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PCB chairman Ramiz Raja rips into England, New Zealand

Nash Sant
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PCB chairman Ramiz Raja rips into England, New Zealand

Cricket News: PCB chairman Ramiz Raja rips into England, New Zealand | Ramiz Raja slams ENG, NZ after cancelled tours of Pakistan

Not even a month into his tenure as the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ramiz Raja has experienced what most board presidents haven’t in their entire term. Two high profile white ball series have been cancelled due to the teams unwilling to put their players at risk.

Last week it was New Zealand who abandoned their first tour of Pakistan in more than 18 years before even the first ball was bowled. As per reports, NZC received direct messaging from the NZ government over a threat directly targeting the NZ players. This prompted the NZ team management to not think twice and jump on the first flight out of the country.

This left a lot of Pakistan fans and also the PCB in limbo. The PCB said that they had no prior intimation of the threat and the Pakistan authorities stressed on the fact that all the security was rightly in place.

After NZ abandoned their tour, there was some confusion in the air as to whether England Cricket will send their players, both Men and Women, over to Pakistan for their first tour since 2005. ECB put this confusion to rest by cancelling the said tour and further contributing to the anger of PCB and the cricket fans in Pakistan.

The ECB released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming that its board had “reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip”, citing “increasing concerns about travelling to the region” and the prospect of adding “further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments”.

This statement did not mention any security concerns, which was the main reason why NZ team abandoned their tour.

“The ECB has a longstanding commitment to tour Pakistan as part of the Men’s Future Tours Programme in 2022,” the statement said. “Earlier this year, we agreed to play two additional T20 World Cup warm-up games in Pakistan in October, adding a short women’s tour with double headers alongside the men’s games.

“The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women’s and Men’s games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip.

“The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments.

“There is the added complexity for our Men’s T20 squad. We believe that touring under these conditions will not be ideal preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where performing well remains a top priority for 2021.

“We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship. We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022.”

Ramiz Raja slams England, New Zealand after abandoning tours of Pakistan

The statement was not well received by the PCB chairman and expressed his disappointment over social media where he accused the ECB of “failing a member of their Cricket fraternity when it needed it most”

Ramiz Raja also went onto to say that these cancellations will have further impact on the future tours by countries like West Indies and Australia, who are scheduled to tour Pakistan in 2022. Ramiz Raja also mentioned the Pakistan tours to England and NZ last year which the players undertook at the height of the pandemic, undergoing quarantine and serious bubble life.

Pakistan were supposed to play 12 T20s leading up to the World Cup but all their preparation plans have thrown into chaos with these cancellations. National T20 Cup starts on 23 September, which is the domestic T20 tournament held in Pakistan, which will now act as the preparations for the players going to the World Cup.

Ramiz went onto say “We go in the World Cup now and where we had one team in our target – our neighbours [India], they now add two more teams – New Zealand and England. So pick up the strength and develop a mindset that we are not going to lose because you didn’t do right by us with us and we will avenge that in the ground.”

Twitter reactions: Tyagi seals miracle win for RR vs PBKS

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions: Tyagi seals miracle win for RR vs PBKS

Cricket News: Twitter reactions: Tyagi seals miracle win for RR vs PBKS | Karthik Tyagi executes miracle victory for RR against PBKS at Dubai in IPL 2021

Step aside Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings. We have a new IPL El Classico. Yet again, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals produced a thriller, synonymous with their meetings over the past few seasons.

Yet again, and unfortunately for Punjab Kings, they blew another chase they had in the palm of their hands. With eight runs required off the final two overs with eight wickets in hand, you would have been forgiven for turning off your TV assuming the match was over. In fact, even when they needed three from three balls, the Kings were just about a 100% chance of winning.

They didn’t.

Remarkably, Mustafizur Rahman and Karthik Tyagi defended eight off the final two overs. Tyagi, player of the match, bowled five dot balls in a row to consign the Kings to a shocking defeat – one that leaves Punjab needing to win all their five remaining games to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Worryingly for the Kings, this isn’t the first instance of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Last season against KKR, they needed 22 off the last 18 balls with nine wickets in hand, only to fall short. A couple of matches later against RCB, they nearly blew another easy finish, scoring the winning runs off the final ball after needing seven off the last two overs with nine wickets in hand.

“Tough one to swallow,” said skipper KL Rahul. “We need to see how we can handle pressure better. It’s happened to the best in the game. Tough one to swallow that you haven’t learnt from your previous mistakes.“

Twitter reactions as Tyagi seals huge coup for RR vs PBKS

IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

It’s second vs bottom. Blue vs orange. Comfortable vs desperate.

Given their consistency in IPL cricket and capable bowling attack, if you had predicted that Sunrisers Hyderabad would be bottom of the league at the halfway stage, you would have been considered brave, for use of a kind word. The men in orange pushed the self destruct button, with a number of poor selections and decision making blunders costing them dearly.

One of those decisions was how they treated David Warner. Not only did they relinquish him of the captaincy, but they dropped him from the XI in phase one. Now, with Jonny Bairstow unavailable, SRH will have no choice but to bring Warner back in the side if they are to resurrect their season that is on life support.

In contrast, Delhi Capitals sit pretty towards the top of the IPL table courtesy of six wins out of eight matches in phase one of IPL 2021. Now, they welcome back Shreyas Iyer and R Ashwin to further strengthen their XI, and will be aiming to hit the ground running right away to solidify their top two spot.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • Shikhar Dhawan has been simply outstanding since IPL 2020. In 25 innings since the start of last season, Dhawan has struck 998 runs at an average of 47.52 and strike rate of 140.56. This season, Dhawan has hammered 380 runs at an average of 54.28 and strike rate of 134.27 – the most runs of any player.
  • Here lies an opportunity to improve on his record for DC vs SRH. In seven such innings, he has hit 176 runs at an average of 25.14 and strike rate of 120.55. Also, Dhawan usually performs better batting second in IPL (avg. 38.9) compared to first (avg. 32.9).
  • The Prithvi Shaw-Dhawan opening partnership is a key reason why DC sit high up the table. Shaw was having a terrific first half of IPL, with 308 runs in eight matches at an average of 38.50 and strike rate of 166.48. This included a 39-ball 53 vs SRH.
  • Shaw will be seeking an improvement on his record in Dubai (7 inns, 128 runs, avg. 18.29, SR 128). However, he is a more confident player in 2021 compared to 2020.
  • Rishabh Pant will continue to captain the team and has a superb record vs SRH. In 13 innings against them, Pant has scored 431 runs at an average of 43.10 and strike rate of 146.60, including a century.
  • Marcus Stoinis has a key role to play as finisher. He will be seeking an improvement vs SRH (4 inns for DC vs SRH, 56 runs, avg. 18.67, SR 127.7). He strikes at 155.56 in nine innings in Dubai (210 runs, avg. 30).
  • R Ashwin is back in the India T20 setup and he will be looking to continue the good period. SRH isn’t his favourite team to play against, however, with nine scalps in 14 innings at an average of 42.67 and strike rate of 36. The class off-spinner prefers to bowl in the second innings, with 82 wickets at an average of 24.6, compared to 57 wickets at 32.1 bowling first. He will be key vs Warner, potentially.
  • Kagiso Rabada isn’t in the best of form, but one can’t write this fine bowler off. He was the top wicket-taker in 2020 in the UAE (30 wickets, SR 13.1), and has 11 wickets in seven innings vs SRH at an average of 22. Also, Rabada performs well bowling second in IPL, striking every 11.8 balls compared to 16.3 balls bowling first.
  • Avesh Khan is DC’s top wicket-taker in IPL 2021, with 14 wickets in eight matches. This includes 3/34 vs SRH.

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

  • Will David Warner start phase two with a bang? The left-hander averages 37.33 in 14 innings vs DC (448 runs, SR 127.48), and averages 41.22 in 10 innings in Dubai. A 40+ score here at a high strike rate will set up SRH nicely.
  • Wriddhiman Saha was one of SRH’s success stories in IPL 2020. Coming into the side late in the season, Saha helped take SRH to the playoffs with 214 runs in four matches at an average of 71.33 and strike rate of 139.86. This included 87 vs DC on this very ground.
  • Manish Pandey will be key to SRH’s hopes. In six innings for SRH vs DC, he has 128 runs to his name at an average of 25.8. He has a good record at Dubai (9 inns, 312 runs, avg. 44.57, SR 123.81), and is SRH’s second-highest run-scorer this season to date (5 inns, 193 runs, avg. 48.25, SR 123.71).
  • Kane Williamson averages 67.29 in 11 innings vs DC (471 runs). The SRH skipper scored 66* (51) against them earlier this season. Plus, he strikes at 141.67 in five IPL matches at Dubai (119 runs, avg. 59.50).
  • Rashid Khan will also no doubt be crucial to SRH’s hopes. The classy leg-spinner loves bowling second in IPL, with 45 wickets at an average of 17.6 and strike rate of 17.3 (average of 22.9 and strike rate of 21.9 bowling first).
  • Against DC, Rashid has taken 14 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 17.71. He took 1/31 against them earlier this season.
  • Khaleel Ahmed could replace T Natarajan, who has tested positive to COVID-19. He has six wickets in four matches vs DC. Also, Ahmed has a strike rate in the region of 16 when bowling first or second in IPL.
  • As will Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi will seek an improvement to his record vs DC, which reads: 14 inns, 13 wickets, avg. 34.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 19, DC 8, SRH 11.
  • These two sides played out a thrilling Super Over earlier in IPL 2021. Prithvi Shaw was player of the match.
  • Shimron Hetmyer in the first half of IPL 2021: 84 runs off just 41 balls, with just one dismissal in six innings.
  • Eyes will be on Rishabh Pant’s strike rate. He is striking at just 120.08 since the start of IPL 2020. Until the end of IPL 2019, Pant was striking at 162.29.
  • R Ashwin is one wicket away from 250 wickets in T20 cricket. Only Piyush Chawla and Amit Mishra have more (262).

Possible Playing 11

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

T Natarajan has tested positive for COVID-19 and will isolate.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1. David Warner, 2. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3. Manish Pandey, 4. Kane Williamson (c), 5. Kedar Jadhav/Vijay Shankar, 6. Abdul Samad, 7. Jason Holder/Mohammad Nabi, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

Before the Rajasthan Royals-Punjab Kings match, the average first innings in 34 IPL matches in Dubai is 166. Seamers have fared better in these matches (3.76 wickets per innings) compared to the spinners (1.64 wickets per innings).

The team batting first won 15 of the 26 matches on this ground in IPL 2020. The pitch was excellent for batting in yesterday’s match, so both teams will be looking to score big.

More clear and warm weather is forecast, which will be the norm 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 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play 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.

IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 33: DC vs SRH Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Delhi start as favourites, but don’t count out a SRH side that has plenty to prove. A lot will depend on SRH’s top order given their middle order struggles.

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

Twitter reactions as KKR roll RCB for 92

Nash Sant
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Twitter reactions as KKR roll RCB for 92

Twitter reactions as KKR roll RCB for 92 | Twitter reactions at KKR thump RCB by wickets after bowling them out for 92

Royal Challengers Bangalore went into their first game of phase 2 IPL 2021 with the news of Virat Kohli stepping down as their skipper at the end of the season. Nonetheless, they looked like a confident unit going into the game.

However, that bubble was burst rather quickly when Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders did everything right and the bowlers wreaked havoc at Abu Dhabi.

It looked like there was a steady partnership building between Padikkal and Bharat for the second wicket but after Padikkal fell to Ferguson on the last ball of the powerplay, it all went downhill from there. Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy dealt the most damage to RCB with each grabbing 3 wickets and an economy of less than 3.50.

Everyone else chipped in with a wicket or two and bowled out RCB for 92. None of the KKR bowlers went over a run rate of 6 from their allotted 4 overs. Indian fans will be particularly happy looking at Varun Chakravarthy and the way he has hit his stride in the UAE given he is part of the Indian contingent for the T20 World Cup next month in the same country.

After RCB were bowled out, KKR’s top 3 did not waste any time and hit the ground running. Opening pair of Gill and Venkatesh Iyer, who was playing his debut game, looked at ease and hammered the RCB bowlers all around the park especially Kyle Jamieson who went at a run rate of 13 from his 2 overs. Venkatesh Iyer looked very comfortable at the crease in his first game and played some shots that were pleasing to the eye.

Talking about the loss at the end of match presentation, Virat Kohli said, “We have five win from eight, we expect a loss here and there, it’s part and parcel, need to be professional, stick to our strengths and execute our plans. We have absolute confidence in our squad to pull up next game onwards and put in strong performances.”

The reactions on twitter though were not so positive for RCB. Have a look at some of the reactions to the loss.

Twitter reactions as KKR knock RCB over for just 92 in Abu Dhabi

IPL 2021 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2021 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

Players and teams are looking to find their best form as quickly as possible in phase two of IPL 2021. For Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, this search for top form can’t take very long, as both teams begin the UAE leg outside the top four.

However, the incentive here is mighty inviting. The winner today will move equal with Mumbai Indians after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. This is particularly important for KL Rahul’s Kings, who have crucially played that extra game so have less room for error as a result.

These two sides have played some absolute crackers over the past couple of seasons. Sanju Samson has been a huge factor when these two sides meet, as has KL Rahul, which makes the battle of the captains a tantilising one in Dubai. Both will be looking to lead from the front in a vital game, where plenty is at stake.

Earlier this season, Samson’s unbelievable 63-ball 119 wasn’t quite enough to take the Royals over the line in their chase of 221. Here, both sides are packed with six-hitting power, with the likes of Evin Lewis and Liam Livingstone available for the Royals, against the likes of Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran for the Kings.

Strap yourselves in. This could be very fun indeed.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Punjab Kings:

  • No Punjab player has more runs against the Royals than skipper KL Rahul. KL loves playing RR, with 441 runs against them at an average of 88.20 and strike rate of 137.81. This includes a 50-ball 91 earlier in IPL 2021.
  • Rahul is yet to be dismissed when batting second for PBKS against RR (2 inns, 179 runs, SR 144.4). His record batting first against them is solid, with 302 runs at an average of 37.8 and strike rate of 127.4. Plus, Rahul loves batting at Dubai in IPL (8 inns, 392 runs, avg. 56, SR 137.54).
  • Mayank Agarwal was enjoying a solid first half of IPL 2021 before its postponement. In seven matches, Agarwal struck 260 runs at an average of 43.33 and strike rate of 141.3, including a score of 99*. Playing for PBKS against RR, Agarwal has scored 170 runs in five innings at an average/strike rate of 34/173.47, including a 50-ball 106 at Sharjah last season.
  • Agarwal prefers to bat first against RR, but he has the potential to perform no matter the innings. In six innings against RR batting first, he has scored 219 runs at an average of 36.5 and strike rate of 164.7. Batting second, he has just the 64 runs in four innings at an average of 16.
  • Nicholas Pooran hit the fourth-most sixes in IPL 2020 (25), which was played in the UAE. He enjoys batting at Dubai, with 236 runs at an average of 39.33 and strike rate of 165.03. Pooran will be aiming to improve his record vs RR which reads: 5 inns, 64 runs, avg. 16, SR 164.10.
  • Deepak Hooda smashed a 28-ball 64 vs RR earlier in IPL 2021. In three innings at Dubai, Hooda hasn’t quite got going with 38 runs at an average of 38 and strike rate of 95. Can he fire in the middle today?
  • Ravi Bishnoi has a fine record at Dubai. In seven innings, he taken nine wickets at an average of 18.3 and strike rate of 16. He is wicketless in two matches vs RR.
  • Bishnoi much prefers to bowl first in IPL. In fact, his stats in the second innings are doubly worse. In the first innings, Bishnoi has taken 10 wickets at an average of 21.9 and strike rate of 18.6. Bowling second, the average balloons up to 42.7, as does the strike rate (36).
  • Mohammed Shami will be key. He will be aiming to improve his numbers for PBKS vs RR (5 inns, 7 wickets, avg. 28.71, econ. 10.58). He has 11 wickets in nine matches at Dubai at an average of 24.09 and strike rate of 18.91.

Rajasthan Royals:

  • All eyes will be on Sanju Samson. The RR skipper has the most runs of any player in RR-PBKS matches, with 525 runs at an average of 52.50 and strike rate of 152.62. Earlier in IPL 2021, he struck one of the most memorable centuries (119 off 63 balls), and performed well vs PBKS at UAE last season with scores of 85 (42) and 48 (25).
  • Can Evin Lewis make an impact right away? The hard-hitting left-hander is coming off a fruitful CPL campaign, where he scored the second-most runs (405, avg. 47.33, SR 163.21).
  • Liam Livingstone can prove to be a major asset for RR. The Englishman is having an incredible year in 2021, with 1,213 runs in 33 T20s at an average of 44.93 and strike rate of 157.74.
  • Livingstone has a knack of producing the goods in the second innings of T20s. In 72 such matches, he has struck 1,967 runs at an average of 34.50 and strike rate of 150.50. Batting first, he has 1,983 runs at an average of 27.54 and strike rate of 140.34.
  • Who can forget Rahul Tewatia’s amazing innings vs PBKS last season? His 31-ball 51, including five sixes in one over, is etched into IPL folklore.
  • The left-hander has 125 runs at Dubai at an average of 62.50 and strike rate of 128.87. Also, he takes a wicket every four overs vs PBKS, with five scalps at an average of 28.80.
  • Watch out for Chris Morris. He has a good all-round record vs PBKS: 95 runs (avg. 31.63, SR 153.23) and 15 wickets (avg. 21.07, SR 17.60).
  • Also, Morris loves to bowl first and bat second in IPL. In 25 innings batting second, Morris has scored 335 runs at an average of 30.5 and strike rate of 161.8 (compared to average of 18 batting first). In 42 innings bowling first, Morris has 58 wickets at an average of 21.4 and strike rate of 16.3 (compared to average of 25 bowling second).
  • Will RR play Tabraiz Shamsi first up? The left-arm spinner is the top T20I bowler in the world. He has 41 wickets in 28 T20s this year at an economy rate of just 6.36.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 22, PBKS 10, RR 12.
  • Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings twice in IPL 2020 (one win at Sharjah, the other at Abu Dhabi).
  • Evin Lewis vs spin in CPL 2021: average of 57 with a strike-rate of 138.
  • Shreyas Gopal is yet to take a single wicket against PBKS in six matches.
  • Nine of Chris Morris’ 14 wickets in IPL 2021 have come in the death overs.
  • Chris Gayle averages 35.93 in 17 innings vs RR, with a strike rate of 134.75.
  • If KL Rahul bats through to the backend of the innings, watch out. He has a strike rate of 185 against Morris and 161 against Mustafizur Rahman.
  • Liam Livingstone had a magnificent Hundred campaign, with 348 runs at the best strike rate (178.46) with the most sixes (27).

Possible Playing 11

Punjab Kings: 1. KL Rahul (c & wk), 2. Mayank Agarwal, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Nicholas Pooran, 5. Deepak Hooda, 6. Shahrukh Khan, 7. Chris Jordan/Adil Rashid, 8. Fabian Allen/Nathan Ellis, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Ravi Bishnoi, 11. Arshdeep Singh

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Liam Livingstone, 5. Riyan Parag, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Shreyas Gopal/Shivam Dube, 9 Chetan Sekariya, 10. Jaydev Unadkat/Karthik Tyagi, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi/Mustafizur Rahman

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings in 34 IPL matches in Dubai is 166. Interestingly, it is the seamers who have fared better in these matches (3.76 wickets per innings) compared to the spinners (1.64 wickets per innings).

The team batting first won 15 of the 26 matches on this ground in IPL 2020, and CSK started off with victory this season at Dubai. The surface showed signs of being two-paced, so it will be interesting to see how the pitch plays today.

More clear and warm 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 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play 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.

IPL 2021 Match 32: PBKS vs RR Fan2Play

Match Prediction

A tough match to predict. RR’s extra batting depth might just be enough to see them home in this one, but that’s not a sure thing. This has the potential to be a high-scoring match, with 180 the need of the hour to stand a better chance of winning.

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

AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Mackay Pitch Report

After quite the break, the great Australia team is back in action. The Aussie international season kicks off with a bang with Meg Lanning’s team going head-to-head with India in a high-profile, much anticipated series.

And, the test couldn’t be more difficult for the visitors. Australia has won 24 consecutive ODIs, with their last defeat coming way back in 2017. India, while showing some very positive signs in England earlier this year, will need to go to another level to match it with the home side.

To do that, India’s bowlers need to find enough penetration to dismantle a fine Aussie batting lineup. Also, the experienced batters, as well as the exciting Shafali Verma, need to be able to score a run rate higher than India have often managed in recent years.

Mackay in country Queensland will host its first ever international, and it has the potential to be a cracker.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Australia:

  • Superstar Meg Lanning is back in a format she dominates. The Australian skipper averages 44.45 in 12 ODIs vs India (489 runs), and is coming off a half-century in the practice match.
  • Lanning is simply magnificent in the second innings of ODI matches. In 45 such knocks, Lanning has ammassed 2,175 runs at a remarkable average of 65.90 and strike rate of 95.73. Her average of 43.75 (1,750 runs) batting first is still excellent.
  • Rachael Haynes also scored a half-century in the practice match (65). She will be aiming to improve on her record against India, which reads: 5 inns, 146 runs, avg. 29.20. Her opening partner, the brilliant Alyssa Healy, averages 44.16 in nine innings vs India. She scored 133 in her last ODI series vs India, back in 2018. Key player.
  • Watch out for Ellyse Perry as she looks to hit top form ahead of a big season. The superstar all-rounder has a wonderful record vs India, with 415 runs (avg. 46.11) and 32 wickets (avg. 19.93).
  • One key stat to note is that Perry much prefers to bowl in the second innings, with 91 wickets at an average of 18.89 compared to an average of 32.86 bowling first (61 wickets).
  • Beth Mooney also joined Lanning and Haynes in scoring a half-century in the practice match. Mooney has scored 136 runs in four innings vs India at an average of 42.33. Also, she averages 42.33 and strikes at 89.98 when batting first compared to 35.46/73.27 batting second in all ODIs.
  • Stella Campbell is a chance of making her ODI debut. She was terrific in the practice match (3/38), testing the India batters with pace.

India:

  • Smriti Mandhana will be key at the top for India. She scored two half-centuries in three matches vs Australia in the 2018 ODI series, and will be looking to replicate that kind of form here. Overall vs Australia, Mandhana has scored 297 runs in seven innings at an average of 42.42 and strike rate of 100.
  • Mandhana much prefers to bat second in ODIs. In 25 such matches, she has scored 1,251 runs at a magnificent average of 62.55. When batting first, that average drops significantly to 29.47 in 34 ODIs.
  • Shafali Verma is set to play her first ODI vs Australia. The exciting opener will be aiming to make a mark against a team she has had some experience against in T20 cricket (5 inns, 95 runs, avg. 19.00, SR 163.79).
  • Mithali Raj became the highest run-scorer in international women’s cricket earlier this year. She is enjoying an outstanding year in ODIs so far, with 416 runs in seven innings at an average of 83.20. This includes five half-centuries.
  • Like Mandhana, Raj loves batting in the second innings of ODIs (avg. 64.53 in 87 innings). Raj has scored 968 runs vs Australia at an average of 33.37, which she will be looking to build on here.
  • Millions remember Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbelievable 171* vs Australia in 2017. The experienced right-hander has not been in the best of form in the past couple of years, but will be aiming to produce the goods against Australia, whom she has a good record against: 13 inns, 506 runs, avg. 46.00, SR 89.24.
  • Poonam Yadav had a fruitful outing in the practice match (6-0-28-3). India will be hoping that the leg-spinner can improve on her record vs Australia which reads: 6 inns, 5 wickets, avg. 59.00, econ. 5.90.
  • Jhulan Goswami needs to lead the way for India with powerplay wickets against a strong Aussie batting lineup. Goswami has 26 wickets in 29 ODIs vs Australia at an average of 36.11. Can she improve on these numbers here?

Stats and Facts

  • Australia have won four of their last five ODIs vs India.
  • Australia have won 24 consecutive ODIs. Their last defeat came vs India in the 2017 World Cup, where Harmanpreet defied logic with an extraordinary 171* off 115 balls.
  • Deepti Sharma has struggled vs Australia in the past, with just four wickets in five ODIs at an average of 62.75 and economy rate of 6.09.

Possible Playing 11

Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen are unavailable for Australia. Spinners Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham have never played against India in ODIs, so they will be looking to make an impact right away, if picked.

Australia: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Rachael Haynes, 3. Meg Lanning (c), 4. Ellyse Perry, 5. Beth Mooney, 6. Ashleigh Gardner, 7. Annabel Sutherland, 8. Tahlia McGrath, 9. Sophie Molineux, 10. Georgia Wareham, 11. Stella Campbell

The question for India in the leadup to this game is whether Mithali Raj will bat at three or not.

India: 1. Smriti Mandhana, 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Mithali Raj (c), 5. Harmanpreet Kaur, 6. Deepti Sharma, 7. Sneh Rana, 8. Taniya Bhatia (wk), 9. Pooja Vastrakar, 10. Jhulan Goswami, 11. Poonam Yadav/Ekta Bisht

Harrup Park Mackay Pitch Report and Weather

This is the first time that Mackay will host an international match. Harrup Park hosted six WBBL matches in 2018/2019, with both the team batting first and second winning three games each. The average score in those T20s was 134.83.

Expect an easy-paced surface in country Queensland. The forecast is for a warm and sunny day in Mackay with a top of about 30 degrees.

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:

AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Mackay Pitch Report
AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Mackay Pitch Report
AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Mackay Pitch Report
AUS-W vs IND-W 1st ODI Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Australia look strong with bat and ball, and should win this one to take a 1-0 series lead.

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

Twitter reactions as Virat Kohli steps down from RCB captaincy

Nash Sant
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Twitter reactions as Virat Kohli steps down from RCB captaincy

Cricket News: Twitter reactions as Virat Kohli steps down from RCB captaincy | Virat Kohli announces he will step down from RCB captaincy after IPL 2021

Virat Kohli has represented IPL franchise side Royal Challengers Bangalore since the tournament started back in 2008. He was promoted to the role of captaincy after five years in 2013 and has held that role ever since.

During that time, we have seen some whirlwind seasons from the side but for Kohli as a player, we definitely know that captaincy doesn’t affect his batting. On a batting front he has had some mammoth seasons. Since being appointed skipper, he has managed to surpass 300 runs in every season and ended up as the highest run-scorer for his team in six out of the eight seasons.

But Virat Kohli would love to change the fortunes for his side and looking back at the season results since he took over,

2013 – Fifth

2014 – Seventh

2015 – Playoffs

2016 – Runners-up

2017 – Eighth

2018 – Sixth

2019 – Eighth

2020 – Playoffs

On 19th September 2021, after stepping down as the national team captain in the T20 format, Virat Kohli announced that the current IPL 2021 season will be his last as the captain for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. So, in a matter of days, Virat Kohli’s career as a T20 captain – both for franchise and country – is set to come to an end in the coming weeks.

Virat Kohli steps down from RCB captaincy: Twitter reactions

India and RCB fans will be hoping that Kohli can end his captaincy for both on a high. Here are some Twitter reactions from the announcement:

IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs BLR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Phase two of IPL 2021 moves to Abu Dhabi and it’s immediately desperation time for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Having failed to qualify for the playoffs in the previous two seasons, KKR have fared no better thus far in 2021, sitting second from last in a disappointing first half of the campaign.

And the task to make a run to the playoffs is difficult right away as they meet the highly-rated Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB were one of the impressive teams in the first phase, winning five of their seven games to sit well in third place. One of those victories was a thumping win over KKR in Chennai. In even better news, they thumped KKR twice in UAE last season as well.

A key to RCB’s success was the form of Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers in the middle and death overs. Both defied the slow conditions in Chennai earlier this year, and will surely relish batting on truer batting pitches alongside the likes of Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Also, the form of Mohammed Siraj across formats this year is cause for optimism, and it remains to be seen how Yuzvendra Chahal responds to being left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad.

For KKR, there is little room for error and they must hit their straps right away. Inconsistency and poor performance has plagued Eoin Morgan’s men over the past couple of seasons, and the time is now for their squad talent to gel together. A poor start here makes it very difficult to come back from, both from a confidence and points table perspective.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • It is time for the talented Shubman Gill to rise to the occasion. He was enduring a poor first half of IPL 2021 (7 inns, 132 runs, avg. 18.85), and will be aiming to also improve on his record vs RCB (6 inns, 73 runs, avg. 18.23, SR 130.36).
  • Gill prefers to bat second in IPL. In 18 innings batting second, Gill has scored 439 runs at an average of 39.9 and strike rate of 130.3. In 26 innings batting first, Gill averages 26.30 (632 runs).
  • Nitish Rana is KKR’s top run-scorer so far in IPL 2021, with 201 runs at an average of 28.71 and two half-centuries. He has performed well for KKR against RCB (198 runs, avg. 39.60, SR 152.31) and prefers to bat second in IPL (avg. 33.7 vs 23.8).
  • Rahul Tripathi has a key role to play in an inconsistent KKR lineup. He has a solid record vs RCB (8 inns, 238 runs, avg. 47.66, SR 129.35). He scored a 20-ball 25 vs RCB earlier this season.
  • If Andre Russell fires like everyone knows he can, then KKR are a chance. Against RCB, Russell has ammassed 339 runs at an average of 48.43 and unbelievable strike rate of 215.92. Batting first vs RCB, Russell has scored 125 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 235.8, only dismissed once. Batting second, he has slammed 245 runs at an average/strike rate of 35/205.9.
  • However, Russell will be seeking to turn around a poor record at Abu Dhabi. In six innings on this ground, he has scored just 52 runs at an average of 8.67 and strike rate of 118.8.
  • If available, Sunil Narine has the potential to turn the game in KKR’s favour. In seven innings batting vs RCB, Narine has scored 174 runs at an average of 32.33 and strike rate of 200. Plus, he has a decent haul of 16 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 21.94 and economy rate of 6.75.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • The great AB de Villiers is a thorn in KKR’s side. Overall, he has struck 464 runs in 17 innings vs KKR at an average of 38.67 and strike rate of 163.96. It’s when de Villiers bats first vs KKR that he is particularly dangerous, with 298 runs in seven such innings (avg. 59.6, SR 188.6), compared to 213 runs batting second vs KKR at an average of 26.6 and strike rate of 126.
  • de Villiers smashed 76* off 34 balls vs KKR earlier this season, as well as 73* (33) last season. Both came when batting first.
  • Glenn Maxwell, like ABD, has been a key reason why RCB are higher up the table. He has been brilliant batting at four, with 223 runs in six innings at an average of 37.16 and strike rate of 144.80. This includes a terrific 78 off 49 balls vs KKR on a slow Chennai track.
  • Virat Kohli’s 730 runs vs KKR come at an average of 36.50 and strike rate of 128.75. When he bats first against KKR, this average balloons up to 49.60 with a strike rate of 136.9. He averages 30 vs KKR batting second.
  • At Abu Dhabi, Kohli has struck 155 runs in six innings at an average of 38.75. He scored 18* (17) and 33* (28) in the UAE last season vs KKR.
  • Will RCB choose Wanindu Hasaranga right away? The classy leg-spinner has taken 20 wickets in 11 T20s this yeat at a fine economy rate of 5.30. He could partner Kyle Jamieson as the overseas bowling options, as Jamieson took 3/41 vs KKR earlier in the year.
  • Mohammed Siraj is RCB’s key man in the powerplay and death overs. He blew KKR away on this ground last season, with figures of 3/8 off four overs, including two maidens. When bowling first in IPL, Siraj has 21 wickets in 17 innings (avg. 25.3, SR 18.6) compared to 24 wickets in 25 innings bowling second (avg. 30.8, SR 20).
  • How will Yuzvendra Chahal respond after being left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad? The experienced leg-spinner has 16 wickets in 15 innings vs KKR at an average of 27.13. He enjoys bowling at Abu Dhabi, with nine wickets in six innings at an average of 16.22. He took 2/15 and 1/12 vs KKR in the UAE last season.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 28, KKR 15, RCB 13.
  • RCB thumped KKR twice last season in the UAE. At Abu Dhabi, they restricted KKR to just 84/8 courtesy of Mohammed Siraj’s 3/8. At Sharjah, RCB’s 194/2 was way too much for KKR, who were restricted to 112/9.
  • Harshal Patel is IPL 2021’s top wicket-taker, with 17 scalps in seven matches (avg. 15.11, SR 9.8). However, bowling on better batting surfaces will be the challenge for Patel, who had more success at Chepauk.
  • Devdutt Padikkal has scored three half-centuries in five matches at Abu Dhabi (213 runs overall, avg. 42.6).
  • Varun Chakravarthy has nine wickets in seven matches at Abu Dhabi, which includes a 5/20 vs Delhi Capitals. He has seven wickets in as many matches vs RCB (avg. 31.28).
  • Lockie Ferguson has taken five wickets in three matches on this ground, including 3/15.

Possible Playing 11

Prasidh Krishna has taken just two wickets in 17.3 overs vs RCB, but KKR could go for him for his potential to deliver.

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

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Devdutt Padikkal, 2. Virat Kohli (c), 3. Rajat Patidar, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. AB de Villiers (wk), 6. Wanindu Hasaranga/Tim David, 7. Kyle Jamieson, 8. Shahbaz Ahmed, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score at Abu Dhabi in IPL 2020 was 162.5 in 22 matches. The large boundaries make running between the wickets all the more important, as boundaries can be more difficult to hit. Also, the team batting second won 14 of the 22 matches, so a score of 162 or so may not be enough when the pitch is at its best early in phase two of IPL 2021.

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 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs BLR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs BLR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KOL vs BLR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 31: KKR vs RCB Fan2Play

Match Prediction

RCB look to have more bases covered, and should win this one.

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

Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time?

Robin Rounder
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Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time?

Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time? | A look at CSK ahead of phase 2 of IPL 2021 in UAE: Can they perform better than IPL 2020?

IPL 2020 was the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League when that Chennai Super Kings didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

Until IPL 2019, CSK played 10 seasons and qualified for the playoffs every time. They are the second-most successful team in the IPL and arguably the most consistent team in the league.

CSK had a few major concerns in the 2020 edition, which led to their downfall that season. One of them being the poor form of skipper MS Dhoni who was the backbone of CSK’s batting in the middle-order in 2018 and 2019. Dhoni after the 2019 World Cup Semi Final had not played any cricket and certainly looked rusty in IPL 2020.

Alongside him, other players like Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu were coming off a long break as well. Suresh Raina too was absent. These were some of the reasons for their failure in IPL 2020 but CSK bounced back in style in IPL 2021 where they won five out of the seven games before the tournament was postponed.

So, how prepared are CSK for the second leg of IPL when the tournament returns to the UAE?

Strengths:

The Moeen Factor

Moeen Ali has been CSK’s one of the best signings in recent times. He has significantly helped in solving CSK’s batting issues.

Moeen has scored 206 runs in six games at an average of 34, striking at 157. This shows that he has consistently scored 30-35 runs at a very high strike-rate in the middle-overs – an area where CSK struggled badly in IPL 2020.

Moeen is one of the best spin hitters around, and he did exactly what CSK asked him to do i.e. score at a high strike-rate in the middle-overs. So, Moeen Ali will be a great factor for CSK coming back to the UAE after the disappointing campaign in IPL 2020 and they’ll expect him to continue his red-hot form.

Cricket News: Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time? | A look at CSK ahead of phase 2 of IPL 2021 in UAE after a poor IPL 2020 campaign
CSK to improve in UAE in IPL 2021? Moeen was superb.

Batting Depth

CSK didn’t have a settled batting unit in IPL 2020. The experienced core, i.e. MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, were not in form either. Identifying the problem, MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming rectified it immediately in the next season in 2021.

CSK have Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis at the top with Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, and Ambati Rayudu in the middle-order followed by Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and skipper MS Dhoni. In addition, they have Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar as well who are more than handy with the bat. As is Dwayne Bravo, if CSK choose to pick him.

So from no batting depth and an unsettled batting unit in 2020, CSK now has potential batting depth up to number 11. Plus, they have the license to express themselves from ball one. This is one of the major reasons for CSK’s comeback in the first phase of IPL 2021.

Cricket News: Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time? | A look at CSK ahead of phase 2 of IPL 2021 in UAE after a poor IPL 2020 campaign
Darpan Jain (Twitter: darpanjain103)

CSK’s batting in IPL 2021 has improved significantly.  Ambati Rayudu who bats at number 5 has a strike rate of 200 after 5 Innings. Ravindra Jadeja has a strike-rate of 160+, Faf du Plessis is averaging 64 and has a strike-rate of 145 and we’ve already mentioned Moeen Ali.

Cricket News: Will CSK perform well in the UAE this time? | A look at CSK ahead of phase 2 of IPL 2021 in UAE after a poor IPL 2020 campaign
Darpan Jain (Twitter: darpanjain103)

The impact of this reflects in their scorecards. Out of the seven games, CSK have scored 200+ runs twice, and have scored between 180-190 in three games. They scored more than 10 runs per over in the middle-overs (7-15) in most of their games which lays the foundation of a big score.

If MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina can find some form with the bat then this CSK batting unit can be the best in the entire tournament. MS Dhoni and CSK will want the batters to continue from where they left in the first phase.

However, there are two concerns for CSK before stepping in the second phase of IPL 2021.

Concerns:

Lack of Match Practice

The first issue is the lack of match practice for many CSK players. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu have been out of action since the tournament was postponed early in May. This can be a little concerning for them considering there might be a situation when they need to take their team over the line.

But, having said that, they are experienced players and consistent performers for CSK over the years so one can expect them to perform when the team needs them the most.

Death Bowling

This has been a major problem for CSK over the years. They lack a good death bowler and this has cost them a lot. The perfect example of this is their last game against the Mumbai Indians when they failed to defend 219. Kieron Pollard destroyed their bowling scoring 87 runs in 34 balls.

Sam Curran needs to prove himself in the death overs while Lungi Ngidi, Shardul Thakur, and even DJ Bravo have been very poor in that phase. Dhoni and Fleming will have to somehow fix this issue if they have to win their 4th title in IPL 2021.

So now to finally conclude this and answer the question, CSK are looking really settled as a squad and are in much better shape than they were in 2020. They need to fix their death bowling issue and if they can do that then MS Dhoni and his men will have a grand chance to get their hands on the IPL trophy for the 4th time.

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.

IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IPL 2021 Match 30 CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

The IPL is back. And back with its greatest rivalry.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings – two of the IPL’s most successful teams – kick off phase two of IPL 2021. It has taken plenty of planning to get here, and whatever your view may be on the rescheduling of other tournaments and matches, this Indian Premier League season has the potential to be a cracker.

Both MI and CSK are genuine contenders to take out this year’s title. CSK have completely transformed the way they played after a poor season in 2020, and will now be aiming to produce the sort of form they did in the first half of the tournament. The key to their success was a more fearless style of batting, led by the likes of Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali in the middle overs.

For MI, phase two could feel like the start of a brand new season, and we know how slowly MI start new seasons. Given that Rohit Sharma’s team is sitting only two points inside the top four in front of Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, they can’t afford too slow a start with seven matches remaining.

We could be in for a beauty right away. Remember, these two sides engaged in one of the all-time classic IPL matches earlier this season, with MI, courtesy of the remarkable Kieron Pollard’s 34-ball 87*, chased down CSK’s 218 with four wickets remaining.

The storyline is fantastic on the IPL’s return to the UAE, and one can only wonder how this match will transpire.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Chennai Super Kings:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad was in fine form before IPL 2021 was postponed. He has 196 runs in the tournament so far at an average of 28.00 and strike rate of 128.94 after a slow start.
  • Gaikwad has performed well in Dubai (two fifties in three innings), and much prefers batting in the second innings in IPL (7 inns, 284 runs, avg. 56.80) compared to the first innings (6 inns, 116 runs, avg. 19.30). He has scored just four runs in two innings vs MI to date.
  • Faf du Plessis was in imperious touch in the first half of IPL 2021. He has the third-most runs in the tournament, with 320 at an average of 64.00 and strike rate of 145.25, including a 28-ball 50 vs MI. Overall vs MI, du Plessis has scored 365 runs in 15 innings for CSK at an average of 26.07 and strike rate of 128.52.
  • It is no secret that Moeen Ali loves batting in the top four in T20s. He was superb in the first half of IPL 2021, particularly strong against the spinners (6 inns, 206 runs overall, avg. 34.33, SR 157.25), which included a 36-ball 58 vs MI. In IPL, Moeen much prefers to bat first (15 inns, 416 runs, avg. 32, SR 168.4) compared to batting second (8 inns, 99 runs, avg. 12.4, SR 125).
  • Ambati Rayudu played a gem of a knock vs MI earlier this year (72* off 28 balls). Overall vs MI, Rayudu has struck 256 runs in nine innings at an average of 36.57 and strike rate of 144.63.
  • Ravindra Jadeja continues to impress with the bat across formats. In IPL 2020 in UAE, Jadeja slammed 232 runs at an average of 46.40 and strike rate of 171.85. In six knocks at Dubai, Jadeja has hit 161 runs at an average of 53.67.
  • However, Jadeja will be aiming to improve his record vs MI. In 17 innings against them, he has scored just 154 runs at 11.85. He has 18 wickets in 22 innings vs MI at an average of 28.56.
  • Sam Curran has one half-century in two matches vs MI, as well as four wickets. This includes 3/34 against Rohit’s team earlier this year. Also, Curran has the most wickets for CSK in IPL 2021 (nine wickets, avg. 24.11, SR 16.6).
  • Deepak Chahar will be key in the powerplay overs. Overall for CSK vs MI, Chahar has one wicket per innings on average (9 in 9) at an average of 28.78. Also, Dubai isn’t Chahar’s favourite ground, with five scalps in seven innings at an average of 37.20 and strike rate of 30.
  • Chahar’s stats are very similar whether bowling first (34 wickets, avg. 27.8, SR 21.9) or second (19 wickets, avg. 27.3, SR 21.1) in IPL.

Mumbai Indians:

  • Rohit Sharma has the most runs for any MI player vs CSK (24 inns, 693 runs, avg. 31.50, SR 128.81). He scored 35 (24) vs CSK earlier in IPL 2021, part of a solid record in the tournament: 7 inns, 250 runs, avg. 35.71, SR 128.20.
  • However, Rohit will be seeking an improvement in Dubai. In seven innings on this ground, Rohit has scored just 138 runs at an average of 19.71. His last knock at the ground, though, was a brilliant 51-ball 68 in last season’s final vs Delhi Capitals.
  • Kieron Pollard simply loves playing CSK. He not only has the second-most runs of any MI player vs CSK (607), but these runs come at a very impressive average/strike rate of 37.94/172.44. This includes one of his greatest ever knocks, where he scored 87* off 34 balls earlier this season to seal a memorable chase of 219.
  • At Dubai, Pollard has slammed 196 runs in seven innings at an average of 39.20. Also, he prefers to bat second in IPL (1,412 runs, avg. 32.1, SR 157.8) compared to batting first (1,779 runs, avg. 29.60, SR 145.80).
  • Suryakumar Yadav has scored 252 runs at an average of 42 and strike rate of 128.57 vs CSK. He made a lot of starts in the first half of IPL 2021 (total of 173 runs at an average of 24.71), so he will be looking to produce the kind of form he did in IPL 2020.
  • Ishan Kishan was MI’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2020 (516 runs, avg. 57.33, SR 145.76). In four innings vs CSK, Kishan has struck 159 runs at an average of 53 and strike rate of 129.27. Also, he loves batting at Dubai, with three fifties in five innings at an overall average of 133 (266 runs).
  • Also, Kishan prefers to bat second in IPL. In 20 innings batting second, Kishan has scored 537 runs at an average of 31.6 and strike rate of 142.8, compared to 747 runs at an average of 24.9 and strike rate of 125.1 batting first.
  • Jasprit Bumrah has produced some crucial spells vs CSK. However, he will be seeking an improvement on his wicket-taking ratio against them. In 11 innings vs CSK, Bumrah has taken nine wickets at an average of 37.89.
  • Bumrah much prefers to bowl second in IPL (69 wickets, avg. 20.2) compared to bowling first (46 wickets, avg. 30.1). Also, he enjoys bowling at Dubai, with 10 scalps in six matches at an average of 13.90 and strike rate of 13.20.
  • Trent Boult also loves bowling at Dubai in IPL, with 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 14.20 and strike rate of 10.8. Against CSK, Boult has taken 10 wickets in nine matches at an average of 28.60 and strike rate of 21.20.
  • Also, Boult loves bowling first in IPL, with 36 wickets in 25 innings at an average of 22.9 and strike rate of 16.2. When bowling second, Boult has taken 35 wickets at an average of 27.8 and strike rate of 19.6, which is still respectable.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 33, CSK 13, MI 20.
  • MI have won seven of the past eight meetings against CSK. The last meeting was one of the all-time IPL classics, with MI chasing CSK’s 218/4 courtesy of Pollard’s 34-ball 87.
  • No player has more runs in MI-CSK matches than Suresh Raina (732 runs, avg. 28.28). MS Dhoni also has a fine record vs MI (28 inns, 643 runs, avg. 35.72, SR 136.52). However, Dhoni’s role with the bat was very limited in the first half of IPL 2021, with just 37 runs in four innings at an average of 12.33.
  • Quinton de Kock averages 37.2 batting second in IPL compared to 27.2 batting first. He averages 28.83 in seven innings for MI vs CSK, and is coming off a fine series vs Sri Lanka.
  • Rahul Chahar loves bowling second in IPL (29 wickets, avg. 21.8), He averages 30.7 when bowling first (30 wickets). Against CSK, Chahar has taken six wickets at an average of 25, which is below his average of 30 in four innings at Dubai (four wickets).

Possible Playing 11

According to Times of India, Faf du Plessis is likely to play after missing the last few games of CPL 2021 due to a groin injury. Also, CSK will have a call to make on their last overseas slot; likely to be either Imran Tahir or Lungi Ngidi.

Ngidi went for 62 runs earlier this year vs MI. Tahir has seven wickets in seven matches for CSK vs MI (avg. 27).

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Faf du Plessis, 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3. Moeen Ali, 4. Suresh Raina, 5. Ambati Rayudu, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 8. Sam Curran, 9. Shardul Thakur, 10. Deepak Chahar, 11. Imran Tahir/Lungi Ngidi

If Hardik Pandya bowls, both MI and India will benefit greatly. Pandya has struck 164 runs in 11 innings vs CSK, at an average of 32.80 and strike rate of 157.69. Interestingly, his top score against them is just 25*. He also has eight wickets in as many innings vs CSK at an average of 20.13.

Mumbai Indians: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Ishan Kishan, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile/James Neesham, 9. Rahul Chahar, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Trent Boult

Dubai International Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Expect a good batting pitch to kickstart the second phase of IPL 2021. The average first innings score was 171.54 in 26 matches on this ground in IPL 2020, and the surfaces held up very well throughout the tournament. The team batting first won 15 of these matches, including eight of the first 10.

The forecast, predictably, is for hot and clear weather in Dubai.

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 (If CSK bats first):

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IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2 (If MI bats first):

IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IPL 2021 Match 30 CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report | CSK vs MI Dream11 | MI vs CSK Dream11 Tips | MI vs CSK Prediction | MI vs CSK Best Predictions
IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IPL 2021 Match 30 CSK vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report | CSK vs MI Dream11 | MI vs CSK Dream11 Tips | MI vs CSK Prediction | MI vs CSK Best Predictions
IPL 2021 Match 30: CSK vs MI Fan2Play

Match Prediction

One gets the feeling that CSK’s best chance of victory is if they bat first. If MI bat first and score in the region of 170, CSK will have to chase a lot better than they did in IPL 2020 in UAE.

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

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