Afghanistan. The Afghans have caused India issues in the ODI format before, and given the stark difference in form between the two sides (albeit Afghanistan have played lesser experienced teams), there is no doubt that Mohammad Nabi’s team will give everything they have in this huge clash. Remember, they came out blazing against Pakistan, and if it comes off here, India will need to find inspiration which could be tough given they have only taken two wickets in the tournament to date.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

India:

  • Cometh the hour, cometh the skipper. This is a big game for Virat Kohli, who has the potential to take the game away from Afghanistan. Will we see a fearless Virat today?
  • Virat struck a 39-ball 50 in his only T20I vs Afghanistan, back in 2012. However, Virat will be looking to improve on his recent form at Abu Dhabi. Overall, he has scored 165 runs in eight matches on this ground at an average of 27.50 and strike rate of 111.49.
  • Rohit Sharma has looked out of sorts. But, if there is a ground Rohit will bounce back at, it’s Abu Dhabi given he performed well here in last year’s IPL. Rohit has scored 323 runs overall at this ground at an average of 32.30 and strike rate of 127.67.
  • This situation for India is similar to what Mumbai Indians faced in the recent IPL. They had to throw caution to the wind, and it suited Ishan Kishan who struck 50* (25) and 84 (32) in his last two matches of that tournament.
  • Kishan at Abu Dhabi: 8 innings, 216 runs, avg. 30.86, SR 145.95.
  • Could this be the game where Hardik Pandya finds his range? He has a great record at Abu Dhabi, with 240 runs in 10 matches at an average of 48.00 and strike rate of 171.43.
  • Jasprit Bumrah is India’s only wicket-taker so far in this T20 World Cup. He was impressive against New Zealand, taking 2/17. Also, Bumrah has a great record at this ground, with 20 scalps in 11 matches at an economy rate of 7.25.
  • Shardul Thakur has taken seven wickets in five matches on this ground at an economy rate of 6.95. Mohammed Shami took a hat-trick against Afghanistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Afghanistan:

  • Mohammad Shahzad has an ODI century to his name vs India, achieved in the 2018 Asia Cup in Dubai (124). He has threatened to score big in this tournament, with scores of 22, 8 and 45.
  • Shahzad has a steady record at this ground: 9 inns, 230 runs, avg. 25.56, SR 123.66.
  • Hazratullah Zazai looked good for his 44 and 33 vs Scotland and Namibia respectively, but scored a duck vs Pakistan. Can he produce the goods against an experienced attack here? He has a strong record at Abu Dhabi: 6 inns, 245 runs, avg. 40.83, SR 173.76.
  • Skipper Mohammad Nabi is in excellent form. In fact, he is yet to be dismissed in this tournament. He scored 11* (4) vs Scotland, 35* (32) vs Pakistan and 32* (17) vs Namibia.
  • He will be looking to continue improving his batting average of 19.71 in 11 matches on this ground. He also has seven wickets.
  • Rashid Khan up against the Indian batting lineup should make for a riveting contest. He has a brilliant 30 wickets in just 19 matches on this ground at an economy rate of 6.07.
  • Naveen-ul-Haq was player of the match against Namibia with 3/26. He also bowled well against Pakistan (1/22) and Scotland (1/12).
  • Mujeeb ur Rahman’s fitness could be key to Afghanistan’s hopes. He took 5/20 vs Scotland and 1/14 vs Pakistan. Also, Mujeeb concedes just 3.45 runs per over against India in ODI cricket. Tough to get away.

Stats and Facts

  • India have won both T20Is against Afghanistan: in 2010 and 2012.
  • Defeat for India today will officially end their campaign. Afghanistan will take a huge step towards qualification with a win.
  • KL Rahul at Abu Dhabi: 8 matches, 207 runs, avg. 34.50, SR 111.89. However, he has a poor record against Rashid Khan in T20 cricket (18 runs, 30 balls, three dismissals).
  • Ishan Kishan vs Rashid Khan: 51 balls, 64 runs, no dismissals.

Possible Playing 11

The move to play Rohit Sharma at three didn’t work. So, KL Rahul is likely to drop down to either three or four.

Also, India could look to play R Ashwin to counter Afghanistan’s left-handers.

India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Ishan Kishan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. KL Rahul, 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Varun Chakravarthy/R Ashwin, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Asghar Afghan played his final international against Namibia. Hashmatullah Shahidi could come in. Also, it remains to be seen if Mujeeb ur Rahman is fit to play after missing the match against Namibia.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi/Usman Ghani, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Najibullah Zadran, 7. Gulbadin Naib, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Karim Janat/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10. Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Hamid Hassan

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The surface for the South Africa-Bangladesh game yesterday was a beauty for the seamers. Kagiso Rabada (three wickets), Anrich Nortje (three wickets) and Taskin Ahmed (two wickets) wreaked havoc. In fact, fast bowlers (308 wickets, econ. 8) have performed better than spinners (128 wickets, econ. 7.6) at this venue in 2021.

Chasing teams have won six of the eight matches on this ground in this tournament. However, India needs a big win, so they could choose to bat first if they win the toss and aim for a big score.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs Afghanistan Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs Afghanistan Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 33: IND vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Shahzad, Ishan Kishan
  • Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
  • All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Ravindra Jadeja
  • Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Rashid Khan

Match Prediction

India are in terrible form, but they have enough pedigree and experience to win this. I get the feeling that they will throw all caution to the wind and produce a strong performance.

T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Scotland Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

Pitted in a group with three strong Asian opponents in UAE conditions? No problem. Asked to finish in the top two of the same group? They’re giving it a red hot go. Required to compete with established spinners in such conditions? No problem.

New Zealand continue to prove themselves to be a wonderful team. In the past, their performances in ICC tournaments were viewed as punching above their weight, but it is now common practice. Their demolition job of India over the weekend was as impressive as it was crucial, as the Black Caps have given themselves a genuine shot of qualifying to the Semi Finals in the quest for a second ICC Title this year.

Next up is Scotland, who will look to impress in front of a worldwide audience. They come into this match on the back of a week’s break after a disappointing defeat in a winnable match against Namibia. The loss of three wickets in the first over of that match was too difficult to come back from, days after they were bowled out for just 60 against Afghanistan. So, the focus for Scotland will be to compete well with the bat against a potent attack, hence building confidence for their cricket going forward.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

New Zealand:

  • Daryl Mitchell has looked accomplished in the opener’s role. The all-rounder struck a fluent 35-ball 49 vs India on this ground (Dubai) after a 20-ball 27 vs Pakistan.
  • Kane Williamson enjoys batting at Dubai. The New Zealand skipper has struck 376 runs in 13 matches on this ground at an average of 47.00 and strike rate of 122.48. This includes a measured 32-ball 33* against India.
  • If Devon Conway gets a chance to bat in the top four, watch out. The talented left-hander averages 73.00 in five T20I innings batting at four.
  • Ish Sodhi was player of the match against India on this ground with 2/17. Given Scotland’s struggle against spin so far in the Super 12s (lost nine wickets to spin vs Afghanistan), Sodhi will key once again.
  • Scotland lost three wickets in the first over to Namibian left-arm seamer Ruben Trumpelmann. Trent Boult will be looking to inflict similar to Scotland’s top order. Boult took 3/20 vs India, part of 16 wickets in just eight T20s at Dubai.
  • Tim Southee is one of four bowlers to have at least 100 T20I wickets to his name. He has taken figures of 1/26 and 1/25 so far in the Super 12s.

Scotland:

  • Before his duck against Namibia, George Munsey was on a spree of starts. He had scored 29, 15, 25 and 20 in his previous four matches. Can he carry on with a start today?
  • Munsey has struck 139 runs in five T20s at Dubai at an average of 27.80 and strike rate of 123.01.
  • Skipper Kyle Coetzer is in need of runs in what has been a lean period. He does have a solid record at Dubai (8 inns, 255 runs, avg. 31.88, SR 108.05), so Scotland will be hoping Coetzer can survive New Zealand’s initial burst.
  • Richie Berrington struck a half-century against New Zealand in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Whether he can transfer that form across to T20Is remains to be seen. He has scored 155 runs in eight matches at Dubai at an average of 25.83 and strike rate of 146.23.
  • Michael Leask was brilliant in Scotland’s last match against Namibia. He struck 44 off 27 balls and took 2/12.
  • Josh Davey took 3/40 against New Zealand in the 2015 ODI World Cup, which included the wicket of Kane Williamson. Davey has nine wickets to his name in five matches in this T20 World Cup.

Stats and Facts

  • New Zealand and Scotland have faced off once in T20Is, back in 2009. Scotland scored 89/4 in seven overs (rain-affected game), with Kyle Coetzer scoring 33 off 15 balls. New Zealand chased the target in just six overs, with Martin Guptill, the only current New Zealand player from that match, not getting the chance to bat.
  • Scotland have won four of their eight T20Is at Dubai.
  • Calum MacLeod at Dubai: 7 inns, 144 runs, avg. 24.00.
  • New Zealand will move level with Afghanistan with a win here. Afghanistan’s net run rate (3.097) is currently much superior to New Zealand’s 0.765, so the Black Caps will be aiming for a big win here.

Possible Playing 11

Expect New Zealand to stick with the same XI.

New Zealand: 1. Daryl Mitchell, 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Devon Conway (wk), 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Adam Milne, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Ish Sodhi

Kyle Coetzer is set to return after missing the match against Namibia with a finger injury.

Scotland: 1. Kyle Coetzer (c), 2. George Munsey, 3. Calum MacLeod, 4. Richie Berrington, 5. Matt Cross (wk), 6. Michael Leask, 7. Chris Greaves, 8. Mark Watt, 9. Josh Davey, 10. Safyaan Sharif, 11. Brad Wheal

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

Chasing teams are reigning supreme on this ground. All seven matches have been won by the team batting second at Dubai, with the team batting first scoring just 126.43 on average.

This is a day game, so dew will not be a factor. Another hot and sunny day is in store.

Dream11 Prediction

Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.

Option 1:

T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Scotland Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction Today | New Zealand vs Scotland Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 32: NZ vs SCO Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Matt Cross
  • Batsmen: Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill
  • All-rounders: Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Daryl Mitchell
  • Bowlers: Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi

Match Prediction

New Zealand should prove too strong in this clash.

RANT: ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers

Nash Sant
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0
RANT: ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers

RANT: ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers | Opinion: The abuse of Indian cricketers is terrible

As the chants echo around the ground and reverberate in the minds of millions of fans around the world, all hope seems lost for 11 men on the field. 11 men who turn out to do what they know best, play cricket for their country. 

This piece may seem like an overreaction of sorts, but in this world of social media where everything is an overreaction, this can be best described as a need of the hour. The need of the hour for those millions of fans who think those 11 men do not care about them and for those 11 men who get abuse hurled at them on the field or social media.

Just because they lost two games of cricket in a year where they have found success across the seas and given their fans so much to smile about. 

ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers

When India lost the second game against New Zealand, I was nothing but disappointed. I was not angry, because having played enough cricket in my lifetime, I know how delicate the format is and how the pendulum can swing fast when things don’t go your way. 

The problem with critics today is that they will ask why India lost the game but when someone gives them a reason, they shout “EXCUSE” from the top of a cliff. It’s easy to find an excuse but it takes deep introspection and analysis to learn the reasons. 

“India does not have the right team” is an excuse. Why? Because every single one of the players donning the blue jersey is an elite athlete. Every single one of them has proved that they deserve to be there via strong performances and reputation. If you say that teams do not pick players based on reputation, then you haven’t been watching much cricket in the last 20 years.

If you had a choice to pick Hardik Pandya or Venkatesh Iyer, 9/10 people will go for Hardik Pandya, even after knowing his injuries and his recent form, just based on his reputation and the feeling that he can pull off something amazing. That does not by any means discredit Iyer as a cricketer, that simply means that he still has a long way to go to build that reputation and by the looks of it, he will get there sooner rather than later. 

RANT: ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers | Opinion: The abuse of Indian cricketers is terrible. A rant of all rants.
ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers: Hardik Pandya has produced wonderful moments before.

Do I believe cricket is a situational game? Absolutely I do and cricket is one of those sports where the phrase “horses for courses” is becoming more common as the game moves ahead. At some stage in their professional career, every player picked has gone through the numerous situations that may arise during the T20 World Cup and has found a way to deal with them. That’s what is known as the psyche of an elite athlete. 

And believe me when I say this, this psyche differs from athlete to athlete and it is not for anyone of us puny average common humans to understand until and unless we are thrusted into an environment where your entire livelihood and also for some, the safety of their family depends on those 24 balls that they will bowl to the opposition.

That’s what an elite athlete does. They find a highway when no one else can see an alley. The psyche of an elite athlete is a lot different than that of the “social media experts”.

But then again, the average common human is only rational when it suits them. Nothing sums this up better than THAT commercial ad which featured Yuvraj Singh (every Indian remembers this ad vividly) where Yuvi was famously seen saying,”Jab tak balla chalta hai, tab tak thaat hai” (Till the time your bat does the job, you have the swagger)

The hardest time to be a fan is when your team is not doing well on the field. But a true fan never wavers from his aim as a fan; to support the team COME WHAT MAY. 

Is it your right to be critical when the team does not do well? Absolutely yes. 

Are you entitled as fans to get an explanation from the players of why they lost? Yes. 

Do you reserve the right to hurl abuses and threaten anyone for their lack of performances? F**K NO

RANT: ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers | Opinion: The abuse of Indian cricketers is terrible. A rant of all rants.
ENOUGH with the online abuse to our cricketers: Youngsters coming through will get their chance.

That is not “support” in any sense. That is anger and hatred. By losing a couple of games, it does not mean that the players do not care. They care more than most others and that’s the reason they are there and not the average common human. That’s the reason their psyche qualifies to be that of an elite athlete and that’s the reason they are donning the blue jersey and are called the Men in Blue.

As opposed to some group of people who think they know cricket better because they are “fans” because they have an opinion.

During such times, when all hope seems lost (and trust me, as a 90s kid, I have seen enough of these days in Indian Cricket) all you can do is be rational, analyze the loss all you want but with constructive criticism. And in the end, all you have to know is everything in cricket is in phases. The good times and the bad times. It’s easy for us as fans to support our players when the phase is good, but now it is a bad phase for this Indian side and it is (like 2007) the most important time to let them know that they have our support.

Those chants will echo and reverberate in their minds throughout their career till the time they will don that blue jersey and even for years to come long after they retire.

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

The eyewatering dollar value of the Indian Premier League (IPL)

Tarkesh Jha
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0
The eyewatering dollar value of the Indian Premier League (IPL)

The eyewatering dollar value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) | What is the IPL worth? Looking at the huge value of the IPL

The humungous financial value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) received another booster dose as the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) sold two new franchises for a combined sum of a whopping Rs 12,715 crore (approx. US$1.7 billion) in October 2021.

RPSG Ventures Ltd, who do have previous experience in the IPL, has made a comeback with the brand new Lucknow franchise. The group shelled out a massive Rs 7090 crore (approx. US$975 million) to bag the bragging rights of the shiny new toy in town.

On the other hand, CVC Capital Partners bought the long-awaited Ahmedabad franchise for a sum of Rs 5625 crore (approx. US$754 million) through their subsidiary company Irelia Company Pvt Ltd.

CVC is a veteran in this sector and has invested previously in a number of sports like football, rugby as well as Formula One.

On the back of the successful completion of the 14th edition of the IPL, the sale of the two new franchises made a lot of noise. However, more of the talk around the whole situation was about that immense values at which the franchises were sold.

Veteran cricket journalist K Shriniwas Rao explained the finer details of the IPL’s revenue system from the franchise’s perspective very elaborately in his brilliant Twitter thread.

IPL value back in 2008 compared to the present

The eyewatering dollar values of the Indian Premier League (IPL) | What is the IPL worth? Looking at the huge values of the IPL
The value of the IPL has come a long way after some brilliant early days.

Just to put it in context, the BCCI had sold the original eight franchises back in 2008 for a collective sum of approximately Rs 2900 crore (approx. US$387 million).

Since then, the valuation of the league has increased at a remarkable rate. In terms of the most profitable leagues in the world across all sports, the IPL is high up on the list, with the National Basketball League (NBA) in its sights. That is apparent primarily from the massive enhancement in the amount at which the broadcasting rights of the league were sold.

Back in 2008, it was sold for a total sum of Rs 8200 crore (approx. US$1.1 billion) for a period of 10 years. Fast forward a decade and Star then bought the broadcast rights for five years from 2018-2022 for Rs 16347 crore (approx. US$2.19 billion).

That’s almost double the amount for exactly half the tenure than the original one.

Whether the concerned stakeholders had taken this exponential increase in the league’s value in 2008 is unclear, but there was set to be a stark improvement in their fortunes ten years later.

In fact, the title rights that were firstly sold to DLF for Rs 200 crore (approx. US$26.7 million) for the first five years were in 2017 sold to Vivo for 2018-22 for a grand sum of Rs 2200 crore (approx. US$293.8 million)!

How the central revenue pool is shared in the IPL

The eyewatering dollar values of the Indian Premier League (IPL) | What is the IPL worth? Looking at the huge values of the IPL
The BCCI has gained massively from the increased value of the IPL.

For the initial years up until the 10th season, the central revenue pool was shared in an 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 ratio between the franchises and BCCI, with the majority chunk of the amount going towards the former.

However, the same pool was set to be shared in an exact 50:50 ratio between the two boards and the franchises after the 10th campaign onward. So the board ended up gaining massively from the vast increase in valuation of the league.

So at the 50:50 ratio, the BCCI is in process of distributing an approximate figure of Rs 9570 crore (approx. US$1.23 billion) amongst eight franchises (10 for the next year) across a period of five years.

This means that Rs 1218 crore (approx. US$162.6 million) was pitted into each franchise’s quota (considering eight teams) for five seasons, meaning that each of them ended up getting somewhere around Rs 244 crore (approx. US$32.52 million) from the central revenue per year.

Now, there’s another aspect of local revenues for the teams. That is, the amount of money that they are able to raise from commercial sponsorships and ticket sales primarily. As per Mr Rao, teams end up raking in somewhere between Rs 40 crore (approx. US$5.3 million)  to Rs 70 crore (approx. US$9.47 million) from jersey sponsorships annually.

Naturally, the bigger teams, in terms of performances and following, are more fortunate with respect to the sponsors they lure. However, the above figure was perhaps taken keeping in consideration the situation that all franchises operate in. Understandably, some of them do not find great luck with respect to finding the correct jersey sponsors. 

Now, in ideal scenarios, each team makes somewhere about Rs 2.5 crore (approx. US$333,000) – Rs 3.5 crore (approx. US$467,000) from gate money, that is through ticket sales, in every game. That could be estimated to about Rs 20 crore (approx. US$2.67 million) of their earnings in an ideal IPL season when fans are allowed to flock the stadiums (pre-COVID times).

They shell out a minimal part of it (Rs 50 lakh or US$66,000 per game) to the respective state associations for hosting each game. Now, these figures may vary for sides that pull greater number of crowds or stadiums where the ticket prices are higher than that of the rest.

Overall, it appears that the franchises make about Rs 300 crore (approx. US$40 million) or somewhere near that figure annually per year under the current system. They spend Rs 90 crore (approx. US$12 million) of it during auctions, and Mr Rao’s estimates suggest that additional Rs 35 crore (approx. US$4.7 million) to Rs 50 crore (US$6.67 million) is shelled out for operational purposes each year.

Moreover, the BCCI has made a good provision for the domestic game to benefit from it by directing the franchises to pay 20 per cent of their topline revenue (gross revenue) to the board every year. The BCCI then redirects this money towards the improvement of domestic cricket.

Discounting the taxes, the franchises overall seem to be making a net profit of somewhere between Rs 145 crore (approx. US$19.3 million) to Rs 150 crore (approx. US$20 million) each year under the current circumstances. These numbers will reduce down by a bit with the addition of two new franchises next year.

Huge value expected for IPL broadcasting rights after 2022

But the entire systems will shakeup perhaps when the broadcasting and title rights are sold yet again after 2022. We have already seen the massive shakeup that happened after a revamp on these fronts post 2017. The revenue models for the sides changed, or rather improved, immensely.

The same is set to take place post 2022 as well. And it will keep happening after certain duration each time from here onwards. If you think that the current numbers surrounding the league and the franchises are crazy, the average audience is in for a shock in the coming two decades.

There will inevitably be an increase in the number of franchises, matches and thus the length of the tournament. The franchise fee is anyways to be paid in installments over a period of 10 years and that too at an interest-free manner.

The IPL hasn’t hit an upward threshold yet. Its popularity and influence is only set to broaden and grow in the coming years. The BCCI might even work to take the league to audiences that it hasn’t breached so far. There are endless possibilities and hence the influx of money in the same will continue to increase in a phased manner as well.

Gradually, the new owners will enter a more profitable phase, with several facets of the game such as aggressive merchandising for instance still being untapped. Add to that the fact that the valuation of broadcast and title rights will only rise in the future.

The IPL is a goldmine yet to be explored properly. This is only the beginning.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter

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