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WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report

The biggest and best T20 league in women’s cricket is back for another year, and this season promises to be a cracker. WBBL 07 is all set to begin in Hobart, with two sides keen to make a good start.

Sydney Sixers, despite possessing star-studded lineups, have missed the finals in the past two years. Two fifth-placed finishes is certainly not good enough for the Sixers, who now have Shafali Verma among the talented Australian core including Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. So, a strong start can set the tone for a good campaign.

Melbourne Stars, last year’s finalists, will also be looking to make a mark early in the tournament. However, they will have to perform this season without magnificent talent in their ranks this time around. England stars Natalie Sciver and Katherine Brunt are unavailable to return this season, while South Africa Mignon du Preez has moved to Hobart and Australian leg-spinner Alana King is with the Scorchers. So, the onus will be on the Aussie core – particularly Meg Lanning and Annbel Sutherland – to lead the way.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Sixers:

  • Alyssa Healy has an outstanding record vs Stars. She has smashed 394 runs in 10 innings at an average of 43.78 and strike rate of 164.85. However, she averages just 17 in 10 T20s at Hobart, so it will be interesting to see how she fares here.
  • Can Shafali Verma make an immediate impact. The 17-year old from India has been outstanding in leading her teams to wins, averaging 36.15 and striking at 152.21 in 22 such matches. Interestingly, she averages just 9.81 in the 21 matches her team has lost.
  • Ellyse Perry may move down the order from her usual opening position. She has the most runs in Sixers-Stars matches, with 428 runs in 11 matches at an average of 61.14 and strike rate of 106.73. She will be aiming to come back from a quiet T20I series against India.
  • Perry’s 191 runs at Hobart come at an average of 63.67. Also, she has 10 wickets in as many matches on this ground in T20s.
  • Ashleigh Gardner has worked hard on her bowling in 2021, and it showed with her efforts against India (2/28, 1/12, 1/22). She also has a century against Melbourne Stars in T20 cricket (overall average of 27).
  • Eyes will be on Stella Campbell in WBBL 07. As one of the country’s up-and-coming pacers, Campbell will be looking to build on solid performances vs India in the tour match (3/38) and ODI (1/41).

Melbourne Stars:

  • Given that the likes of Nat Sciver and Mignon du Preez are not longer available for the Stars, eyes will be on Annabel Sutherland who is expected to have greater responsibility with both bat and ball.
  • She has had limited opportunities vs Sixers to date (3 inns, 27 runs, avg. 27.00) and one wicket at an average of 53.00.
  • Meg Lanning has a key role to play. The skipper has a fine record for the Stars against the Sixers, with 247 runs in five matches at an average of 82.33 and strike rate of 121.08.
  • Also, Lanning loves batting at Hobart. She has scored 310 runs in nine matches on this ground at an average of 51.67 and strike rate of 121.57.
  • Ellyse Villani has scored 356 runs at an average of 32.26 in 12 matches against the Sixers. Also, Villani prefers to chase in T20s, averaging 36.61 in 119 such matches compared to 25.27 in 113 games batting first.
  • Maia Boucher was in some decent form in the recent Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in England, striking scores of 30, 40 and 33 for the Vipers.
  • Tess Flintoff took 11 wickets in 14 matches in WBBL 06 at an average of 20. She has three wickets in as many matches vs Sixers (avg. 23.67). Sophie Day also took 11 wickets last season (avg. 21).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 12, Sixers 5, Stars 6, N/R 1.
  • Sydney Sixers have won the last three completed matches between the teams.
  • Kim Garth was in some decent form domestically earlier in 2021, and could be a fine addition to the Stars team.

Possible Playing 11

Erin Burns will miss the opening rounds of WBBL for personal reasons.

Sydney Sixers: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Ellyse Perry (c), 4. Nicole Bolton, 5. Ashleigh Gardner, 6. Matilda Lugg, 7. Angela Reakes, 8. Maitlan Brown, 9. Radha Yadav, 10. Lauren Cheatle, 11. Stella Campbell

Melbourne Stars: 1. Elyse Villani, 2. Meg Lanning (c), 3. Kim Garth, 4. Annabel Sutherland, 5. Maia Bouchier, 6. Nicole Faltum (wk), 7. Erin Osborne, 8. Maddy Darke, 9. Linsey Smith, 10. Tess Flintoff, 11. Sophie Day

Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report and Weather

Bellerive Oval played host to four WBBL matches in 2019. The average first innings score was 152 on a ground which was also good for batting in the men’s BBL last season. Expect a true surface here.

Unfortunately, there is some rain forecast for afternoon and evening in Hobart. This could be a shortened match.

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:

WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report
WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Bellerive Oval Hobart Pitch Report
WBBL 07 Match 1: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alyssa Healy
  • Batters: Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma
  • All-rounders: Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner
  • Bowlers: Stella Campbell, Radha Yadav

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

Match Prediction

Sydney Sixers have the talent but have not performed consistently in the past two seasons. However, Melbourne Stars have lost a lot of quality, so the Sixers look a good pick for this match.

IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

Kolkata Knight Riders’ magnificent run continued with victory under pressure against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator. But it wasn’t just any victory. It was a victory that forces Delhi Capitals to take note, particularly with Sunil Narine in vintage form.

As the weather starts to cool down a little more in the UAE, the heat on the field increases. Everything is on the line here for a spot in the IPL Final against Chennai Super Kings, and this match has the potential to a cracker.

KKR’s sixth win in eight matches in the UAE leg puts them one game away from the final. Not many could have imagined that the men in purple would be here given they were sitting second-last after the Indian leg, but not many could argue they don’t deserve it either. In addition to Narine, who was player of the match on this ground vs DC earlier this season, the likes of Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Lockie Ferguson have been producing the goods, among others.

So, KKR is certainly capable of giving Delhi a tough game. It will be a test of nerve for Rishabh Pant’s team, who were right in the contest against CSK but fell agonisingly short. The ingredients are there – particularly in the bowling attack – to cause KKR problems, but it all has to click in a do-or-die contest.

How will DC deal with the possibility of being eliminated before the final after finishing top? We shall see.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • Prithvi Shaw, who is coming off a fine 60 against CSK, smashed a 52-ball 84 vs KKR earlier this season. The right-hander has the potential to take the game away from KKR, which could be crucial given the slow Sharjah track.
  • Shaw has an outstanding record vs KKR. He has smashed 323 runs in five matches at an average of 64.60 and strike rate of 171.81. Key player.
  • DC will also want Shikhar Dhawan to hit his best form. The experienced left-hander has made starts in recent matches but has not scored the big runs expected of him. He scored 46 (47) and 24 (20) vs KKR in the league stage, part of 758 career runs against them at an average of 29.15 and strike rate of 115.
  • Shreyas Iyer has the most runs of any current DC player against KKR. The right-hander has scored 426 runs in 13 matches against them at an average of 38.73 and strike rate of 154.35. He was bowled by Sunil Narine on this ground for 1 earlier in the season.
  • Rishabh Pant will be crucial to his team’s hopes. The skipper is coming off a 35-ball 51* vs CSK, part of a string of scores in the UAE leg of IPL 2021 (35*, 24, 39, 26, 15, 10, 51*).
  • Pant has a modest average of 24 vs KKR in 11 matches, with a strike rate of 140.31. He scored a 36-ball 39 against them on this ground earlier this season.
  • Can Avesh Khan bounce back after a bit of a disappointing outing vs CSK? He was superb against KKR at Sharjah a couple of weeks ago, taking 3/13.
  • Anrich Nortje has been in fine form in the UAE leg, taking at least one wicket in each of his seven matches (2/12, 2/18, 1/15, 1/19, 1/37, 2/24, 1/31).

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Sunil Narine is in some remarkable form. He was player of the match at Sharjah vs DC earlier this season (2/18 and 21 off 10 balls), and then again in an unbelievable all-round display vs RCB (4/21 and 26 off 15 balls).
  • Narine has the most wickets of any bowler in KKR-DC matches, with 22 in 18 games at an average of 20.73 and economy rate of 6.81.
  • Three games ago, Shubman Gill had an average of just 19 in IPL 2021. He has scored 57, 56 and 29 since. The classy right-hander is in some decent touch, and this is the time to take advantage.
  • Gill scored 30 (33) and 43 (38) vs DC this season. Also, Gill has a solid record at Sharjah, with 234 runs in six matches at an average/strike rate of 39/125.13.
  • Venkatesh Iyer has struck 67, 8, 38 and 26 in his last four matches. He scored a 15-ball 14 against DC earlier this season. If he makes a start today, can he build on it?
  • Nitish Rana is also in some fine touch, which includes a crucial 27-ball 36* against DC earlier in IPL 2021. He has struck a double-figure score in each of his last six matches (37*, 36*, 31, 25, 12, 23).
  • How good has Lockie Ferguson been? The pace bowler has been in the wickets in every game he has played in the UAE leg (12 scalps in six matches), including 2/10 vs DC at Sharjah.
  • Varun Chakravarthy has taken six wickets in four matches vs DC at an average of 21. However, while he has been economical, Sharjah isn’t a big wicket-taking ground for Varun (24 overs, three wickets, avg. 55.33, SR 48.00).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 29, DC 13, KKR 15, N/R 1.
  • Both DC and KKR won a game each against each other in IPL 2021. The last meeting saw KKR (130/7) chase down DC’s 127/9 at Sharjah.
  • Expect KKR to send Sunil Narine up the order. He has a strike rate of 287.5 against Ashwin and 187.5 against Axar in T20 cricket, without getting out to either bowler across 29 deliveries.
  • Kagiso Rabada is wicketless in his last four matches and is conceding 10.84 per over in the death overs this season. Anrich Nortje, on the other hand, is conceding just 6.81 per over at this stage.
  • Ashwin has the worst average and strike rate among bowlers who have bowled at least 40 overs in IPL 2021 (avg. 60.80, SR 49.0).
  • Rishabh Pant in IPL playoff matches: 199 runs in six innings, at an average of 49.75 and a strike rate of 151.91.

Possible Playing 11

Marcus Stoinis’ fitness is still up in the air, and it remains to be seen if DC bring him back for a knockout match. They could persist with Curran, who took three wickets.

Delhi Capitals: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Shreyas Iyer, 4. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Tom Curran/Marcus Stoinis, 7. Axar Patel, 8. R Ashwin, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Avesh Khan

Andre Russell is training in the nets, but KKR may look to stick with Shakib Al Hasan despite a number of left-handers in DC’s lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Venkatesh Iyer, 3. Rahul Tripathi, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Shakib Al Hasan, 8. Sunil Narine, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Varun Chakravarthy, 11. Shivam Mavi

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

The team who has scored more runs in the powerplay has won eight of the nine matches at Sharjah this season, indicating that run-scoring becomes more difficult after the sixth over.

The average first innings score at Sharjah this season is 137.11, with the chasing team winning six of the nine matches.

More warm and clear weather 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:

IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Qualifier 2: DC vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant
  • Batsmen: Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill
  • All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer
  • Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Lockie Ferguson

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

Match Prediction

150 will be a key target for the team batting first in a pressure game. KKR’s great form can hold them in great stead, but DC possess a terrific bowling attack that might just be the difference. DC to win in a tight one.

Twitter reactions as CSK reach another IPL Final

Nash Sant
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Twitter reactions as CSK reach another IPL Final

Cricket News: Twitter reactions as CSK reach another IPL Final | Gaikwad, Uthappa and Dhoni lead CSK to win over DC in Qualifier 1

After finishing seventh last year in the UAE, MS Dhoni promised the fans that they will come back bigger and stronger next year. And so they did. With MSD’s captaincy and all the players knowing their roles in the team, CSK has yet again reached an IPL final in the 2021 season. 

They battled it out with Delhi Capitals in the Qualifier 1 and to Delhi’s credit, they set a target which seemed very good at the innings break. Prithvi Shaw guided the Capitals in the powerplay until he was dismissed for 60. Delhi’s top order apart from Shaw looked shaky and they were left reeling at 80-4 when Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer got together to steady the innings and take the Capitals to a defendable total of 172-5.

Pant played a captains’ knock and kept the scoring run rate above 10 per over for the last five overs. After finishing the 15th over at 114/4, some great hitting from Pant and Hetmyer meant Capitals scored 58 runs in this period.

Super Kings were once again anchored by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa at the top after losing Du Plessis early. The pair put on a partnership of 110 for the second wicket, but at the 15th over mark even that was looking like it won’t be enough as Capitals managed to get back into the game with a couple of quick wickets and CSK were left reeling at 121-4.

But with Ali, Jadeja and Dhoni still to come, CSK did not seem to panic one bit till they lost Gaikwad on the first ball of the 19th over. But then came the master stroke from MS Dhoni who we have seen time and again take decisions which are not well received at first but end up being really good decisions in the end. He promoted himself ahead of Jadeja, who has been quite sublime with the bat for CSK in the death.

At the fall of Gaikwad, the win probability for CSK was at 27%. Moeen Ali and MS Dhoni certainly did not tend to acknowledge the win probability at all and took the Capitals’ bowlers to the cleaners as they scored 11 runs from the penultimate over and 13 in the last one to take Super Kings to another IPL final. Even though CSK lost Ali at the start of the last over skying one off Tom Curran, Dhoni got on strike and hammered three fours in three balls to carry CSK over the line.

Capitals’ and Pant ended up giving the last over to Tom Curran when Rabada had one over left. In hindsight there will be key learning taken from this game for Capitals before they take on the winner of Eliminator (RCB vs KKR) in the Qualifier 2. 

Twitter reactions as CSK reach yet another IPL Final

https://twitter.com/_cricketsparsh/status/1447397329548419076?s=20
https://twitter.com/aradhyablanco/status/1447261288086663169?s=20

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

Things have been different for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. The addition of Glenn Maxwell, which looked a risk for such a big price at the auction, has paid significant dividends as he has helped RCB reduce their reliance on the great AB de Villiers. Also, their bowling attack, led by Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal, has had a sense of reliability compared to years gone by.

But now these key factors will be put to the ultimate test. Can RCB – a franchise boasting the biggest and best names over the years – finally produce in the pressure moments? Their great victory over Delhi Capitals a few days ago can hold them in good stead after a disappointing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad cost them a top two finish. Here, they will be out to ensure that missing the top two is no issue as a place in Qualifier 2 vs Delhi is up for grabs.

But it won’t be easy. Kolkata Knight Riders have been outstanding in phase two, rising from the depths of second-last to fourth spot. Remember, they blew RCB away at the start of the UAE leg, rolling them for just 92 in a superb bowling performance. Also, KKR blew Rajasthan Royals a few days back for another sub-100 total, so if they can find wickets in the powerplay, they have the confidence and form to build on it.

A lot may also depend on Andre Russell’s availability. He has a superb record against RCB, and his contributions at the death with both bat and ball could prove crucial on a slow Sharjah track. All to play for.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • Glenn Maxwell has been simply outstanding. The Australian has scored four half-centuries in his last five matches, which could have easily been five had it not been for a run out against SRH.
  • Maxwell slammed 78 off 49 balls vs KKR earlier in IPL 2021, before falling for just 7 against them in his first match of the UAE leg. Also, Maxwell enjoys batting at Sharjah, with three half-centuries in five games including 57 in his last match on this ground.
  • Fans are waiting for Virat Kohli to hit top form. The RCB skipper has scored just 59 runs in his last four innings, and made just the twin scores of 5 vs KKR in the league stage.
  • No player has more runs than Virat in RCB-KKR matches, with 735 in 25 innings at an average of 35.00 and strike rate of 128.72.
  • What a superb knock it was by Srikar Bharat against Delhi Capitals (78* off 52 balls). Now RCB can focus on playing him in his preferred position of number three in a big game.
  • AB de Villiers is still seeking his best form in the UAE leg. The great batsman has a strike rate of 163.38 in 18 innings for RCB vs KKR (464 runs, avg. 35.69). He smashed 76* off 34 balls against KKR at Chennai earlier this season.
  • What a season Harshal Patel is having. His 30 wickets are the most ever by an Indian bowler in an IPL season, and he will be a factor on the slow Sharjah surface. He took 2/17 vs KKR on the slow Chennai pitch earlier in IPL 2021.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal took just four wickets in the first seven matches of IPL 2021. In the UAE leg, Chahal has been superb, taking 12 wickets in seven matches with at least one scalp in each game.
  • Chahal has taken 17 wickets in 16 games for RCB vs KKR at an average of 26. He enjoys bowling at Sharjah, with figures of 1/26 and 3/29 this season.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Shubman Gill comes into this match on the back of two half-centuries. Encouragingly, he scored his last half-century whilst batting first, which is usually difficult for Gill (average of 26.1 compared to 39.1 batting second).
  • Gill scored 48 in his last outing vs RCB after KKR rolled them for 92. He will be aiming to continue to improve his record vs RCB that reads: 7 inns, 121 runs, avg. 24.20, SR 134.44.
  • Venkatesh Iyer has been key to KKR’s rise this season (7 inns, 239 runs, avg. 39.83, SR 129.18). He struck 41* on IPL debut vs RCB earlier this season.
  • Rahul Tripathi has also been key to KKR’s form even though he hasn’t scored big runs in his last four matches (9, 34, 7, 21). He has scored 377 runs in 13 innings this season at an average of 31.41 and strike rate of 142.80.
  • Tripathi has a poor record for KKR vs RCB (3 inns, 42 runs), but has a fine career record against them in IPL (8 inns, 238 runs, avg. 47.60, SR 129.35).
  • Nitish Rana has a solid record for KKR vs RCB: 7 inns, 198 runs, avg. 39.60, SR 152.31. He has made a double-figure score in each of his last five matches (37*, 36*, 31, 25, 12), so will be looking to build on that today if he gets the opportunity.
  • Andre Russell’s fitness could be a key factor in deciding today’s result. He has an unbelievable record vs RCB, with 339 runs at an average of 48.43 and strike rate of 215.92. He also has 10 wickets in 11 matches, including 3/9 earlier this season where he dismissed AB de Villiers with a great yorker first ball.
  • Varun Chakravarthy was player of the match vs RCB in the UAE leg (3/13). He has five wickets in four matches against them at an average of 21. Interestingly, though, Chakravarthy has taken just three wickets in five matches at Sharjah, striking every 40 balls.
  • Lockie Ferguson has been brilliant in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He has taken 10 wickets in five matches, including 2/24 vs RCB. Genuine wicket-taker. As is Shivam Mavi on this ground, after his haul of 4/21 vs RR.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 29, RCB 13, KKR 16.
  • Both teams won a game against each other this season. The latest was a thumping win for KKR by nine wickets, after RCB won the previous four matches.
  • Virat Kohli has scored just 42 runs off 47 deliveries vs spin in the UAE leg. He hasn’t been dismissed by spin in this period, but KKR could look to employ spin to keep the RCB skipper quiet.
  • In contrast, Glenn Maxwell has smashed 101 runs off 63 balls vs spin in the middle overs in the UAE leg.
  • Interestingly, the team who has scored more in the powerplay has gone on to win each match at Sharjah this season. Scoring against the new ball will be key.

Possible Playing 11

Royal Challengers: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. KS Bharat (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. AB de Villiers, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Shahbaz Ahmed, 8. George Garton/Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Venkatesh Iyer, 3. Nitish Rana, 4. Rahul Tripathi, 5. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7. Andre Russell/Shakib Al Hasan, 8. Sunil Narine, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Varun Chakravarthy, 11. Shivam Mavi

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

Slow and sluggish is the narrative at Sharjah this season. The fact that all teams who scored more in the powerplay went on to win their matches at Sharjah suggests the scoring gets really tough once the ball gets older.

The average first innings score on this ground this season is 137, with the chasing team winning five of the eight matches. Any score in the region of 150-160 should be a tough chase.

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:

IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: KS Bharat
  • Batsmen: Shubman Gill, AB de Villiers
  • All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell
  • Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Lockie Ferguson

Match Prediction

This one has the makings to be close like last night’s match. RCB start as favourites, but don’t discount KKR especially if they can restrict RCB to around the 130-140 mark.

Exclusive: “We went to the US Army Centre to train” – USA captain Saurabh Netravalkar

Nash Sant
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0
Exclusive: “We went to the US Army Centre to train” – USA captain Saurabh Netravalkar

Cricket News: Exclusive: “We went to the US Army Centre to train” – US Cricket Captain, Saurabh Netravalkar | USA skipper talks USA cricket

In 2015, when Saurabh Netravalkar made the move to the United States for his higher education, little did he know that life will again drop him right where he belonged – on a cricket field.

Saurabh Netravalkar started his journey on the maidans of Mumbai at the age of 10 and slowly worked his way up in the Mumbai cricketing circles. He represented Mumbai in Under-15s, Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-25s. But Saurabh reckons that playing the Under-19 World Cup for India was his highest achievement back then. “Gradually growing through the ranks, I managed to make my way to play for the India under-19 team which was a dream come true,” said Netravalkar in an exclusive interview with The CricBlog Podcast.

Saurabh made his debut for Mumbai in FC cricket in 2015 and after being in and out of the team, he decided to make the move to the US. “I split my journey into two innings, where this (playing Cricket in the US) was a surprise when I least expected to play Cricket in the US”.

“Associate cricket is mentally tougher than full member” – Saurabh Netravalkar

Saurabh made the United States team in 2018 after strong performances in club cricket. Back then, the team was in the startup phase, where US coach Pubudu Dassanayake was scouting for players to represent the national side.

”We had a visionary coach in Pubudu. We built the team from scratch and we worked really hard for the next two years, and we beat the likes of Kenya in Division 3 and beating the likes of Canada and Namibia in Division 2,” said the US captain.

Saurabh also thinks that playing Associate Cricket is mentally tough especially due such limited opportunities. Plus, whenever they get a chance, it is always a make or break situation. The Associate nations may end up playing only 6-8 games in a year and the results go a long way in getting the much-needed funding to help strengthen their cricket.

“We have to make that week count”, Saurabh said in the interview. “It was a special feeling to go through the grind with the bunch of guys working hard for a year, we went through the US olympic training and we went to the US Army Centre to train.”

USA cricket focuses on stronger domestic leagues & youth

US Cricket has made developments in the cricketing structure in the country. Their focus has been on the youth and with that view Minor League Cricket was established with an eye on developing Major League Cricket down the line.

Minor League Cricket saw 210 games being played across the country. The league comprised 27 teams divided into 4 divisions. “There is a lot of emphasis on youth, they are investing a lot in the Under-19 programs and the Women’s programs”, Saurabh said. “The Minor League Cricket had a rule where teams had to play two Under-19 players and one Under-21 player along with the international players. So the young players got a chance to share the dressing rooms with the liesk of Unmukt Chand, Rovman Powell, Ashley Nurse.”

Saurabh hopes that Major League Cricket, likely to be established in 2022, will help US cricket to build a similar structure to the likes of Baseball in the country.

“US Cricket has academies across the US, where the overseas players travelling as professionals, are involved in mentoring the youth,” said Netravalkar.

Aiming for 2023 ODI World Cup & will be a dream come true to play India one day – Netravalkar

Saurabh also spoke about his vision for USA Cricket. “I have been telling the coach for the last two years, we have to aim to play the 2023 WC in India. We have 20 more games to go and win most of them but I believe this team has the potential and if we get to the WC and beat full member nations, we can leave our mark on the competition and we can show that we have a right on the circuit.

Obviously another goal is to aim for the LA Olympics in 2028 and there are talks about Cricket being a part, so it will be great for the team to be a part of it.”

Saurabh dreams of one day playing regular cricket matches against full-member nations and playing against India will definitely be a dream come true for him. He also believes that the US can compete regularly with full-member nations in the coming years.

“The best we can definitely compete with full-member nations in the next 4-5 years; there definitely is the potential”, said the USA captain.

His key area to focus on as a captain for USA Cricket is consistency. Saurabh said, ”We have the pieces, but what we lack is the consistency. Also considering the 2023 WC, we need to imbibe the youngsters into the team, who can take the team forward.”

It will be a waiting game for Saurabh and USA Cricket for now as they look to qualify for the 2022 T20 WC and also keep an eye on the 2023 WC in India. But one thing is for sure, with the amount of resources that USA has in the country, US Cricket can definitely be a force to reckoned with in the near future.

Watch the interview below or listen to the podcast here

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

So, here we are. After 56 matches across two countries and numerous scenarios, the playoffs are all set to begin. To kick off, a team who has never won the IPL – Delhi Capitals – can take a huge step to rectifying that stat by beating three-time champions Chennai Super Kings.

Their meeting a week ago was potentially the first of three meetings between now and the IPL 2021 Final. The Capitals prevailed in a close contest, but as that match and the RCB meeting showed, there are still some areas for Rishabh Pant’s men to work on. Mainly, they will want to nail their finishing from a batting perspective, as well as bounce back quickly from Srikar Bharat and Glenn Maxwell’s onslaught on Friday evening.

Talking of bouncing back quickly, CSK need to do the same. They come into the playoffs on the back of three straight defeats, with the latest being a thumping defeat at the hands of KL Rahul. However, skipper MS Dhoni is too good and experienced as a leader to let that impact his team. The playoffs are a whole new ball game, and CSK will be keen to fix these three key things and get back on track.

So which team can hold their nerve best in Dubai? Delhi have won two of their three matches on this ground this season, including that tough victory over MS Dhoni’s team. In contrast, CSK have won just one of their three games at Dubai, with their only victory coming courtesy of a remarkable comeback vs Mumbai Indians after a terrible start.

All to play for with a spot in the IPL 2021 Final up for grabs.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • Shikhar Dhawan scored 124 runs in the two matches vs CSK in the league stage (85 off 54 balls and 39 off 35 balls). The left-hander has made three 20+ scores in his last four matches, so will today be the day he goes past 50? He has the third-most runs in IPL 2021, with 544 at an average of 41.84 and strike rate of 128.
  • Dhawan loves playing CSK. In 25 matches against them, Dhawan has ammassed 901 runs at an average of 42.90 and strike rate of 129.27. Also, Dhawan has been solid in Dubai this season, with scores of 42, 39 and 43.
  • Prithvi Shaw has not been able to replicate his first leg form in the second, but his 48 vs RCB might just be the catalyst to a change in form. Shaw did score a whirlwind 72 (37) vs CSK early in the season, but has a modest record overall vs CSK (9 inns, 213 runs, avg. 23.67, SR 147.92).
  • Also, Shaw averages just 20.50 in 10 matches Dubai. Can he improve on these numbers in a big game?
  • It is a big game for Shreyas Iyer who has scored 47*, 2 (vs CSK) and 18 at Dubai this season. Overall vs CSK, Iyer has struck 235 runs in 10 matches at an average of 26.11 and strike rate of 110.33.
  • Rishabh Pant to produce a big innings? The DC skipper has a great overall record vs CSK, with 252 runs at an average of 42.00 and strike rate of 156.62. He has made scores of 35*, 15 (vs CSK) and 10 at Dubai this season, so the time is now to make a substantial score.
  • Axar Patel has been brilliant in IPL 2021 (10 inns, 15 wickets, avg. 16.73, econ. 6.43). He was player of the match against CSK on this ground last week (2/18), and has a total of five scalps in three matches on this ground this season.
  • Avesh Khan has been a revelation this season, with the second-most wickets (22, avg. 17.31, econ. 7.38). Three of them came against CSK (2/23 and 1/35), but he has just the one wicket to his name in three matches at Dubai in IPL 2021.
  • Anrich Nortje has taken nine wickets in six matches this season at a superb average of 13.88 and economy rate of 5.59. He has taken at least one wicket in every match, including five in three games at Dubai.

Chennai Super Kings:

  • How will Ruturaj Gaikwad cope with Delhi’s pace? He has scored 13 and 12 since his majestic 101* vs the Royals, so he will be looking for a big response today.
  • He has just the 23 runs in three innings vs DC at an average of 7.67. However, a player with such a brilliant record this season (14 inns, 533 runs, avg. 44.41, SR 137.01) can never be discounted.
  • A 25+ score coming for Faf du Plessis? The right-hander has struck four scores of 25+ in his last five matches, including 76* in his last outing vs Punjab on this ground. Also, he averages 30.27 in 11 innings vs Delhi.
  • This is a big game for Moeen Ali, who has fallen away a little with 43 runs in his last four innings. Also, Moeen has struggled at Dubai this season, with just five runs in three innings, including two ducks.
  • He scored 36 (24) and 5 (8) vs DC in the league stage, and could be a key bowler against DC’s left-handers. He is always a player to watch given his ability to deliver on any given day.
  • Ambati Rayudu has been one of the real positives of CSK’s season. His 256 runs come at an average of 32.00 and strike rate of 153.29, including knocks of 23 (16) and 55* (43) vs DC. Overall for CSK vs DC, Rayudu has scored 244 runs at an average of 61.00 and strike rate of 148.78.
  • Ravindra Jadeja has struck 459 runs since the beginning of IPL 2020 at an incredible average of 57.38 and strike rate of 157.37. Overall for CSK vs DC, Jadeja has scored 188 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.33 and strike rate of 146.88. He also has 14 wickets in 15 innings at an average of 24, including 2/28 last week on this ground.
  • Dwayne Bravo will be key at the death. He was expensive vs DC last week (1.4 overs, 1/20) and went the distance vs Punjab too (0/32 off two overs). However, before that, Bravo was superb, taking figures of 3/25, 3/24 and 2/17.
  • Overall for CSK vs DC, Bravo has 16 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 23.19.
  • Need something to happen? Call on Shardul Thakur. Thakur has been outstanding in the UAE leg, with 13 wickets in seven matches including 2/13 in four overs vs DC. Importantly, he has taken at least one wicket in each of those seven matches.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 25, DC 10, CSK 15.
  • Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings twice in the league stage, and have won their last four matches against them.
  • Ashwin has dismissed just two right-handers in IPL 2021 at an economy of at 8.1 compared to 6.3 against left-handers.
  • Shimron Hetmyer will be key as DC’s finisher. With some luck, he did score a crucial 28 off 18 balls to beat CSK last week. His 188 runs this season come at an average of 37.60 and strike rate of 170.90.
  • Kagiso Rabada is wicketless in his last three matches, including vs CSK. He does have five wickets in four matches against them at an average of 21.20, and strikes every 17 deliveries at Dubai (16 wickets). He is capable of bouncing back.
  • Deepak Chahar has dominated Prithvi Shaw in T20 cricket, with six dismissals in 56 deliveries for just 62 runs.

Possible Playing 11

Delhi Capitals are hopeful that Marcus Stoinis will be available for this match.

Delhi Capitals: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Rishabh Pant (c & wk), 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Marcus Stoinis/Ripal Patel, 7. Axar Patel, 8. R Ashwin, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Avesh Khan

CSK have a decision to make on Suresh Raina or Robin Uthappa. Raina has the second-most runs in CSK-DC matches (552, avg. 29.05), but DC have a battery of pacers to test him with short stuff.

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Moeen Ali, 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. Robin Uthappa/Suresh Raina, 6. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Dwayne Bravo, 9. Shardul Thakur, 10. Deepak Chahar, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

The chasing team has won seven of 10 night matches at Dubai this season. The average first innings score in all Dubai matches this season is 151.54, so the toss can prove quite crucial given dew is likely.

More clear conditions are forecast in the UAE.

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:

IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Qualifier 1: DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Rishabh Pant
  • Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad
  • All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
  • Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Shardul Thakur

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

Match Prediction

This has the potential to be a classic. Given that chasing teams have an edge at Dubai, this one could come down to whether the team bowling first can restrict their opponent to around the 140-150 mark. DC start as favourites, but this will be close.

AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AU-W vs IN-W 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia Women vs India Women 3rd T20 Key Players | Carrara Pitch Report

It was yet another ‘so-close-yet-so-far’ moment for Team India as the visitors once again failed to seize the initiative from a position of strength In the second T20I to concede the multi-format series to Australia on Friday.

That the Indians managed to get themselves into a position where they could think of winning the game was largely due to an unbeaten 37 by Pooja Vastrakar that took them to a defendable total of 118 after being reduced to 9-81 at one stage.

Then the bowling-unit led by seamer Shikha Pandey got into the act. Pandey produced an absolute Jaffa to knock over Alyssa Healy in the very first over. The spinners took over the mantle after the powerplay as Australia lost half their side for a mere 76 runs.

However, some strange tactics by captain Harmanpreet Kaur including not bowling spinners at the backend, poor fielding and equally poor death bowling the seamers coupled by brilliant composure by Tahila McGrath ensured that the Aussies sealed the multi-nation rubber with one game to go.

Can India square the three-match T20I series or will Australia secure a 2-0 win?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia Women: 

  • Beth Mooney: The southpaw was second-highest run-getter for Australia in the second T20I. She steered the fledgling ship after the early dismissal of Alyssa Healy. The left-hander scored a 36-ball 34 which included 4 fours.
  • Alyssa Healy: The wicketkeeper-batsman was undone by a vicious nip-backer from Shikha Pandey in the last game. She will be looking to put up a good performance in the final match of the series.
  • Tahlia McGrath: The young batter once again showed nerves of steel as she timed her assault to perfection to steer Australia past the finishing line after a middle-order collapse. She scored an unbeaten 33-ball 42 which included six boundaries.
  • Ashleigh Gardner: She may not have scored runs but the middle-order batter made sure she made an impact with the ball as she registered figures of 1/12 in four overs. She’ll be looking to back it up with a good score with the bat in the next game.
  • Sophie Molineux: The left-arm orthodox gave away just 11 runs in her spell of 4 overs and claimed two wickets including the prized scalp of Jemimah Rodrigues.

India Women:

  • Smriti Mandhana: The stylish opener missed out in the second T20I as she managed a 5-ball 1 before being dismissed by Tayla Vlaeminck. She will be crucial to India’s fortunes in the final T20I.
  • Shafali Verma: The young opener too failed to light up the Metricon Stadium in the second T20I, managing a mere 7-ball 3. The onus will be on her and Smriti to provide India a platform in the 3rd T20I.
  • Jemmimah Rodrigues: After smashing an unbeaten 36-ball 49 in the first game, Rodrigues endured a poor outing on Friday as she managed a 13-ball 7.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian skipper smashed five fours during her 20-ball 28 besides claiming the wicket of Ashleigh Gardner during her 2-over spell [1/9]
  • Rajeshwari Gayakwad: She, along with Shikha Pandey, was the pick of the Indian bowlers. In 4 overs, the left-arm orthodox claimed three wickets at the expense of just 21 runs.
  • Shikha Pandey: The seamer ensured that India didn’t miss Jhulan Goswami at the start of the innings as she set the tone by dismissing Healy with an unplayable nip-backer. She registered figures of 1/27 in 4 overs.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have squared 22 times in T20Is with Australia leading the ledger 15-6.
  • In the last seven completed games, Australia lead the ledger 4-3.
  • Australia have won the multi-format series 9-5.

Possible Playing 11

Australia Women: 

Alyssa Healy (WK), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning ©, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Hannah Darlington, Tayla Vlaeminck

India Women:

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur © , Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh

Carrara Oval pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch at Carrara Oval has proved to be a batting paradise but in the last game, we saw a change of pace do the trick.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be cloudy. The temperatures are set to hover between 19-28 degrees Celsius. Humidity is set to be around 55  percent.

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alyssa Healy
  • Batters: Beth Mooney, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues
  • All-rounders: Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner
  • Bowlers: Sophie Molineux, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

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

Match Prediction

Australia will once again start as slight favorites.

Written by Yash Mittal. Follow Yash on Twitter today.

3 things CSK must correct in the IPL 2021 playoffs

Tarkesh Jha
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3 things CSK must correct in the IPL 2021 playoffs

Cricket News: 3 things CSK must correct in the IPL 2021 playoffs | Looking at how CSK can regain form in the IPL 2021 playoffs

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) now have two chances of making it to the finale of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

They have earned this right by finishing at the second spot in the standings and will be facing the Delhi Capitals on Sunday for the first qualifier of this edition of the league. 

However, the expectations around the team have comparatively dampened after their lean end to the group stages. CSK was cruising along the group stages, having collected nine victories in 11 games at one stage. Yet, three consecutive defeats have somewhat exposed certain drawbacks in the setup that can come back to haunt them towards the business end of the competition.

Combine that with the lethal form that the Delhi Capitals (DC) seems to be in and the concerns around the Yellow Army seem genuine currently. In this article, we try to address issues that the MS Dhoni-led setup might look to correct during the playoff stages.

Conceal the revealed weaknesses

This is the age of technology and it is especially prevalent in the world of cricket as well. Players are scanned meticulously by the backroom staff of the opposition and teams seem to have cracked a code to put a stop over CSK’s sublime batting unit this year.

The bouncers to Ruturaj Gaikwad, short-deliveries to Moeen Ali, containing Faf with left-armed slower bowlers and spinning a web around MS; teams have arguably employed these tactics to contain the CSK batsmen in recent games.

Now that these drawbacks are somewhat out in the open, it is important that CSK acknowledges them internally and devises a method to work around these issues.

They would have to be cautious yet proactive in their approach; cautious to not fall into the trap laid by the opposition and proactive to ensure that the safety that they practice doesn’t negatively influence the scoring rate. 

The fact that the opposition knows about your weaknesses is not a new thing in cricket. Most teams are well-briefed about their adversaries these days. However, developing a plan to avoid these tactics and steer your way to the desired result is what CSK needs to do. They certainly have the caliber to do so.

Moreover, it has also become quite prevalent by now that Gaikwad and Faf lay the bedrock of this CSK batting unit. Their roles become even more magnified against the express pace bowling of the Delhi Capitals as the two openers are arguably the best players against pace in Dhoni’s team currently.

One of them need to set their foot down and ensure that they bat for a pretty long duration of the innings. CSK have done well when one of the two openers have stayed on the crease until the fag end of the innings. That is solely because they have a deep batting order and that the set batsman can be complemented well by brief quick knocks from the other end.

This particularly mounts a significant lot of pressure on Gaikwad and Faf, but it is a small price to pay for the success that awaits them in the form of the IPL trophy.

Do the little things right

Actually, two of CSK’s three defeats were caused by very fine margins eventually. They were blown away by the Rajasthan Royals’ batting unit once, when MS admitted that even a score of 250 runs would have been insufficient with the way the Royals were batting.

Against Delhi, they did well to make a game out of a lost cause were actually doing well in the fag end until Krishnappa Gowtham dropped a catch off Shimron Hetmyer and handed the victory over to the Capitals.

CSK might remember that they lost the second of their two league stage encounters against Delhi in IPL 2020 because Shikhar Dhawan’s catches were dropped around four-five times by the fielders. To make sure that the fielding doesn’t slip up in such big games is of utmost necessity and CSK needs to be very wary of this fact.

Getting outclassed by the bat or the ball is imminent at some point in cricket. But to get outdone in the field should be unacceptable and no one surely places more importance to it than Dhoni as a skipper. It is of extreme importance that CSK does not repeat the errors like Gowtham did in the playoffs!

Bring Raina in

Suresh Raina has had a lukewarm IPL so far and was even replaced by Robin Uthappa in the final two group stage games. It was said that Raina had a niggle but looked more of an attempt to test Uthappa out who had warmed the bench for the first 12 games of the campaign.

However, it might do CSK good if they rope in Raina for the playoff stages. His best innings this year had come in the opening game against Delhi itself when the southpaw scored 54 runs off 36 deliveries to take the team to a respectable total of 188 runs.

Raina might blow hot or cold but is always in the lookout for runs. He isn’t afraid to take the bowlers on when the tides are against them and CSK needs to infuse some of that approach in their batting unit now. Raina plays a high-stakes game but when it pulls off, it ends up giving a brilliant result to the team.

The 34-year-old had even taken Delhi’s spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra to absolute cleaners in the aforementioned game. Axar Patel and Ashwin conceded only 38 runs in their combined eight overs in Delhi’s recent game vs Chennai. Delhi will be looking to again contain CSK in the middle-overs through their spin duo and Raina’s southpaw approach is much-needed to tackle this challenge.

Moreover, the playoffs are as much a battle of character and experience as it is of the skills. Raina has been one of the pillars of CSK’s successes over the years and has especially stepped up to the challenges in critical moments like the semis and the finals. This is CSK’s time to shine and they need their dear ‘Chinna Thala’ to get back in the mix of things for the same!

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter

AUS-W vs IND-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
AUS-W vs IND-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

AUS-W vs IND-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AU-W vs IN-W 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia Women vs India Women 2nd T20 Key Players | Carrara Pitch Report

The first T20I more vindication of the fact that the Indian Women’s team has bossed the tour following their nine-wicket mauling in the first ODI. However, it eventually counted for nothing as the match was eventually abandoned due to rain.

With the scoreline being 7-5 in Australia’s favour, Team India will have to do all the running in the remaining two games of the series if they want to take home the multi-format Trophy.

And they have every reason to believe they can pull off a heist given the manner in which they batted in the first T20I. Led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ whirlwind unbeaten 36-ball 49, the Indian batters took the attack to the Aussie bowling unit and if Rodrigues is to be believed, one can expect more of the same in the upcoming two fixtures.

Can the Aussies find a way or will India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia Women: 

  • Alyssa Healy: The swashbuckling better loves batting against India in the shortest format. In 14 innings against the Women in Blue, she has scored 356 runs at an average of 29.66 and a strike rate of 147.10 with 4 50+ scores.
  • Beth Mooney: The veteran southpaw is the second highest run-getter for Australia against India in T20Is. In 11 innings, Mooney has churned out 392 runs at an average of 43.55 and a healthy strike rate of 119.51 with 3 50+ scores.
  • Meg Lanning: Lanning leads the run-scoring charts for Australia against India in T20Is. In 16 innings, the Aussie skipper has racked up 435 runs at an average of 33.46 and a strike rate of 103.32.
  • Ellyse Perry: Perry bowled just one over in the first game and conceded just 3 runs. In 17 T20Is against India, the all-rounder has scored 182 runs with one 50+ score besides claiming as many as 22 wickets at an average of 14.09 and an economy rate of 5.23.
  • Tayla Vlaeminck: The tearaway pacer may not have taken a wicket in the first T20I but she turned heads with searing pace.
  • Ashleigh Gardner: She claimed a couple of wickets in the last game. Her all-round skills will once again be crucial to Australia’s fortunes.

India Women:

  • Smriti Mandhana: The stylish opener is the 2nd highest run-scorer for India in T20Is against Australia: 412 runs in 12 innings at an average of 34.3 with 4 50+ scores.
  • She scored a 10-ball 17 including 2 fours and a six in the last game.
  • Shafali Verma: The young opener smashed three sixes during her 14-ball 18 in the first T20I.
  • The 17-year-old is the 2nd leading run-getter for India in T20Is since the start of 2019: 683 runs in 26 innings at an average of 26.26 with three 50+ scores.
  • Jemmimah Rodrigues: The comeback girl looked in imperious touch in the first game as she smashed an unbeaten 36-ball 49 with the help of seven boundaries.
  • Deepti Sharma: Sharma loves batting against Australia. In 5 innings, she has scored 103 runs at an average of 34.33 and a strike rate of 100.98 besides claiming 10 wickets at 18.70.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have squared 21 times in T20Is with Australia leading the ledger 14-6.
  • However, both sides have won three games apiece in their last six face-offs.
  • Australia currently lead the multi-format rubber 7-5.

Possible Playing 11

Australia Women: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Beth Mooney, 3. Meg Lanning (c), 4. Ellyse Perry, 5. Ashleigh Gardner, 6. Tahlia McGrath, 7. Nicola Carey, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Georgia Wareham, 10. Hannah Darlington, 11. Tayla Vlaeminck

India Women: 1. Smriti Mandhana, 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Yastika Bhatia, 6. Richa Ghosh (wk), 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Pooja Vastrakar, 9. Shikha Pandey, 10. Rajeshwari Gayakwad, 11. Renuka Singh

Carrara Oval Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at Carrara Oval has proved to be a batting paradise for thus far and much of the same should be the case in the  remainder of the T20I series.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be sunny. The temperatures are set to hover between 20-27 degrees Celsius. Humidity is set to be around 58 percent.

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.

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keepers: Alyssa Healy
  • Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues
  • All-rounders: Ashleigh Gardner
  • Bowlers: Tayla Vlaeminck, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

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

Match Prediction

Australia will once again start as slight favorites but a possibility of India taking a 1-0 lead can’t be ruled out.

Written by Yash Mittal. Follow Yash on Twitter today.

Is IPL 2021 giving the Indian T20 World Cup Squad more concerns than answers?

Tarkesh Jha
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0
Is IPL 2021 giving the Indian T20 World Cup Squad more concerns than answers?

Cricket News: Is IPL 2021 giving the Indian T20 World Cup Squad more concerns than answers? | IPL 2021: Some India players in the squad are out of form

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has naturally become the breeding ground for youngsters to find their way into the Indian team in the shortest format of international cricket.

It is justified too, considering that the league tests a newbie’s capabilities in T20 against the best playersin the world in extremely high-stake situations, which isn’t the case really with domestic T20s.

So naturally, once a player has been picked in the international team, a close eye would be kept on their outings in the IPL to make an estimation of their prospective performances for the Blues.

IPL a big focus in Indian T20 World Cup Squad

On those grounds, the second leg of the IPL is being widely looked as a preparation stage for the players who have made the cut for India’s World T20 squad later on.

India’s selection of the squad was quite peculiar, with the team arguably taking a bold approach by hunching on youngsters and spinners who have performed quite well in the last couple of years.

It also marked a comeback for Ravichandran Ashwin, who hasn’t seen much limited overs action since the fateful loss to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in 2017.

However, fans crave for change more than anything else, and hence the performance of the entire Indian squad has been under immense scanner since the beginning of this leg of IPL 2021.

For starters, concerns have been raised over the form of the Mumbai Indians’ duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan this season. To be fair, both of them were incredible last year and justified their selection in the series against England earlier this year. Back then, they had performed incredibly for players so new to the international stage and made a formidable statement that they were there to stay.

However, Ishan lost his place in the XI for a period and Suryakumar endured a poor season. It needs to be noted that Mumbai as a collective did not play at their optimum level yet either.

Cricket News: Is IPL 2021 giving the Indian T20 World Cup Squad more concerns than answers? | IPL 2021: Some India players in the squad are out of form
Is IPL 2021 giving the Indian T20 World Cup Squad more concerns than answers? Suryakumar has not hit his best form

However, selections of youngsters are often met with both excitement and criticism. Such is the nature of the followers of Indian cricket over the years, largely driven by the cutting-edge competition for places that exists in the system owing to an abundance of top-class talent.

Moreover, the two of them edged out Shreyas Iyer to warrant a place in the squad. Iyer has delivered formidable performances for the Indian team in the last couple of years in multiple international assignments. He looked to have sealed the number four spot for the World T20, until the squad was announced.

Moreover, Iyer didn’t do anything wrong warranting his exclusion either. Just that his competitors in Ishan and Suryakumar looked comparatively better equipped to perform well in T20s. Naturally, there are high expectations off them and both have looked slightly off-colour in the IPL this year.

Similarly, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a consistently brilliant bowler for the Indian team. He played excellently against England back in February too and looked to be in fine touch. Even he has blown hot and cold for Sunrisers Hyderabad though, whereas the likes of Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel and others have made heads turn recently.

On the other hand, Yuzvendra Chahal seems to be scaling a nice comeback in recent games.

Chahal went through a rough patch for India in recent times, but the past some matches have raised hopes over his excellence and whether the team should have trusted him more as compared to the likes of Axar Patel and Rahul Chahar.

There are calls for replacements to be made straightaway, on the backing of recent form.

However, it can be argued that these statements are rather impulsive and short-sighted. The players who have been picked in the XI, barring Varun Chakravarthy, have all performed exceedingly well for the national team in the limited opportunities that they have received recently.

Moreover, they made it to this level following some seriously consistent performances in the chances that they received even in the IPL. It is also important to take into context that the likes of Suryakumar, Ishan, Hardik, Rahul Chahar…all of them were excellent in IPL 2020.

And the World T20 is slated to be played in the same venues. Though the calls for their selection were upped following their IPL performances, they made it to the T20 World Cup after fantastic performances in the Indian jersey.

To call for Hardik Pandya, a pillar for the Indian team in white-ball cricket, to be replaced by someone as new to the stage as Venkatesh Iyer is simply naïve. Yes, Indian cricket hasn’t made certain surprising decisions in the past. But a competition as big as the T20 World Cup needs to be looked at with much greater perspective than what is being done currently.

Overhauling the core of the squad just days prior to the commencement of a World Cup is simply unwarranted. These decisions have to be made prior to the squad announcement. There is no use of course correcting once a bullet has been fired.

All the players included in the squad are mighty fine in their own rights. They have performed well for both their IPL teams and the Indian side in the last year or so. One should not let the recency bias cloud the larger picture, especially so close to a tournament so important for the team due to multiple critical many factors.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter

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