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T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Afghanistan Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

10 years ago, had someone told you that Pakistan vs Afghanistan would be a blockbuster match in a World Cup, you may have called them optimistic for a kinder word.

Afghanistan’s rise has been truly magnificent, and they have the chance to write another chapter in their wonderful story. Despite the volatile political situation at home, Afghanistan have continued on their journey towards becoming a strong cricketing force in the white-ball formats. And, with a win here, they will go top of the group on net run rate and put huge pressure on India and New Zealand in the process.

This has the makings of a classic against a Pakistan side that has made a strong statement so far in this World Cup. After such an impressive victory against India, Pakistan then overcame difficult situations to beat New Zealand, which is cause for optimism for a team that often relies on their wonderful opening combination.

So, there is a huge incentive for the winner today. Win and take a huge step towards the Semi Finals. Bring it on.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Afghanistan:

  • Can Mohammad Shahzad overcome the Shaheen Shah Afridi threat early? The keeper-batsman is in some good touch after striking 54 (35) in the warm up vs West Indies and 22 (15) vs Scotland.
  • Shahzad has an outstanding T20 record at Dubai. In 13 matches, Shahzad has struck 445 runs at an average of 40.50 and strike rate of 125.28. He also scored a century vs India on this ground in the ODI Asia Cup in 2018.
  • Hazratullah Zazai is also in some good touch. He scored a 35-ball 56 in the warm up vs West Indies and 44 off 30 balls vs Scotland. However, the Pakistan attack will be a different challenge.
  • Najibullah Zadran was Afghanistan’s top-scorer in their only T20I to date against Pakistan back in 2013 (38 off 30 balls). Zadran is coming into this game on the back of a 34-ball 59 against Scotland. He scored 42 (54) vs Pakistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
  • Mohammad Nabi recently took ridiculous figures of 3/2 in four overs in the warm up vs West Indies. The skipper was quiet against Scotland, but expect him to play a key role today. He took 2/21 in his only T20I vs Pakistan and a brilliant 2/23 in 10 overs in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
  • Nabi has plenty of experience in Dubai. In 18 matches, Nabi has struck 234 runs at an average of 29.25 and strike rate of 136.05. He also has 19 wickets at an economy rate of 7.08.
  • Rashid Khan loves bowling at Dubai, with 20 wickets in 15 matches at a superb economy rate of 5.01. He is yet to play a T20I vs Pakistan, but he does have four wickets in two ODIs against them.
  • Mujeeb ur Rahman destroyed Scotland, taking 5/20 at Sharjah. This will also be Mujeeb’s first T20I against Pakistan, but if he can replicate his ODI performances against them (10-1-34-2 and 10-2-33-2), we will certainly be in for another show.

Pakistan:

  • Babar Azam has struck 953 runs in 29 T20s at Dubai at an average of 35.30 and strike rate of 114.13. This includes a clinical 68* against India last weekend. Babar has scored 1,440 runs in 36 T20s this year at an average of 53.33 and strike rate of 133.95.
  • This will be Babar’s first T20I against Afghanistan. He scored 45 (51) and 66 (94) in his two ODIs against them.
  • Mohammad Rizwan is also enjoying a magnificent year. The keeper-batsman has an incredible haul of 1,574 runs in 38 matches at an average of 58.30 and strike rate of 132.83.
  • Rizwan also turned around his poor record at Dubai with a brilliant 79* off 55 balls against India last week.
  • What a knock it was by Asif Ali to get Pakistan home against New Zealand (27* off 12 balls). Can he finish things off well again if he gets the chance?
  • Mohammad Hafeez was player of the match in Pakistan’s only T20I vs Afghanistan back in 2013 with 42* off 37 balls. He has a modest record at Dubai with 679 runs in 38 matches at an average of 21.90 and strike rate of 110.59. He also has 15 wickets, and could be key today against Afghanistan’s left-handers.
  • Haris Rauf is in fine form. The pacer played a key role in limiting India’s progress and was then player of the match against NZ thanks to a brilliant spell of 4/22. Rauf has nine wickets in six matches at Dubai at an economy rate of just 6.43.
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi will be one to watch, as always. He has taken 21 wickets in his first over in T20I cricket, so watch out Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai. No other bowler has taken more than 13 in the same period (since February 2018).
  • Afridi took 3/32 vs India on this ground, part of 18 wickets in 12 matches in total. Mitchell Starc also found swing yesterday vs Sri Lanka.
  • Hasan Ali has taken 27 wickets in 22 matches at Dubai at an economy rate of 8.03.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 1, Pakistan 1, Afghanistan 0.
  • Rashid Khan is one wicket away from 100 in T20Is. Only Shakib Al Hasan, Lasith Malinga and Tim Southee have reached this mark.
  • Hazratullah Zazai has an excellent record in PSL cricket: 212 runs at a strike rate of 185.96 in only five innings.
  • Imad Wasim was player of the match against Afghanistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup: 2/48 and 49* off 54 balls.

Possible Playing 11

Afghanistan should stick to the same XI that smashed Scotland by 130 runs.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi (c), 6. Asghar Afghan, 7. Gulbadin Naib, 8. Karim Jannat, 9. Rashid Khan, 10. Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Pakistan should also stick to the same XI, pending Imad Wasim’s fitness.

Pakistan: 1. Babar Azam (c), 2. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Haris Rauf, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

Chasing teams are dominating on this ground. Such teams have won 13 of the last 17 on this ground, including an easy seven-wicket win for Australia against Sri Lanka.

Expect the captain who wins the toss to select chasing. There is likely to be dew 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 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Afghanistan Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Afghanistan Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 24: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan
  • Batsmen: Babar Azam, Najibullah Zadran
  • All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Imad Wasim
  • Bowlers: Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman

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

Match Prediction

Afghanistan have challenged Pakistan in each of their three internationals so far. Expect them to be competitive again, but Pakistan’s batting should have enough runs in them to win, especially if they bat second.

T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Bangladesh Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

It’s must-win territory as arguably the two most disappointing teams of the T20 World Cup meet in a crunch clash at Sharjah.

More was certainly expected of West Indies who have not got going whatsoever, resulting in two convincing defeats against England and South Africa respectively. Similar can be said of Bangladesh, who came into the tournament as the sixth-ranked T20I side and on a high thanks to series wins at home against Australia and New Zealand.

However, Bangladesh have been unable to adjust to the UAE conditions, with their latest performance a horror show against England. With the Sharjah track proving to be a lot better for batting in the Super 12s stage, Bangladesh will have to use all their skills to stop a Windies side that still has a very high ceiling.

But, how much longer will we talk about West Indies’ ‘potential’ instead of their actual output? They have been mighty poor in this tournament, and time is fast running out to turn it around given England and Australia’s form, as well as their horrific net run rate.

Who will better handle the pressure?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

West Indies:

  • Evin Lewis has a score of 89 against Bangladesh, but just 22 runs in his other four innings against them. Lewis has looked in dangerous touch, with his latest effort a 35-ball 56 against South Africa.
  • Chris Gayle to open? Opener is clearly Gayle’s best position. Gayle has enjoyed success batting at Sharjah, with 505 runs in 16 matches at an average of 31.56 and strike rate of 149.85.
  • Could this be the day Nicholas Pooran finds form? He was looking promising against South Africa (12 off 7 balls), but again got himself dismissed before facing 10 deliveries. If he can get past that mark today, watch out.
  • Pooran, however, has a sub-par record at Sharjah (6 inns, 45 runs, avg. 15.00, SR 173). He will also be looking to build on his record against Bangladesh: 3 inns, 66 runs, avg. 33.00, SR 140.43.
  • Kieron Pollard has smashed 271 runs in 16 matches at Sharjah at an average of 33.88 and strike rate of 153.11. In fact, Pollard has scored 221 runs at a strike rate of 171.32 with 22 sixes in his last seven matches at Sharjah. He looked to be one of the Windies’ most fluent players against South Africa with 26 off 20 balls.
  • It’s time for Andre Russell to step up in a time of need. The all-rounder has scored 104 runs against Bangladesh at an average of 26.00 and strike rate of 160.00. However, he has historically struggled at Sharjah with 97 runs in 12 innings at an average of 9.70. Can he turn this around?
  • Dwayne Bravo didn’t take a single wicket in his three matches against Bangladesh between 2007 and 2014. However, Bravo is having a strong year (39 wickets in 38 matches, econ. 7.70), and can look to expose Bangladesh’s weaknesses at the death.
  • Akeal Hosein continues to be impressive up front for the Windies. He has three wickets in two matches so far in the tournament.

Bangladesh:

  • It was a quiet outing for Shakib Al Hasan against England, so Bangladesh will be hoping the star all-rounder is back at his best today. He comfortably has the most wickets in BAN-WI T20Is (19 in 10 matches, avg. 13.16), and has scored 236 runs at an average of 26.22 and strike rate of 141.32.
  • Skipper Mahmudullah has a fine record against the Windies in T20Is: 232 runs, avg. 46.40, HS 64, SR 126.09. He also has six wickets in six innings, so don’t be surprised if he bowls an over or two here with a number of left-handers in the Windies’ lineup.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim struck a superb half-century on this ground against Sri Lanka last weekend. However, Mushfiqur will be aiming to improve on a poor record vs West Indies that reads: 9 inns, 104 runs, avg. 13.00, SR 107.22.
  • Mushfiqur has struggled against legspin in T20I cricket (11 dismissals, avg. 17, SR 101.6). So, the Windies could look to use Hayden Walsh Jr against him.
  • Mustafizur Rahman has a good wicket-taking record against West Indies, with 13 wickets in just six matches at an average of 15.15. He is expensive (10.84), so he will be looking to bring that economy rate down.
  • Mustafizur is wicketless in his last three matches and has taken just two wickets in five matches at Sharjah at an economy rate of 8.74.
  • Shoriful Islam has taken 18 wickets in 12 T20Is at an average of 17.83. He has taken at least one wicket in each of his last 11 T20Is.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 12, West Indies 6, Bangladesh 5, N/R 1.
  • Bangladesh have scored at just 6.23 runs per over in the powerplay in all T20Is this year. This is the second-lowest among all teams who have played at least 10 matches in 2021.
  • Evin Lewis smashed 89 off 36 balls in his last T20I vs Bangladesh, back in December 2018. He has scored 155 runs at a strike rate of 170.32 against left-arm spin since 2020 (three dismissals).
  • Ravi Rampaul has taken four wickets in two T20Is vs Bangladesh, and recently took 19 wickets in 10 matches in the CPL.
  • Mohammad Naim is Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer in T20Is this year: 482 runs, avg. 25.36, SR 103.43.

Possible Playing 11

It will be a surprise if West Indies pick Lendl Simmons after his recent form which includes a painful 35-ball 16 against South Africa. Jason Holder is also a chance of playing given Obed McCoy is out injured.

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

Bangladesh could look at picking Soumya Sarkar ahead of the out-of-form Liton Das. However, Soumya himself is not in the best form either.

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

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

The Sharjah surface looks better for batting in the Super 12s. Sri Lanka chased 172 vs Bangladesh, Afghanistan smashed 190 vs Scotland and Pakistan were able to chase down New Zealand’s 134 despite looking in quite a deal of trouble. West Indies, if they get going today, have the potential to post a big score.

A very hot afternoon is forecast, as is always the case.

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 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Bangladesh Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs WI Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Bangladesh Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 23: WI vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Mushfiqur Rahim
  • Batsmen: Evin Lewis, Mahmudullah
  • All-rounders: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Shakib Al Hasan
  • Bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman, Akeal Hosein

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

Match Prediction

Chasing teams have dominated in this T20 World Cup. In this one, West Indies have greater run-scoring potential, so they should win this match.

Can India bounce back after such a defeat against Pakistan?

Tarkesh Jha
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Can India bounce back after such a defeat against Pakistan?

Cricket News: Can India bounce back after such a defeat against Pakistan? | Looking at India’s defeat against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup

The World T20 2021 started on the strikingly disappointing note for India as the Virat Kohli-led side succumbed to a defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening game.

For India, a loss against any other team is merely a cricketing setback. But against Pakistan it brings along several untoward consequences considering the troubled history that the two countries share.

It becomes much bigger than merely a game of cricket. It becomes a clash of civilizations that share a combined history, thus adjoining a much greater significance to the entire setup.

Fans eagerly wait for the encounter and the fact that it takes place only in ICC tournaments means that the stakes are obviously always higher than ever.

In such circumstances, for the Indian team to be defeated as comprehensively as they were is bound to evoke some edging reactions from across the country.

As it is, the social media has given a voice to the voiceless. Someone who would have thought twice before passing an arguably harsh comment against any personality now goes around tweeting the same in abundance, hiding behind the anonymity offered by such networking websites.

Nevertheless, regardless of the humungous importance of this game, at the end of the day result of the match is eventually determined by how a team carries out its responsibilities on the field.

India was outplayed against Pakistan

Sure, there’s that point over holding your nerve through delicate situations but the Indian team was outplayed rather than outmaneuvered in key moments.

Pakistan held control over the proceedings right from the offset. The bowling plans were there in place, with Shaheen Afridi executing them to perfection.

The opening burst that culminated in the departure of the Indian openers was followed with an equally disciplined approach in the middle-overs.

Hassan Ali did not have the best of days on the field, but he produced one particular moment of brilliance, that tinge of outswing in the powerplay that Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t pick and hence had to walk back to the pavilion too.

The spin twins of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim were consistent in their efforts too, hardly giving the Indian batsmen a phase to get hold of the proceedings and walk away with the game.

For instance, Rishabh Pant looked to have set a platform to accelerate as he hit a couple of maximums of Shadab. The leg-spinner ended up dismissing him the very same over. Hardik Pandya looked set to explode and help India attain around 20 runs above the par score in the final over but he didn’t last for the entire length of the innings either.

The only reason India stayed throughout the game was because of the genius of Virat Kohli, who not only weathered the early storm but also anchored the innings through the middle overs. Unfortunately, even he departed during a crunch moment when India could have really imploded the innings and gotten themselves a good total.

India have questions to answer with the ball

The more disappointing aspect was the bowling from India, though. There was perhaps ample time to observe the Pakistani bowlers and devise what works best on the pitch. The Pakistani pacers were excellent in varying the pace of the ball regularly towards the end of the innings. But they kept the speed high in the early part of the innings to extract some movement off the surface.

However, the Indian pacers, namely Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled at a very minimal pace right from the beginning.

This obstructed them from producing any incisiveness to trouble the Pakistani openers. Mohammed Shami’s outing was dismal mainly because he seemed to be bowling at the stumps throughout his spells, though it had appeared early on that the approach wasn’t delivering the desired outcomes.

Maybe India could have taken a more proactive approach in the beginning, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to bowl his initial couple of overs early on and repeating the same with Varun Chakravarthy as well. Bhuvneshwar too could have arguably enticed the Pakistani batsmen to play their drives more. Or maybe the dew along with the moisture on the track prevented them from going after the aforementioned plans, one will never know.

What one does know is that the defeat of the team that day was driven mainly by on-field factors, which is slated to happen once in a while every time in competitive sports. The fact that it occurred against arch-rivals whom India had never lost against in the World Cup is surely devastating, but such is sport and there is a necessity to move ahead from the same to effectively counter the coming challenges.

“If you are proud of the fact that we won 11-0 then there is another reality that we will lose at some point in time. Maybe we will lose today, maybe after 20 years or maybe after 50 years. But you know this can’t happen that you’ll always keep winning).”

These were the words of MS Dhoni after he captained the Indian team to a victory against Pakistan in the 2016 World T20 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

If a skipper who led India to seven consecutive victories against Pakistan in World Cups can maintain this humility and such a realistic outlook, then why can we fans not try and imbibe some of these same attributes?

Of course, fans are driven by passion and passion is more or less unhindered, stimulated by emotions and blind to rationality at times. But, the art of keeping ones emotions in check to critically examine the game should not be lost in the meanwhile.

Success in top-tier sports requires one to detach themselves from the results and constantly improve upon their drawbacks by keeping a composed head at all times. The Indian team will surely do that and better results are surely on the way in the coming games.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter

IND vs NZ T20 World Cup: 4 major talking points

Debashish Sarangi
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IND vs NZ T20 World Cup: 4 major talking points

Cricket News: IND vs NZ T20 World Cup: 4 major talking points | India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup: who will win

The seventh edition of the biggest carnival of T20 cricket, the ICC T20 World Cup has commenced in a grand fashion the United Arab Emirates.

Before the start of the tournament, a majority of the experts had predicted an Indian victory against Pakistan. But, surprising many, Pakistan defeated India for the very first time in a World Cup game by playing some outstanding cricket. They further went on to defeat New Zealand at Sharjah and thus currently are sitting on top of the table in the second group.

Therefore, the clash between India and New Zealand in Dubai is vital as both would like to open their account in the points table. There are a few key points to be discussed ahead of this face-off. Let’s have a look at them.  

1. Toss will be crucial

If we look the recent history of Dubai, the chasing teams have won the game on all three occasions in this World Cup. The presence of dew in the second half made life difficult for Indian bowlers against Pakistan. On the other hand, the Pakistani batters felt more comfortable while batting under the wet conditions as the ball was coming nicely onto the bat off the dryish surface. Therefore, the toss is definitely going to play a big role and both the teams would like to bowl first in Dubai.

2. Who will step up for India with the ball?

The Indian bowlers failed to fetch a single wicket in the last game against Pakistan, which was really disappointing for the Indian fans. In the same game, Pakistan took three important wickets inside the powerplay itself which played a crucial hand in restricting India to a modest total of 151.

But the Indian opening bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami didn’t seem threatening at all. They weren’t consistent with the line and length and therefore couldn’t put an iota of pressure on the Pakistani openers. Shardul Thakur might come in place of one between these two bowlers.

Importantly, he picked 16 wickets from just 9 games (including 9 wickets in Dubai) in the second phase of IPL 2021. Further, in the spin department, Varun Chakravarthy looked very ordinary and therefore might be replaced by the experienced R Ashwin.

3. India should be very careful against the Kiwi attack

We have got enough evidence of the discomfort that the Indian top order goes through while playing the moving ball; the game against Pakistan being the most recent one. If we talk about the New Zealand bowling, they have some really brilliant operators of the new ball including the experienced duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

Looking at the way Shaheen Afridi rattled the Indian top order with the new ball some days ago, it can be inferred that Trent Boult could be the biggest weapon for New Zealand to deal in the powerplay. Also, they might get tempted to include Kyle Jamieson in the playing XI considering the trouble he has caused to the Indian batters in recent times.

4. The curious case of Hardik Pandya

One of the biggest concerns for India at the moment is the batting form of Hardik Pandya. After having a great T20I series down under, Hardik is currently going through a lean patch with the bat. His performances were nothing short of horrible in the T20I series against England and Sri Lanka, as well as the second phase of IPL 2021.

Also, as Hardik is not contributing with the ball, he is certainly becoming a liability on the team. So, if they decide to bench Hardik (which is less likely as they are backing him), they probably will go with an extra batter in Ishan Kishan as a like-for-like replacement. This will add an extra LHB option, which might work well especially against the spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner.

These are some major talking points ahead of this crucial encounter between India and New Zealand. Both these teams have some extraordinary T20 players and we can certainly expect a nail-biter on Sunday. 

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today

10 fun cricket facts you might not have known

Charbel Coorey
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10 fun cricket facts you might not have known

10 fun cricket facts you might not have known | Some fun and interesting cricket facts that you might not have known previously

Even if you’re not too familiar with cricket, one common theme is that it seems to go on forever. Whether you spent your youth playing “kwik” cricket or you’re an avid follower of the sport, cricket is woven throughout the DNA of hardcore fans around the globe.

For example, it’s almost as important to many Brits as football, so its relevance to British popular culture can’t be overstated. With such a long and storied history, there will be plenty of cricket facts you may have overlooked.

Here are 10 of our favourite cricket facts!

1. The longest ever cricket match lasted 12 days

You’ve probably heard some of the jokes in the UK about how cricket matches last a long time. Even if you’ve watched a cricket game unfold over a couple of days, though, you haven’t come anywhere near close to watching the longest match ever recorded. That honour goes to the England-South Africa Test match in 1939, which lasted an astonishing 12 days and still concluded without a clear winner. That’s either riveting or stultifying, depending on who you ask!

2. There are cricket commentators who never played T20 cricket

T20 cricket is essentially the future when it comes to competitive versions of the sport. It’s a truncated version of the standard cricket game in which each team only gets one innings, with a maximum number of 20 overs allowed. Despite the ubiquity of this form of cricket, though, many of its current commentators never got a chance to play it. In an interview with Betway, commentator Ian Bishop says that although he was initially frustrated by it, he now considers it just as “pure” as other cricket formats.

3. The first England Cricket World Cup was won by the women’s side

The inaugural Cricket World Cup (known today as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup) was held in 1975, but two years before that, the women’s World Cup took place. The England women’s cricket team actually took home the trophy, smashing Australia with a winning score of 279/3.

4. 111 is widely considered to be an unlucky score

10 fun cricket facts you might not have known: Stumps look like ‘111’

You’d think that achieving a score of 111 runs would be something to celebrate, wouldn’t you? However, many cricket players – especially those who are particularly superstitious – regard this score as bad luck. 111 resembles the wickets and stumps in cricket, so many view this score as a bad omen of things to come. Obviously, this has never been substantiated, because there really is no such thing as a “bad omen”. Still, it’s pretty spooky, no?

5. The phrase “good innings” comes from cricket

Have you ever heard the British idiom “good innings”, as in “he had a good innings”? That phrase originates from cricket. The idiom means that someone had a good try at something or lasted for a good amount of time, and it derives from a player’s “innings” in cricket, in which they’re able to score a high amount of runs as a batsman. The next time you use the phrase “good innings”, give some thought to its origins in the world of cricket!

6. Only one player has hit a six from the first ball of a Test match

Test cricket refers to the highest level of play internationally, with only certain teams achieving the coveted “Test status” needed to play at this level. To this day, only a single batsman has managed to hit a six from the first ball bowled at a Test match, and that’s West Indies batsman Chris Gayle. The West Indies went on to win the game against Bangladesh, of course; with a force of nature like Gayle wielding the bat, there was pretty much no way they could lose…

7. The greatest Test cricket upset happened in 1952

Way back in 1952, Australia faced off against South Africa in Melbourne in a game of Test cricket. South Africa were not looking like the favourites at the game’s outset; they were weak and untested and had only scored a single win during their last ten Test games. Despite these handicaps, South Africa emerged with a 373-run total and a 13-wicket score. Numbers-wise, this is arguably the single greatest Test cricket upset in history.

8. The highest number of Test runs sits at over 15,000

Top 5 Batting Performances at the MCG in BGT Matches | Looking back at the best batting performances in Border-Gavaskar Trophy at MCG
10 fun cricket facts you might not have known: Sachin Tendulkar is the highest-ever Test run-scorer.

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar currently has the record for the highest number of Test runs in history. He’s managed to rack up an incredible 15,921 runs across 200 matches, making him an incredibly formidable force at the wicket. Runners-up include Australia’s Ricky Ponting, who scored 13,378, and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, who managed 13,289. As you can tell, Tendulkar is miles above both of these players, so hats off to him!

9. The two most common reasons for pausing a game are pretty obvious

We wish we had something more quirky and out-there to relate when it comes to the two main reasons for either pausing or postponing a cricket game. However, the actual answer to this question is probably a lot more mundane than you’d like. That’s right: cricket games are most often suspended or paused for bad light or for rain. It makes sense; after all, it’s hard for players to see in front of them or play to their usual standard if the rain is bad. Still, we’d have liked something a little more outlandish.

10. Cricket was at the Olympic Games precisely once

If you’ve ever wondered why they don’t play cricket at the Olympic Games, they did, but only once. The 1900 Olympic Games played host to cricket after the sport was originally due to appear at the 1896 Games, but was withdrawn due to a lack of interest (no, really). Only two countries fielded teams for the 1900 Olympics: the UK, which was hosting the competition, and France. As you might expect, given that France isn’t a nation known for its cricketing prowess, England won.           

T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

With West Indies and Bangladesh struggling badly, and South Africa dealing with internal issues, a great opportunity awaits Australia and Sri Lanka. Both sides won their respective first matches in contrasting fashion, as Australia crawled to their target of 119 against South Africa and Sri Lanka stormed to 172 against Bangladesh.

The action moves to Dubai with the quest to continue the momentum. Australia bowled well against South Africa, but questions around their batting remain. The form of their top three – particularly openers David Warner and Aaron Finch – is a worry, and Sri Lanka’s in-form pace attack is sure to test their mettle. However, a positive was Australia’s finishing courtesy of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade, and they will be after more of the same.

So will Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka, who was yet to find his feet in T20 cricket, was outstanding against Bangladesh. As was Bhanuka Rajapaksa. They are playing with confidence and come into this match on the back of four straight wins in the tournament. One feels their best chance today is making inroads into an Australian batting lineup that isn’t at its best, so an interesting battle awaits.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • Much is made of David Warner’s form, and rightly so given his stature in white-ball cricket. He has a wonderful T20I record against Sri Lanka, with 447 runs in 12 matches at an average of 55.88 and strike rate of 136.70. This includes a century.
  • Warner also enjoys batting at Dubai, with 536 runs in 15 matches at an average of 41.23 and strike rate of 134.00. However, this Sri Lankan side is fast-improving, so Warner will need to be at his best.
  • Aaron Finch is also in need of runs. The skipper has a modest record vs Sri Lanka (217 runs, avg. 27.13, SR 147.62) and a similar modest record at Dubai (258 runs, avg. 23.45, SR 118.35).
  • Glenn Maxwell has an extraordinary T20I record against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has smashed 281 runs in four innings against them at an average of 140.50 and strike rate of 224.80. Also, Maxwell struck three half-centuries in three matches in the recent IPL.
  • Steve Smith is the glue that holds this batting lineup together. The star batsman is coming off a hard-fought 34-ball 35 against South Africa. However, Smith will be out to improve on a poor T20 record at Dubai: 8 inns, 111 runs, avg. 13.88, SR 113.27. This will be his first T20I against Sri Lanka.
  • Adam Zampa has the most wickets in Australia-Sri Lanka T20Is. The leg-spinner has taken an impressive haul of 14 scalps in seven matches at an average of 11.29 and economy rate of 5.64.
  • Josh Hazlewood is in irresistible form. The pace bowler took 2/19 vs South Africa, including 2/1 in his first two overs in the powerplay. He took figures of 2/29, 2/29, 0/22 and 1/27 in matches at Dubai in the recent IPL.

Sri Lanka:

  • Charith Asalanka was an excellent addition to Sri Lanka’s ODI team earlier this year. Now, he has made his first big impact in T20Is after a player of the match 80* off 49 balls against Bangladesh.
  • Kusal Perera has scored the most runs against Australia of any current Sri Lankan player (174, avg. 24.86, SR 121.68). However, he continues to struggle for form this year: 9 inns, 168 runs, avg. 21.00, SR 111.25.
  • Perera has struck 99 runs in two T20s at Dubai at an average of 49.50 and strike rate of 132.00.
  • It has been all or nothing for Bhanuka Rajapaksa in recent matches. He has scored 0, 2, 42*, 1 and 53 in his last five white-ball matches, so the key is getting a start.
  • Avishka Fernando has scored 0, 2* and 0 in his last three matches. This is after he enjoyed a good run of form with scores of 83*, 33, 62*, 61 and 30* in his previous five outings. Can he rediscover that form here?
  • Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless against Bangladesh, but he will be key against an Australia side that is questionable against spin. He has taken 26 wickets in 16 T20Is this year at an average of 12.96 and economy rate of 5.52.
  • Lahiru Kumara is enjoying an excellent T20 World Cup. He has taken eight wickets so far at an average of 8.37 and economy rate of 4.62. He was very expensive in his only T20I against Australia, taking 1/49 back in 2019.
  • If Maheesh Theekshana is fit, it will be a big boost for Sri Lanka. The spinner has eight wickets at 5.62 and economy rate of just 5.00 in the tournament.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, Australia 8, Sri Lanka 8.
  • Australia have won the last four matches against Sri Lanka, including an easy 3-0 sweep at home in 2019.
  • Mitchell Starc has taken nine wickets in six T20Is vs Sri Lanka (avg. 18, econ. 6.75). Pat Cummins is not far behind with eight wickets in six matches (avg. 19.50, econ. 7.09).
  • Glenn Maxwell has dismissed Kusal Perera twice in 13 deliveries in T20Is.

Possible Playing 11

Australia should look at playing the same XI that beat Sri Lanka.

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

If Maheesh Theekshana is fit, he will likely slot in for Binura Fernando.

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

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

Batting second is the way to go in Dubai. The chasing team has won all three matches so far on this ground in the T20 World Cup.

The average first innings score in the recent IPL was 156.23, with CSK chasing 173 and then posting 192 themselves in the crunch matches.

Teams batting second have won 12 of the last 16 matches on this ground. Expect the captain who wins the toss to chase given there is likely to be dew.

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 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs Sri Lanka Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 22: AUS vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Kusal Perera
  • Batsmen: Steve Smith, Charith Asalanka
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Lahiru Kumara

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

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka are playing good cricket, so they should definitely not be taken lightly. Australia with their bowling attack start as favourites, but this one could come down to who bats second.

“Best thing for my cricket has been the IPL” – Marcus Stoinis

Charbel Coorey
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“Best thing for my cricket has been the IPL” – Marcus Stoinis

Cricket News: “Best thing for my cricket has been the IPL” – Marcus Stoinis | Stoinis interview with The Grade Cricketer during T20 WC

Marcus Stoinis, Australia’s all-rounder who led the team to a crucial victory over South Africa, has said that the IPL has had a profound impact on his game.

In an interview The Grade Cricketer, Stoinis said that the IPL has been the best thing for his cricket. The kind of quality around him in the Delhi Capitals camp and the experience of playing in high-pressure situations has helped Stoinis improve as a player.

“It’s honestly probably been the best thing for my cricket has been the IPL”, Stoinis said. “The people you get to talk to, the people who come through your room to get a coffee. When you’ve got that kind of respect for people, you realise how good people are at the things that they do.”

Stoinis also spoke about the experience of talking to superstars of the game, namely Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. Sharma and Dhoni have won nine IPL Titles between them, so the experience has been invaluable for the all-rounder.

“Talking to Rishabh about what he does, there’s no flukes there with these people,” said Stoinis. “I remember we played against Mumbai, I made sure I went and spoke to Rohit. We played against Chennai, and after the game, because I know Stephen Fleming the coach, I sat down with MS.”

“As soon as you put your own little ego away and you start to be willing to ask some questions, get feedback and other people’s perspectives; otherwise we wouldn’t be able to talk to these people if we are in our little bubbles in Australia and you put the guard up and think you know everything.”

“That is by far the best part of the IPL.”

Coming into the T20 World Cup, a concern for Australia was their finishing. However, Stoinis has been in terrific touch after slamming 41* off 25 balls in a warm up vs India followed by a 16-ball 24* to see Australia home in a low-scoring match against South Africa.

Australia play Sri Lanka tonight in a match that can take Aaron Finch’s team a big step closer to the Semi Finals.

T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | Scotland vs Namibia Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Two Associate nations do battle in the T20 World Cup, and it is terrific to see. Five days after Namibia produced a wonderful performance against Ireland to seal their passage to the Super 12s, Gerhard Erasmus’ team have a wonderful opportunity to start the second part of their campaign with a win.

Scotland are hurt. They were strong in the first round of the tournament, but a 130-run hammering at the hands of Afghanistan takes some recovering from. Like Namibia, Scotland will look at this match as a winnable one ahead of matches against more established opponents, so it is crucial they get on the board here.

These two sides met in two T20s recently, each winning a match. This has the makings of a very competitive matchup, and with plenty at stake, both sides will be looking to make the most of this opportunity. The fact that two Associate sides do battle in front a global audience in a World Cup is cause for celebration on its own, and producing a strong performance is cause for even bigger celebration.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Scotland:

  • Richie Berrington has the most runs for any Scotland player against Namibia. Berrington has scored 228 runs in eight matches against them at an average of 28.50 and strike rate of 129.57.
  • Berrington was strong in his two recent matches vs Namibia, scoring 61 (46) and 25 (21). Also, Berrington has a solid record at Abu Dhabi, with 156 runs in six matches at an average of 39.00 and strike rate of 135.65.
  • Calum MacLeod is not far behind Berrington in terms of runs against Namibia (187 runs, avg. 26.71, SR 129.86). He has scored 89 runs in four matches at Abu Dhabi at an average of 22.50 and strike rate of 145.90.
  • George Munsey has made four starts in this tournament (29, 15, 20, 26), and has two double-figure scores in official T20Is vs Namibia (17 and 11). Can Munsey go on with a start today?
  • Safyaan Sharif has taken the most wickets in Scotland-Namibia T20Is, with 10 scalps in seven matches at an average of 16.40. Sharif will be key at the death – an area where Namibia have been excellent in this tournament.
  • Josh Davey has taken nine wickets in four matches in this tournament, and has three wickets in two matches vs Namibia at an average of 21.33. Mark Watt also has three wickets in two matches vs Namibia at an average of 14.33 and economy of 5.33.

Namibia:

  • What an addition David Wiese has been to the Namibia team. The all-rounder has smashed 100 runs in the tournament so far at an average of 100.00 and strike rate of 163.93. He also has three wickets at an economy rate of just 6.50.
  • Craig Williams loves playing against Scotland. The top order batsman has the most runs in Namibia-Scotland matches with 276 at an average of 34.50 and strike rate of 160.47, including scores of 50 (37) and 80 (51) in their two recent T20s.
  • However, Williams will be aiming to improve his record at Abu Dhabi that currently reads: 8 inns, 155 runs, avg. 19.38, SR 106.90.
  • What a knock skipper Gerhard Erasmus played last week against Ireland (53*). Can he improve his record at Abu Dhabi? He has scored just the 77 runs in six matches on this ground at an average of 12.83.
  • JJ Smit will be key to Namibia’s finishing. He scored 20* (17) and 26* (15) in the recent T20s vs Scotland. Also, he took 1/19 and 1/26 respectively in those games.
  • Jan Frylinck has taken four wickets in two T20I matches against Scotland at an average of 9.75 and economy rate of 4.88.
  • Bernard Scholtz has taken the most wickets of any current Namibian squad member against Scotland, with seven scalps in just four T20Is at an average of 16.57 and economy rate of 8.29.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 8, Scotland 4, Namibia 4.
  • On October 9, Namibia (138/5) beat Scotland (137/8) by five wickets in an official T20I. Craig Williams was player of the match. In a T20 WC warm up five days later, Scotland (203/7) bounced back to win by 19 runs. George Munsey scored a 41-ball 67 and Matthew Cross scored a 33-ball 57.
  • David Wiese has struck seven sixes so far in this tournament.

Possible Playing 11

Despite the heavy defeat to Afghanistan, Scotland should look at playing the same XI.

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

Namibia should also look to play the same XI that toppled Ireland last weekend.

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

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Expect the captain who wins the toss to bowl first. Dew is likely to play a factor once again.

The chasing team also had more success in the recent IPL, winning five of the eight matches. The average first innings score was 159 in IPL 2021, so the team batting first will be looking to cross that mark.

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 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | Scotland vs Namibia Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction Today | Scotland vs Namibia Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 21: SCO vs NAM Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Matthew Cross
  • Batsmen: Craig Williams, George Munsey
  • All-rounders: David Wiese, Jan Frylinck, Richie Berrington
  • Bowlers: Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif

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

Match Prediction

This has the makings of a competitive match. The trend of chasing teams winning could prove to be the case here again, especially given Namibia have chased well in this tournament.

T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Bangladesh Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Bangladesh enjoyed their best ever run of form in T20I cricket in the lead up to the T20 World Cup, which saw them jump up to sixth in the rankings and confidence rise with each and every match.

However, they have made a rocky start in each of the two stages of this World Cup. First, they lost in dramatic fashion to Scotland, of which they were able to recover from with wins against Oman and PNG. Next, they lost against Sri Lanka despite putting 171 on the board courtesy of some questionable decision making under pressure. And now, bouncing back from such a defeat will be much tougher against an England side that is one of the contenders for the tournament.

Concerns about Bangladesh have come to fruition so far. They beat Australia and New Zealand in very specific conditions at home, and weren’t put under a great deal of pressure in the process. When the pressure was on against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh didn’t seem to respond effectively, which saw the game slip away. Now, they must bounce back quickly as two straight defeats almost puts you out of Semi Finals contention in such a tough group.

For England, they will be looking to build on their demolition of the West Indies. Given they have such a huge net run rate, another strong performance here can be a major step towards the Semi Finals. Incredibly, England have never played Bangladesh in a T20I, but you can be sure that Eoin Morgan’s team will look to put the Tigers under pressure early and see what Mahmudullah’s team responds with.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Jos Buttler loves batting at Abu Dhabi. In six T20s on this ground, Buttler has struck 193 runs at an average of 63.67 and strike rate of 149.22. He was also the England batsman who looked most assured against West Indies, finishing with 24* off 22 balls.
  • Jonny Bairstow missed out against West Indies (7), but he looked in good touch in the warm up matches (49 off 36 balls and 30 off 21 balls). Bairstow will be looking to build on his record at Abu Dhabi that reads: 4 inns, 97 runs, avg. 24.25, SR 103.19.
  • Bairstow is enjoying a fine year in short-form cricket. The right-hander has struck 891 runs in 25 matches at an average of 42.43 and strike rate of 151.02.
  • Liam Livingstone, despite some poor recent form, still has some great overall short-form numbers for the year: 1,256 runs, avg. 38.06, SR 154.68. He has the potential to find form today against a Bangladesh attack that struggled at the death against Sri Lanka.
  • Moeen Ali was player of the match against West Indies with his 2/17. Bangladesh will have at least two left-handers in their top three (Naim and Shakib), so expect Moeen to bowl up front again.
  • Moeen is also coming off a successful IPL campaign with CSK scoring 357 runs at an average of 25.50 and strike rate of 137.30. He also struck 43* off 20 balls in the recent warm up vs India. It will be interesting to see where England uses Moeen in the batting order.
  • Adil Rashid took incredible figures of 4/2 vs West Indies. He also took 3/18 in the warm up vs New Zealand. Rashid will be looking to replicate his ODI form vs Bangladesh (11 wickets in four matches at an average of 19) in the T20I format.

Bangladesh:

  • Mohammad Naim, who is coming off a 52-ball 62 vs Sri Lanka, has the most T20I runs for Bangladesh this year. The opener has scored 477 runs in 2021 at an average of 26.50 and strike rate of 103.92.
  • Shakib Al Hasan wasn’t in the runs vs Sri Lanka (10), but he was a factor with the ball once again (2/17). He has the most wickets so far in the tournament (11), along with the third-most runs (118).
  • Mushfiqur Rahim came back into form with a superb 37-ball 57* vs Sri Lanka. Mushfiqur has a good record vs England in ODIs (485 runs, avg. 44.09), so he will be looking to transfer this into the T20I format.
  • Mahmdullah also a good record vs England in ODIs (394 runs, avg. 39.40). Also, the skipper will be key as the team’s finisher, and has the second-most runs for Bangladesh in T20Is this year (396, avg. 26.40, SR 111.23).
  • Mustafizur Rahman went wicketless against Sri Lanka (0/22), but his wicket-taking potential remains. He has the second-most T20I wickets for Bangladesh this year (24, avg. 14.62, econ. 6.36).
  • Mahedi Hasan (0/30) also went wicketless vs Sri Lanka. Mahedi was excellent in the first stage of the tournament, taking five wickets in three matches. He will be key in keeping the England batsmen quiet in the middle overs.
Which players have scored a century in T20s for England? | The four players with a T20 century for England in men's T20s.
T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction: Jos Buttler.

Stats and Facts

  • This will be the first ever meeting between England and Bangladesh in a T20 International.
  • Jason Roy took a liking to the Bangladesh attack in the 2019 ODI World Cup. He struck 153 against them.
  • Chris Woakes has struggled vs Bangladesh in ODI cricket (two wickets in six matches at an average of 139.50). Will he have a better time of things in the T20 format?
  • Mushfiqur Rahim’s 50 vs Sri Lanka was his first half-century in 29 T20 World Cup matches. Can he back it up with another?

Possible Playing 11

England could look to stick with the same XI that thrashed West Indies. It remains to be seen if Mark Wood is fit enough after missing the first Super 12s match.

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

Mohammad Saifuddin has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Taskin Ahmed is likely to slot in his place. Bangladesh also have the option of wicket-taking left-arm seamer Shoriful Islam.

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

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

There has been one match played at Abu Dhabi so far in this World Cup. South Africa crawled to 118/9 before Australia fought their way to the target with three balls remaining. There was pace and bounce for the seamers, along with turn for the spinners.

The chasing team also had more success in the recent IPL, winning five of the eight matches. The average first innings score was 159 in IPL 2021, so the team batting first will be looking to cross that mark.

This is a day game in Abu Dhabi, which will test the players. A top of about 33 degrees 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 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Bangladesh Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Bangladesh Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
T20 WC 2021 Match 20: ENG vs BAN Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Mushfiqur Rahim
  • Batsmen: Mahmudullah, Jason Roy
  • All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali
  • Bowlers: Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Mustafizur Rahman

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

Match Prediction

England, on what is expected to be a decent batting pitch, should win this match.

Keshav Maharaj feels the T20 Bubble set up “not ideal”

Charbel Coorey
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0
Keshav Maharaj feels the T20 Bubble set up “not ideal”

Cricket News: Keshav Maharaj feels the T20 Bubble set up “not ideal” | Keshav Maharaj speaks about life in the bio-secure bubble

Cricketers going into the “biosecure bubble” setup before any tournament has become a new normal. The bio-bubble does not just limit itself to the pitch or field; it is, of course, mandatory that all entities partake in this new form of quarantine. It is very well known that the restrictions that a bio-bubble imposes on the cricketers had begun to take their toll.

Living continuously in a bio-bubble may not affect their performance on the field, but it could leave them mentally jaded. It is a point that has already been emphasised by former South African captain Faf du Plessis, Australia’s limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch and former India mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.

The recent addition to this list is Keshav Maharaj during his bio bubble period before the ongoing T20 World Cup in UAE. The Proteas spinner, while speaking to Betway, describes the makeshift setup as ‘not ideal.’ However, he accepted the fact it is also working to make the best of this unusual preparation.

Regarding his hotel room stay, Maharaj felt the conditions were very different from what they used to be, and he is trying very hard to feel as at home as possible.

The South African cricketer also expressed his likeness for the neatness, and with no cleaners coming into the rooms, he had to spend time making himself more comfortable by keeping the room in check.

He was also vocal about watching a South African rugby team game, along with his team members in a cordoned-off dining area in the hotel room, which made him feel connected to home.

South Africa has had a great last 12 months in the cricketing aspect, with victories in both Test and T20 series in the Caribbean, followed by T20 whitewashes of Ireland and Sri Lanka in July and September. This suggests that the squad benefits from approaching a major tournament with an extra 12 months of development behind them.

One look around the team gathering is enough to know that this squad is good enough to make a solid statement in the T20 World Cup.

Van Der Dussen and Maharaj are both experienced cricketers, while Reeza Hendricks and Dwaine Pretorius have made great strides in the last 12 months.

Mark Boucher oversees the operation as head coach, while JP Duminy and Charl Langeveldt are on the coaching staff.

The staff are all relatively new to the job, but performances and results in 2021 show that South Africa’s trajectory may be on the up.

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