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IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

If someone had told you that Mumbai Indians would be second from bottom after 10 games, you may have called them brave, for use of a kind word. Better yet, if someone told you that Mumbai, who have a number of T20 World Cup stars both from India and abroad, would lose their first three matches of the UAE leg in convincing fashion, you may have called them brave, too.

The defending champions are going through some rut. They have won just four out of 10 this season, including two unlikely victories against CSK and KKR back in the first leg of the tournament. The form of their batsmen beyond their openers – particularly the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan – is cause for concern, as it is Mumbai’s middle order that has been their pillar of strength over the past couple of seasons.

However, incredibly, Mumbai can still move back into the top four if KKR lose to Delhi in today’s earlier game. The same applies to Punjab Kings, who overcame the heartbreak of their defeat to the Royals by doing enough to beat Sunrisers. Plus, they can take confidence in the fact they thumped Mumbai by nine wickets in the first leg of IPL 2021, and a repeat here puts them further in playoffs’ contention.

This is indeed a test of nerves for two inconsistent sides this season. The reward on offer for victory gives this matchup an early playoffs feel, as it crunch time.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Mumbai Indians:

  • Is this the day Kieron Pollard delivers? One of the all-time great T20 cricketers, Pollard has a habit of producing when his team needs it most. Against Punjab, Pollard has smashed 514 runs at an average of 39.54 and strike rate of 163.69 – the most of any MI player.
  • Rohit Sharma is Mumbai’s top-scorer in IPL 2021, with 326 runs in nine matches at an average of 36.22 and strike rate of 128.85. He will be looking to build on his two starts so far in the UAE leg (33 and 43) against a team whom he has scored 486 runs against at an average of 28.59 and strike rate of 130.65.
  • Also, Rohit has scored two half-centuries in eight matches at Abu Dhabi. In total, he has scored 297 runs on this ground at an average of 37.13 and strike rate of 129.13.
  • Is this the day Suryakumar Yadav finds form? He simply loves batting at Abu Dhabi, with 418 runs in 12 matches at an average of 46.44 and strike rate of 160.77. However, he will need to improve on his record vs Kings (7 inns, 159 runs, avg. 22.71, SR 137.07).
  • Hardik Pandya will be key as MI’s finisher. He has struck 190 runs in eight matches at Abu Dhabi at a strike rate of 186.27 and average of 47.50. Against PBKS, Hardik strikes well at 178.95, but will be aiming to build on his average of 21.25 in 10 matches against them.
  • Jasprit Bumrah has the most wickets of any current player in MI-PBKS matchups. His 17 scalps come at a fine average of 18.06 and strike rate of 17.18. Also, he has taken 16 wickets in nine matches at Abu Dhabi at an average of 16.00 and strike rate of 13.50.
  • Punjab Kings isn’t Trent Boult’s favourite opponent. In three matches for MI against PBKS, Boult has taken just the one wicket at an average of 120 and economy rate of 11.25. Overall in his career, he averages 34.38 vs Punjab (SR 22.13) and 32.44 at Abu Dhabi (SR 22.22).
  • It is a big game for Rahul Chahar, who is also searching for his best form. He strikes every 22 deliveries at Abu Dhabi, and has five wickets in four matches vs PBKS (avg. 21.00).
  • In the first innings in IPL, Chahar has taken 13 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 32.5 and strike rate of 26.3. Bowling second, he has 29 wickets to his name in 25 matches at an average of 23 and strike rate of 18.4.

Punjab Kings:

  • KL Rahul loves playing Mumbai Indians. In seven games for PBKS against MI, he has smashed 443 runs in seven matches at an unbelievable average of 110.75 and strike rate of 137.15. He was player of the match against them earlier in IPL 2021, with 60 off 52 balls.
  • Mayank Agarwal is having a fine season (9 inns, 332 runs, avg. 41.50, SR 142.48). He will be seeking to improve on a sub-par career record against MI, which reads: 13 inns, 236 runs, avg. 19.67, SR 151.28.
  • Chris Gayle scored 43* (35) vs MI earlier this season, part of a great career record vs the five-time champions: 19 inns, 707 runs, avg. 44.19, SR 133.40, six 50s. Gayle also has a half-century in two IPL matches at Abu Dhabi.
  • Ravi Bishnoi was outstanding on his return to the team last game, taking 3/24 against SRH. Also, Bishnoi took 2/21 vs MI earlier this season.
  • Bishnoi often prefers to bowl first in IPL, with 10 wickets in nine such games at an average of 21.9 and strike rate of 18.6. In the second innings, he has taken nine wickets in 10 matches at an average of 31.1 and strike rate of 26.9. This includes 3/24 last game.
  • Mohammed Shami has taken 10 wickets in five matches for PBKS vs MI, including 2/21 earlier this season. He has been excellent in phase two of IPL 2021 too, with 3/21 and 2/14 thus far.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 27, MI 14, PBKS 13.
  • Punjab Kings (132/1) thumped Mumbai Indians (131/6) earlier in IPL 2021.
  • Quinton de Kock averages 28 in five matches for MI vs PBKS (140 runs, SR 121.74). de Kock scored a half-century (55) in his last game at Abu Dhabi against KKR.
  • Ishan Kishan is the only player with at least 100 runs to have a strike rate under 100 in IPL 2021 (SR 86.99). Also, he averages just 15.50 in six matches vs PBKS (93 runs), with a strike rate of just 95.88.
  • Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed Mayank Agarwal twice in two games for no run scored.
  • Punjab have lost six out of the eight games in which KL Rahul scored below 25.

Possible Playing 11

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

Chris Gayle has a balls-per-dismissal ratio of 16.5 vs spin in 2021. Given Agarwal has history vs Bumrah, PBKS could look at opening with Gayle so he plays pace.

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

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Abu Dhabi is a good chasing ground. The chasing team has won three of four matches so far in IPL 2021, after the chasing team won 14 of 22 fixtures on this ground in 2020.

The forecast is for more clear and warm weather.

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 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS 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 42: MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 42: MI vs PBKS Fan2Play

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

Match Prediction

Huge game and difficult to predict. Punjab Kings are in the better form, but Mumbai Indians are capable of turning things around. Given that chasing is beneficial on this ground, any total in the region of 160-170 is crucial.

IPL 2021 Match 41: KKR vs DC Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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IPL 2021 Match 41: KKR vs DC Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 41: KKR vs DC 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

The 41st game of the 14th season of the IPL will see the Delhi Capitals lock horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi.

Having won 8 out of their first 10 games this season and two in as many instances in the UAE leg, the Capitals are in red-hot form. They will be looking to officially seal their spot in the playoffs with yet another victory in the next game where they will take on the Knight Riders.

They will come into this game on the back of a commanding win against the Rajasthan Royals where they proceeded to defend 154 with ease thanks to an all-round bowling performance-led by Anrich Nortje (2/18 in 4 overs).

The Knight Riders, on the other hand, are coming off a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat against the Chennai Super Kings thanks to a whirlwind blitz from Ravindra Jadeja (22 off 8 balls) at the death.

The last time these two sides’ locked horns with each other, Delhi strolled to a seven-wicket win after a whirlwind 41-ball 82 by Prithvi Shaw made short work of KKR’s total of 154/6.

Can DC perform an encore or will KKR pull one back?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Venkatesh Iyer: The young southpaw made an instant impact in his maiden IPL season as he smashed an imperious 27-ball 41 against RCB and followed it up with a 30-ball 53 against the Mumbai Indians.
  • He looked good in the last game against CSK as well but could only manage a 15-ball 18
  • Rahul Tripathi: The 30-year-old smashed an unbeaten 33-ball 45 in the last game. His record in Sharjah: 59 runs in 3 games at an average of 19.7 and a strike rate of 140.5.
  • As far as his record against DC is concerned, he has scored 68 runs in 3 innings at an average of 22.7 and a strike rate of 151.1.
  • Andre Russell: The all-rounder scored a 15-ball 20 in his last outing. His record in Sharjah: 29 runs in 2 innings at 14.5.
  • Russell smashed a brutal 27-ball 45 in his last outing against DC. Overall, he has scored 165 runs in 4 innings at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 196.4 besides claiming 4 wickets at 21.5.
  • Dinesh Karthik: The veteran once again displayed that he is still one of the best in the business as he chipped in with an 11-ball 26 in the last game. 
  • His record in Sharjah is abysmal though. In 5 innings, he has managed just 9 runs. The right-hander will be looking to make amends on Tuesday. As far as his record against DC is concerned, he has scored 75 runs in 5 innings at an average of 15 and a strike rate of 119.
  • Varun Chakravarthy: Chakravarthy was once again brilliant in the last game against CSK as he returned with figures of 1/22 in 4 overs.
  • His record in Sharjah: 2 wickets in 3 innings at an average of 54 and an economy rate of 9. 
  • Sunil Narine: The off-spinner may have gone for 41 in his four overs against CSK but he backed it up with three wickets.
  • His record vs DC: 0 wickets in 3 games. As far as his record in Sharjah is concerned, he has managed just 1 wicket in 3 games but with the newly relaid Sharjah being conducive to the spinners, expect Narine and Chakravarthy to come to the party.

Delhi Capitals:

  • Prithvi Shaw: He may not have hit the ground running in the UAE leg but except the swashbuckling opener to turn on the heat against his favoured opposition. He smashed a whirlwind 41-ball 82 in his outing against KKR which included six fours in an over.
  • His record in Sharjah: 85 runs in 3 innings at 28.3 and a strike rate of 160.4. Shaw has scored 323 runs in 5 innings vs KKR at an average of 64.6 and a strike rate of 171.8 with 4 50+ scores.
  • Shikhar Dhawan: The southpaw is still the leading run-scorer this season. His record in Sharjah: 172 runs in 3 innings at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 169.2 with one hundred.
  • Dhawan’s record vs KKR: 734 runs in 26 innings at an average of 29.4 and a strike rate of 119 with 6 50+ scores.
  • Shreyas Iyer: The former skipper has notched up impressive scores of 47* and  43 in his last two outings. His record vs KKR: 425 runs in 12 innings at 42.5 and a strike rate of 156.8 with 2 50+ scores.
  • Iyer has played 3 innings in Sharjah, scoring 133 runs at an average of 66.5 and a strike rate of 168.4 with 1 50+ score.
  • Rishabh Pant: The skipper is yet to turn up the heat as he usually does but one feels a big inning is round the corner. His record vs KKR: 228 runs in 10 innings at 22.8 and strike rate of 147.1.
  • Pant has batted twice in Sharjah, scoring 43 runs at an average of 21.5 and a strike rate of 165.4.
  • Anrich Nortje: The South African bolter has been quite impressive in his past two outings. In two games, Nortje has claimed 4 wickets at the cost of just 30 runs in 8 overs.
  • His record vs KKR: 5 wickets in 2 innings at an average of 12. He has claimed 6 wickets in his 3 outings in Sharjah at 17.
  • Axar Patel: With the new pitch in Sharjah aiding spinners, Patel could prove to be a real handful.
  • His record vs KKR: 10 wickets in 14 games at an average of 35.1 and an economy rate of 7.02.

Stats and Facts:

  • Both sides have locked horns in 28 IPL games thus far with KKR leading the ledger 14-13.
  •  The last time these two sides met in Sharjah, DC emerged victorious.
  • Among the current set of players, Shreyas Iyer is the leading run-scorer (425) in DC vs KKR encounters.

Possible Playing XI:

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan ©, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna

Delhi Capitals:

Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan

Sharjah pitch report and weather conditions

The newly relaid pitch in Sharjah has proved to be slow and sluggish thus far. Expect the spinners and bowlers with variations to come to the party once again on Tuesday.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be dry and sunny. The temperatures are set to hover between 31-37 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to be around 56 per cent.

Dream11 Prediction

IPL 2021 Match 41: KKR vs DC 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 Match 41: KKR vs DC 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.

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

IPL 2021 Match 41: KKR vs DC 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

Match Prediction

Given their red-hot form, the Delhi Capitals will start as favorites.

Twitter reactions as RCB thump MI to leave champions reeling

Nash Sant
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Twitter reactions as RCB thump MI to leave champions reeling

Cricket News: Twitter reactions as RCB thump MI to leave champions reeling | Twitter reactions after RCB beat MI by 54 runs.

Mumbai Indians are on the verge of losing out on a playoff spot due to the recent poor performances and yesterday was no different when they failed to chase 165 posted by RCB at Dubai.

After Kohli and Maxwell each scored fifties to carry their team to 165, Mumbai started pretty well with Sharma and De Kock setting the platform. But after losing De Kock in the seventh over at a score of 57, it went all downhill from there. Only Sharma and De Kock were able to score in double digits and the rest of the scorecard looks like a phone number.

After Mumbai made the questionable decision to send in Krunal Pandya at a crucial stage, Harshal Patel soon took a memorable hat-trick to consign Mumbai Indians to their third-straight defeat. In the end, it was a crucial win for RCB, who themselves had lost two straight matches in the UAE leg.

With that win RCB now sit on the third spot and MI are in the seventh spot. Here are some twitter reactions from the match yesterday:

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

IPL 2021 Match 40: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2021 Match 40: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 40: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

As Rajasthan Royals’ playoffs hopes hang by a thread, they couldn’t have chosen a better opponent to get their season heading in the right direction after a disappointing defeat to Delhi Capitals over the weekend. Sunrisers Hyderabad are enduring the season from hell, with the usually consistent franchise already out of the running for the playoffs with five games still remaining.

Barring SRH, such is the tight nature of the playoffs race that Rajasthan, despite sitting second from bottom, are still right in with a shot. However, this is a game here they cannot afford to drop, and how they handle the pressure of the occasion will be key. Apart from Sanju Samson (70* off 53 balls), the remaining Royals batsmen could only muster 45 runs in 73 balls in a very disappointing batting display against the Capitals, after the bowlers put together a decent effort.

Here, they must put together the complete performance.

For Kane Williamson’s team, they can only play spoilsport. Apart from Jason Holder, none of their batsmen fired, with the lean run of form continuing for the likes of David Warner and Kane Williamson. Now, with the pressure of playoffs qualification gone, will SRH play with greater confidence and freedom?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

  • It has been a shocker of a season vs David Warner (8 inns, 195 runs, avg. 24.37, SR 107.37). Playing for SRH against RR, Warner has scored 241 runs in eight innings at an average of 30.13 and strike rate of 130.27.
  • Warner has struck four half-centuries in 11 innings at Dubai (overall average of 37.10 on this ground). SRH and Australia fans will be hoping Warner can add to that tally here.
  • Kane Williamson has also been disappointing in phase two of IPL 2021. The SRH skipper has scored 168 runs for SRH vs RR at an average of 42.00 and strike rate of 124.44.
  • Manish Pandey has scored 246 runs in six innings for SRH vs RR at an average of 49.20 and strike rate 148.19. He also enjoys batting at Dubai, with 329 runs in 10 matches at an average of 41.13 and strike rate of 122.76. These are fine numbers, but is Pandey playing well enough at the moment to replicate them today?
  • Jason Holder was the shining light on a very disappointing day for SRH against Punjab. The all-rounder took 3/19 and scored a 29-ball 47 to give his misfiring team a shot at victory.
  • Rashid Khan has eight wickets to his name in seven matches vs RR (avg. 22.13, econ. 6.32). Also, he has a fine record at Dubai, with 12 wickets in nine matches at an average of 14.75 and strike rate of 18.00.

Rajasthan Royals:

  • No player has more runs in SRH-RR matches than Sanju Samson. The RR skipper, who is coming off 70* off 53 balls vs DC, has scored 430 runs in 12 innings against SRH at an average of 39.09 and strike rate of 127.98.
  • Samson has to turn around a poor record at Dubai, which reads: 8 inns, 125 runs, avg. 15.63, SR 114.68.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal struck a fluent 36-ball 49 at Dubai earlier this season. He will be aiming for more of the same here against a team whom he’s played just the one match against so far (12 runs).
  • Liam Livingstone to fire? Despite the low score in his last game, the right-hander remains a factor given his superb record in T20s this year: 34 inns, 1,239 runs, avg. 42.72, SR 156.
  • Chris Morris strikes every 18 deliveries on average vs SRH (11 matches, 12 wickets, avg. 23.83). He took 3/29 vs SRH earlier this season. Also, a fit Morris could prove to be a big asset at Dubai, as he has eight wickets in four matches on this ground (avg. 16, SR 11.75).
  • Karthik Tyagi had an expensive outing vs DC (1/40), but he remains a key factor at the death especially against a misfiring SRH lineup. Two games ago, he produced a memorable player of the match performance vs Kings (2/29).
  • Mustafizur Rahman took 3/20 earlier this season vs SRH. He and Chetan Sakariya (2/33 last game vs DC) will be key in the crunch stages of the innings.

Stats and Facts

  • Matches 14, SRH 7, RR 7.
  • Rajasthan belted Hyderabad by 55 runs earlier this season. Sanju Samson scored a 33-ball 48 in a total of 220/3.
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar averages 46 with the ball in five games at Dubai, striking every 36 deliveries. Can he improve on those numbers today against a side whom he has taken nine wickets in eight matches for SRH?
  • Jason Holder has dismissed Sanju Samson twice in four innings, so SRH could look to exploit this today.

Possible Playing 11

Evin Lewis and Chris Morris missed the match against Delhi due to niggles. It remains to be seen if they are available for this match.

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Liam Livingstone, 5. Mahipal Lomror, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kartik Tyagi, 10. Chetan Sakariya, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Time for SRH to look at the likes of Priyam Garg over Kedar Jadhav?

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

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first often reigns supreme at Dubai, winning three of four matches so far in IPL 2021 (avg. first innings score of 160). Yesterday, RCB’s 165 was far too many for the Mumbai Indians, who crumbled against spin and slower deliveries.

The forecast is for more warm and clear weather.

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 40: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 40: SRH 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 40: SRH vs RR Fan2Play Prediction

Match Prediction

SRH are playing terrible cricket, but today could be the day they win as they have no playoffs pressure. However, RR start as favourites and should win this with a lot at stake for them.

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

Mandhana, Deepti Sharma sign with Sydney Thunder

Nash Sant
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Mandhana, Deepti Sharma sign with Sydney Thunder

Cricket News: Mandhana, Deepti Sharma sign with Sydney Thunder | Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma sign with Thunder for WBBL 2021

Indian pair of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma have signed for Sydney Thunder to play in the upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League starting October 14. The pair will be replacing the English players Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont who are unavailable for the tournament. Thunder will be defending their title and hoping to make it two in two.

Mandhana has previously represented WBBL sides Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat. This is the first WBBL outing for Deepti Sharma who represented London Spirit in the recently concluded Hundred where she claimed 10 wickets at an economy of 5.26. Previously she has also played for Western Storm in the now defunct Kia Super League where she was part of the title winning side along with Mandhana back in 2019.

“Playing in overseas leagues gives you a lot of experience” – Mandhana

“Playing in overseas leagues gives you a lot of experience, especially in the T20 format,” Mandhana said. “Then, of course, you exchange so much experience with each other . . . with all the players from over the world . . . so you get to learn a lot. Rather than ‘pressure’, I always look at it as an opportunity to learn, and to get used to that pressure because it only builds when you play international cricket.”

Sharma was excited to get her first taste of WBBL and hopes to live up to the expectations. “This is my first time [in the WBBL], so I’m excited,” Sharma said. “I’ve had offers before, but I couldn’t play at the time because at the time we had [an international] series.

Coach Trevor Griffin has worked with the pair before during his tenure as the coach of Western Storm and felt that the duo are the perfect players to replace Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont.

“While it’s disappointing not to be able to have Heather back, if you could choose any replacement for her it would be Deepti – she’s also a star,” Griffin said. “She offers a lot with the bat – Deepti is a match-winner – and she also has the talent to bowl in the powerplay, during the middle of a match, or at the death.

“Smriti is an opening batter who has the tremendous ability to take everything in her stride. I like that she keeps her game really simple; she just wants to score runs. I’m delighted to have her on board, and I have no doubt that she’ll prove to be a great addition to Thunder.”

This takes the number of Indian players to play in the WBBL 2021 to four with Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav signing on with Sydney Sixers.

Hopefully this further encourages the BCCI to put efforts into establishing a Women’s IPL to enhance the image of Women’s cricket and cricketers in the country and to let the young female cricketers rub shoulders with some of the best from around the world.

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today

IPL 2021 Match 39: RCB vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Match 39: RCB vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 39: RCB vs MI Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

What a treat for IPL fans. A true Super Sunday. After powerhouses Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders do battle, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians go head-to-head in a crucial match in the playoffs race.

And both teams desperately need a victory. Both have lost two consecutive matches in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, and this matchup has ramifications for the top four. MI, as they do in a full IPL season, have started slowly, and RCB have fallen away after a magnificent start to the season. Both are coming off disappointing performances, with Rohit Sharma’s men thumped at the hands of KKR, while Virat Kohli’s side lost convincingly to CSK.

So, who will hold their nerve? These two sides played an absolute thriller in Dubai last season, and this has the makings for another classic with great players and great pressure on show in equal measure. If RCB lose and KKR beat CSK, they will sit outside the top four. If MI lose, their quest for a playoffs’ appearance will slip away further.

Buckle up, this should be a good ride.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • AB de Villiers has had a slow start to phase two of IPL, but this is the game he could return to form as he loves playing MI. In 18 innings against them, he has smashed 682 runs at an average of 52.46 and strike rate of 153.26. Incredible numbers.
  • de Villiers slammed a 24-ball 55 against MI on this ground in 2020, and 48 (27) earlier this season. Overall at Dubai, ABD has scored 299 runs in nine innings at an average of 49.83 and strike rate of 148.76. This includes three half-centuries.
  • No player has more runs in RCB-MI matches than Virat Kohli. He has struck 728 runs for RCB vs MI at an average of 28.00 and strike rate of 126.17. He is coming off a half-century vs CSK (53 off 41 balls), and will be looking to build on this.
  • Kohli has a score of 90* at Dubai, part of 248 runs on this ground at an average of 31.00 and strike rate of 124.62.
  • Devdutt Padikkal has struck two half-centuries in as many matches vs MI (74 off 45 balls and 54 off 40 balls). Padikkal has scored two half-centuries in seven innings at Dubai (205 runs, avg. 29.29, SR 112.64).
  • Can Glenn Maxwell rediscover his early season form? He has 293 runs in 13 matches vs MI (avg. 22.54, SR 151.03), including a promising 39 off 28 balls earlier in IPL 2021. However, he will have to turn around a poor IPL record on this ground (8 inns, 74 runs, avg. 10.57, SR 100).
  • Harshal Patel took 5/27 vs MI earlier this season. However, expect Dubai to be a truer pitch – the kind of surface that Patel hasn’t quite been as prolific.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal has 19 wickets to his name in 14 matches vs MI (avg. 23.95). Also, he has 13 wickets in nine matches at Dubai, at an average of 19.13 and strike rate of 16.15.

Mumbai Indians:

  • Quinton de Kock has struck three half-centuries in his last four matches, dating back to the Sri Lanka series. Overall vs RCB, de Kock has struck 338 runs at an average of 42.25 and strike rate of 148.25.
  • At Dubai, de Kock has scored 218 runs at an average of 31.14 and strike rate of 132.12.
  • Is this the day we see a Kieron Pollard special? No MI player has more runs against RCB than Pollard (546), scored a fine average/strike rate of 34.13/161.54. He smashed 60* off 24 balls vs RCB on this ground in 2020.
  • Ishan Kishan loves batting at Dubai (277 runs, avg. 92.33, SR 161.99). He has struck three half-centuries in six matches on this ground, including 99 (58) vs RCB last season.
  • Will Rohit Sharma lead from the front? He has the second-most runs for MI against RCB (497) at an average of 29.24 and strike rate of 143.23. Rohit will be aiming to improve on a sub-par record at Dubai (138 runs, avg. 19.71), but he did score a superb 68 in last season’s IPL Final.
  • If Hardik Pandya is fit and firing, it will elevate MI to another level. Against RCB, Hardik has slammed 230 runs in 12 innings at an average of 46 and strike rate of 163.12.
  • Jasprit Bumrah has taken 21 wickets in 16 matches vs RCB – the most of any bowler in MI-RCB matchups. Also, Bumrah enjoys bowling at Dubai, with 12 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.33 and strike rate of 13.00.
  • Trent Boult also enjoys bowling at Dubai, with 12 wickets in six matches at an average of 14.75 and strike rate of 11. Also, Boult has 10 wickets in six matches vs RCB at an average of 21.90 and strike rate of 14.40.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 30, RCB 11, MI 19.
  • Suryakumar Yadav is struggling this season (181 runs, avg. 20.11, SR 132.11). MI fans can hope this is the day he returns to form, as he has struck 79* (43) and 31 (23) in his last two games vs RCB.
  • Krunal Pandya has dismissed AB de Villiers four times in IPL, conceding just 51 runs in 47 balls in the process.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal has dismissed Kieron Pollard four times in 14 IPL matches.
  • Unleash Bumrah and Boult against Glenn Maxwell? Bumrah has dismissed Maxwell six times in 61 deliveries, conceding just 70. Boult has dismissed Maxwell twice in 19 balls, for just 23 runs.
  • Virat Kohli needs 16 runs to reach 10,000 in T20s.

Possible Playing 11

Wanindu Hasaranga has had an unhappy start to life in the IPL, and RCB are known to make constant changes. So, they could bring Kyle Jamieson back. Also, Navdeep Saini is under pressure to keep his spot.

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

Hardik Pandya is on the brink of full fitness. Given that MI need to win this game, this could be the match that sees the return of Hardik.

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

Dubai Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first won 15 of the 26 matches on this ground in IPL 2020. Also, the average first innings score is 170 in the last 29 T20s on this ground.

The forecast is for clear and warm weather.

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 39: RCB vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 39: RCB vs MI 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 39: RCB vs MI Fan2Play

Match Prediction

A potential classic in store. The team batting first may need at least 170 here with two strong batting lineups and what should be a good batting surface.

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

IPL 2021 Match 38: CSK vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
IPL 2021 Match 38: CSK vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 38: CSK vs KKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs KOL Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

The 38th game of the 14th season of the IPL will see table-toppers Chennai Super Kings lock horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi in what promises to be a cracking game.

Having won seven out of their first nine games, the Chennai Super Kings are on the cusp of confirming their qualification for the playoffs and the MS Dhoni-led unit will look to seal it with another comprehensive performance against Kolkata.

They come into this game on the back of a commanding six-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore which incidentally was their fifth win on the bounce in the Emirates nation.

It won’t be an easy task though against a Kolkata Knight Riders unit which is looking in top form at the moment. Having swept aside the likes of RCB and the Mumbai Indians courtesy of an all-round bowling performance backed by a red-hot top-order-led by Venkatesh Iyer, the Eoin Morgan-led unit is suddenly looking as one of the main contenders for the playoffs.

The last time these two sides met, it proved to be a run-fest with Andre Russell and Pat Cummins smashing whirlwind half-centuries and Sam Curran nailing the death over as KKR fell 18 runs short of their target of 221.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Chennai Super Kings:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad: The young opener scored a 42-ball 64 in his last outing against KKR. He has already made his presence felt with a match-winning 88* against MI in the UAE leg, and also looked good against RCB.
  • Faf du Plessis: The former Proteas skipper looked in brilliant touch in the last game during his 26-ball 31. The opener scored a brutal 60-ball 95* in his last outing against the Knight Riders.
  • His record vs KKR: 312 runs in 12 innings at 34.7 and a strike rate of 124.3 with one 50+ score. At Abu Dhabi, he has scored 157 runs in 5 innings at 39.2 and a strike rate of 137.7.
  • Ambati Rayudu: The right-hander has looked in red-hot form this season. He scored a 22-ball 32 in the last game against RCB. In Abu Dhabi, he has scored 192 runs in five innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 117.
  • His record vs KKR: 418 runs in 18 innings at an average of 24.6 and strike rate of 128.6.
  • Dwayne Bravo: The veteran all-rounder has turned up the heat with the ball in the second leg. He claimed 3/24 in the last game against RCB and was rightly adjudged player of the match.
  • His record against KKR: 17 wickets in 17 innings at 28.6. As far as Bravo’s record in Abu Dhabi is concerned, he has played just one game at the venue in which he claimed three wickets.
  • Deepak Chahar: The swing bowler claimed four wickets in his last outing against the Knight Riders. His overall record against KKR: 7 wickets in 6 games at an average of 25.09 and an economy rate of 9.05.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

  • Venkatesh Iyer: In the two games that KKR have played in Abu Dhabi, Iyer has been their hero with the bat. The southpaw smashed an unbeaten 27-ball 41 on debut against RCB and backed it up with a 30-ball 53 against Mumbai.
  • Rahul Tripathi: The 30-year-old smashed an unbeaten 42-ball 72 in the last game. His record in Abu Dhabi: 203 runs in 7 games at an average of 33.8 and a strike rate of 140.
  • As far as his record against CSK is concerned, the right-hander has scored 146 runs in 6 innings at an average of 29.2 and a strike rate of 141.7.
  • Andre Russell: The all-rounder is yet to bat in the second leg but he has already made a mark in the competition with a match-winning three-wicket haul against RCB at the same venue.
  • Russell smashed a brutal half-century in his last outing against CSK. Overall, he has scored 280 runs in 9 innings at an average of 46.7 and a strike rate of 172.8 besides claiming 7 wickets at 29.9.
  • Varun Chakravarthy: With the pitch in Abu Dhabi slow and sluggish, Chakravarthy has proved to be a force to reckon with. The right-arm leg-spinner claimed three wickets in the first game against RCB and then returned figures of 0/22 in 4 overs against MI.
  • His record in Abu Dhabi: 12 wickets in nine innings at an average of 18.2 and an economy rate of 6.06. The mystery spinner has four wickets against his name in three outings against CSK.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have locked horns in 26 IPL games thus far with CSK leading the ledger 16-9.
  • The last time these two sides met in Abu Dhabi, KKR emerged victorious by 10 runs.
  • If CSK win on Sunday then they will become the first side to qualify for the playoffs.
  • CSK will be aiming to get into KKR’s middle order as soon as possible. KKR’s middle order players (Nos. 4 to 6) were the slowest during the first leg with a strike rate of 120.
  • Dinesh Karthik is 54 away from 4,000 IPL runs.

Possible Playing 11

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

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

Abu Dhabi pitch report and weather conditions

In the past games played in Abu Dhabi, spinners have ruled the roost with KKR duo Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine creating a strange hold on the opposition batsmen. However, the likes of Iyer has also shown that there are plenty of runs on offer.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be dry and sunny. The temperatures are set to hover between 32-37 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to be around 56 per cent.

Dream11 & 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 38: CSK vs KKR Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Both sides are in red-hot form but given the fact that KKR have won their last two games comprehensively in Abu Dhabi, they have a great chance. However, CSK might have the edge given their middle order is performing a lot better.

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

IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

From a top four clash yesterday to a bottom four matchup today. However, that doesn’t mean it will be any less intriguing, especially given Punjab Kings are involved.

How on earth do they continue to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. They met heartbreak once again in a simple run chase, failing to secure victory with eight needed off the final two overs with eight wickets in hand and two set batsmen. So, how do they bounce back from such a terrible result here in this must-win clash?

Well, they couldn’t have asked for a better opponent. Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a horror season, with just the single victory and numerous poor performances. Their batting performance against Delhi Capitals was a horror story in itself, and they will be hoping to turn that around today led by key men David Warner, Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.

SRH did smash PBKS earlier this season, so it will be interesting to see how KL Rahul’s team perform under pressure today.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

  • Is this finally the day David Warner fires? He is having a poor IPL campaign, but fans can hope this is his day against a team he loves to play against. In 13 innings for SRH vs PBKS, Warner has struck 698 runs at an average of 63.45 and strike rate of 140.23.
  • At Sharjah, Warner averages 40.25 with a strike rate of 133.06 in five innings (161 runs).
  • Kane Williamson will also be crucial to SRH’s hopes. In six innings vs Punjab, Williamson has struck 158 runs at an average of 52.67 and strike rate of 147.66.
  • Punjab is Manish Pandey’s second-favourite IPL opponent in terms of runs scored. In 22 matches against them, Pandey has scored 537 runs at an average of 31.59 and strike rate of 121.49.
  • Watch out for Rashid Khan on a Sharjah pitch that is likely to turn. Also, he loves playing against Punjab. In nine innings against them, he has taken 17 wickets at an average and strike rate of 12.71.
  • Also, Rashid Khan is terrific in the second innings of IPL matches. In 40 such innings, he has taken 46 wickets at an average of 17.6 and strike rate of 17.3. In the first innings, he averages 22.9 with a strike rate of 21.6.
  • Khaleel Ahmed took 3/21 vs Kings earlier in IPL 2021. Also, he has taken eight wickets in four matches against them.
  • It is a big game also for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He has enjoyed success vs Sharjah in IPL, with five wickets in two matches at an average of 8.40 and strike rate of 9.60. Also, he has taken 19 wickets for SRH in 12 matches against PBKS (avg. 17.32). He will be key with his variations on what could be a slow Sharjah track.

Punjab Kings:

  • KL Rahul has struck four half-centuries in eight innings in IPL 2021. Only Shikhar Dhawan has more runs this season than KL’s 380, scored at an average of 63.33 and strike rate of 137.68.
  • KL has 242 runs in seven innings for Kings against SRH at an average of 40.33 and strike rate of 118. Also, in five innings at Sharjah, Rahul has struck 210 runs in five innings at an average of 52.50 and strike rate of 115.38.
  • Mayank Agarwal is enjoying a fine IPL 2021 season (9 inns, 327 runs, avg. 46.71, SR 144.05), and is coming off an excellent knock of 67 (43) in his last game vs RR.
  • Agarwal has a century to his name at Sharjah, achieved last season. He has 157 runs on this ground in three matches at a strike rate of 184.71. However, he will be aiming to improve on his record vs SRH, that reads: 11 inns, 215 runs, avg. 19.55, SR 123.56.
  • Punjab could be tempted to play Chris Gayle, who has two half-centuries in two innings at Sharjah. Against SRH, Gayle has scored 402 runs in 15 innings at an average of 28.71 and strike rate of 141.55. If he plays, his battle vs Rashid Khan will be one to watch.
  • If Punjab choose to play Aiden Markram, that would be a handy option, too. The South African is having a fine year in T20s, with 491 runs in 17 innings at an average of 32.73 and strike rate of 139.09.
  • Nicholas Pooran struck the fourth-most sixes in IPL 2020 (30). Also, he strikes at 173.33 in four innings vs SRH (130 runs, avg. 43.33). He is coming off a 22-ball 32 vs RR.
  • Arshdeep Singh continues to come of age. The youngster is coming off an excellent five-wicket haul against RR, and meets a team whom he has six wickets in four matches against. He will be key in the death overs with his yorkers and variations on what could be a slow Sharjah pitch.
  • Mohammed Shami has taken 11 wickets in nine matches in IPL 2021 (avg. 23.18, SR 17.8). Like Arshdeep, Shami will also be aiming for another solid performance in the death overs at a ground he has enjoyed bowling at (20 overs, nine wickets, avg. 22.11, SR 13.33).
  • Shami has taken nine wickets in 10 matches vs SRH at an average of 32.44. Can he improve on these numbers here?

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 17, SRH 12, PBKS 5.
  • SRH beat PBKS by nine wickets earlier this season, after restricting them to just 120.
  • Ravi Bishnoi has dismissed David Warner twice in four balls in IPL.
  • KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have put together five 100+ partnerships for the opening wicket. Incredibly, PBKS have gone on to lose four of those matches.
  • Rashid Khan to bowl in the powerplay? He has dismissed KL Rahul three times for just 18 runs in 30 balls.

Possible Playing 11

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

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

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

The chasing team has now won the last seven IPL matches at Sharjah dating back to last season. Overall, the average first innings score at Sharjah in 2020 was 179.12, with the shorter boundaries a key feature. Yesterday, RCB’s 156 was not enough against CSK.

A sandstorm delayed proceedings yesterday in the RCB vs CSK match. It should be clear today.

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 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS 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 37: SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SRH vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 37: SRH vs PBKS Fan2Play

Match Prediction

SRH have had a shocker of a season, but with a number of their players possessing good records against PBKS, this could very well be the game they win as the pressure of needing to perform is all-but-gone.

IPL 2021 Match 36: DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
IPL 2021 Match 36: DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 36: DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals 36th Match Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

The 36th game of the 14th season of the IPL will see table-toppers Delhi Capitals square off against the Rajasthan Royals in an intriguing match at Abu Dhabi.

Having won seven of their first nine games, the Capitals are primed for a top-2 spot but they will look to further consolidate their standing with another solid performance.

They come into this game on the back of a stunning performance against the SunRisers Hyderabad where an all-rounder bowling performance-led by Anrich Nortje (2/12) saw them restrict the former champions for an underwhelming total. The target was then gunned down easily thanks to solid knocks by Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, got out of jail in the last game thanks to two brilliant death overs by Mustafizur Rahman and Kartik Tyagi and picked up two crucial points to keep themselves afloat in the competition.

The Royals would realize that they need to improve their middle-order batting and their spin bowling performance if they want to be competitive against a top team like Delhi.

They got the better of Delhi in their previous meeting thanks to a whirlwind assault by Chris Morris on Kagiso Rabada and Tom Curran in the last two overs.

Key Players to watch/Key Stats

Delhi Capitals:

  • Prithvi Shaw: The swashbuckling opener missed out in the last game- 11 off 8 balls- and he will be looking to make a mark against the Royals. 
  • Shaw has thus far racked up 319 runs in 9 innings at an average of 35.44 and a strike rate of 165.28 in IPL 2021. He will be aiming to improve on his average of 19 vs RR.
  • Shikhar Dhawan: The southpaw has been a banker for DC in the past couple of seasons. He scored a 37-ball 42 in the last game against SRH, and at the time of writing, is the top scorer in IPL 2021 with 422 runs at an average/strike rate of 52.72/131.87.
  • In eight matches for DC vs RR, Dhawan has scored 201 runs at an average of 28.71 and strike rate of 140.56.
  • Shreyas Iyer: The former skipper scored an unbeaten 41-ball 47 in the last game to guide his side to an 8-wicket win. He looks determined, and will be aiming to build on his record vs RR (8 inns, 193 runs, avg. 27.57, SR 126.97).
  • Rishabh Pant: The skipper has scored the most runs in DC vs RR encounters – 274. He scored an unbeaten 21-ball 35 in the last game.
  • Anrich Nortje: The South African pacer was at his imperious best in the last game as he hurried the opposition batsmen with pace. He gave away just 12 runs in 4 overs besides claiming a couple of wickets.
  • Avesh Khan: The young pacer claimed three wickets in his last outing against Rajasthan. He had a decent outing in the last match against SRH as he ended up with figures of 0/27 in 4 overs.
  • Kagiso Rabada has taken eight wickets in four matches for DC against RR. Also, Rabada loves bowling at Abu Dhabi, with 12 wickets in 20 overs (a wicket every 10 balls).

Rajasthan Royals:

  • Evin Lewis: The West Indian swashbuckler made a brilliant return to the IPL as he smashed a rapid 21-ball 36 against the SunRisers. The Royals will hope he continues his form and converts his start into a big knock.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young southpaw showcased his talent to the hilt in the last game as he took the attack to both spinners and pacers to rack up a 36-ball 49. Can he replicate the same against DC?
  • Sanju Samson: The skipper had a poor outing in the last game as he managed a mere 5-ball 4. Samson is yet to get a 50-plus score since his brilliant ton in the first game against the Punjab Kings. He has scored a few 40s but hasn’t been able to convert it into a big knock, something the Royals will hope isn’t the case on Saturday.
  • Samson will have to turn around a poor record against Delhi. In 10 innings against them, he has scored just the 164 runs at an average of 16.40. Also, he averages 18.71 at Abu Dhabi.
  • Chris Morris: He may have had a poor outing in the last game (5 off 5 and 0/47 in 4), but the all-rounder had a field day when RR last played against Delhi. He smashed an 18-ball 36 to guide his side to an unlikely win against the likes of Rabada and Curran.
  • Kartik Tyagi: The young seamer showcased his skills and temperament to the hilt in the last game as he defended 4 runs in the final over to seal a win for the ages for his team. He finished with figures of 2/29 in 4 overs and will be hoping to emulate the same against DC.
  • Mustafizur Rahman: The Bangladeshi seamer bowled a brilliant penultimate over to set-up the game for Tyagi. He gave away just 30 runs in his 4 overs but the Royals’ will hope for some wickets early on in the innings.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have played 23 games thus far with RR leading the ledger 12-11
  • The sides have locked horns in 4 games away from India and Delhi have won three of them.
  • The Royals won the first encounter between these two sides earlier this season.
  • Liam Livingstone in T20s in 2021: 33 inns, 1,238 runs, avg. 44.21, SR 157.51.
  • Mahipal Lomror struck a 17-ball 41 in his last match. He could be key in overcoming DC’s accurate bowlers in the middle overs.

Possible Playing 11

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

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Liam Livingstone, 5. Mahipal Lomror, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Chetan Sakariya, 10. Kartik Tyagi, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

In the two games played in Abu Dhabi in 2021, bowlers have ruled the roost with KKR seamers and pacers making short work of RCB and MI. However, the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi have shown that there are plenty of runs on offer as well.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be dry and sunny. The temperatures are set to hover between 32-35 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to be around 54 per cent.

Dream11 & 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 36: DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals 36th Match Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 36: DC vs RR Fan2Play

Match Prediction

On current form, Delhi Capitals will start as favorites. However, as have seen with the Royals in the past, rule them out at your own peril.

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

IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

A cracking Friday in store. The first match at Sharjah in IPL 2021 promises to be a beauty, with two top four teams going head-to-head in the quest to take a big step towards the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings, courtesy of a brilliant comeback against Mumbai Indians last weekend, again showed why they are better placed this season to perform well in the UAE. The performances of Ruturaj Gaikwad is a huge plus, and their bowling attack looks potent again under the fine leadership of MS Dhoni. They have the opportunity to go back to first place in the table with a win here, and more crucially put a bigger buffer between they and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

It is indeed a huge game for RCB. After a superb start to the season, Virat Kohli’s team has fallen away somewhat, headlined by a thumping defeat at the hands of KKR. A batting lineup like RCB’s certainly has what it takes to respond after being demolished for 92 all-out, and they will need to perform at their best today against a confident and free-flowing CSK team. Also, questions will be asked of RCB’s bowling attack – especially at the death – one of three key challenges they must overcome if they wish to lift their first ever title.

In this fixture earlier this season, Ravindra Jadeja produced one of the all-time great all-round performances to sink RCB. What will happen here on a small ground in a game that has the potential for huge scores?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Chennai Super Kings:

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad is in fine touch. He has scored 64 (42), 33 (25), 75 (44), 4 (4) and 88* (58) in his last five IPL knocks. His innings against Mumbai last weekend was particularly special, rescuing his team from a terrible batting powerplay.
  • Gaikwad has scores of 33 and 65 against RCB. Interestingly, he has scored two ducks at Sharjah, but he has come a long way since then.
  • Faf du Plessis will be key up top for CSK. In nine innings for CSK against RCB, du Plessis has struck 291 runs at an average of 41.57 and strike rate of 127, including a 50 earlier this season.
  • Despite his duck in the last game, du Plessis still has a fine record in IPL 2021: 8 inns, 320 runs, avg. 53.33, SR 143.39.
  • Ravindra Jadeja produced an all-round performace for the ages earlier this season vs RCB. He took Harshal Patel apart en route to 62 off 28 balls, and then took 3/13 including the wickets of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
  • Overall for CSK against RCB, Jadeja has 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 17.87. However, he will be seeking to improve a shocking bowling record on this ground, with total figures of 0/113 in 9.5 overs.
  • Moeen Ali is yet to play a game vs RCB in his IPL career. Like du Plessis, Moeen scored a duck vs Mumbai but he remains a key player when batting in the top four in T20s. When batting first in IPL, Moeen has smashed 416 runs in 16 innings at an average of 31 and strike rate touching 167. Batting second, he averages just 12.4 in eight innings (99 runs).
  • MS Dhoni has played a limited role with the bat this season, but did send himself higher up the order against MI. Dhoni has a magnificent record for CSK vs RCB, with 737 runs at an average of 40.94 and strike rate of 145.94.
  • Dwayne Bravo is in fine touch, and he will be key at the death. He has taken 31 wickets in 23 innings this year, including 3/25 last game vs Mumbai. He can also provide crucial lower order runs.
  • Sam Curran is set to return after serving his quarantine period. The left-arm seamer has taken five wickets in three matches vs RCB, including 1/35 earlier this season.
  • Curran concedes runs at 9.72 per over in the second innings of IPL matches (avg. 28.6, SR 17.6) compared to 8.06 bowling first (avg. 26.7, SR 19.9).

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

  • No player has more runs in this fixture than Virat Kohli (27 inns, 909 runs, avg. 39.52, SR 126.96). Also, Kohli has struck 168 runs in five innings at Sharjah at an average of 56 and strike rate of 124.44. It is a crucial game for the RCB skipper who is looking to hit top form.
  • It is clear that when AB de Villiers comes in before the 12th over, RCB often lose. It is crucial that the top order sets a platform for ABD, especially given that CSK is one of ABD’s least favourite opponents (19 inns, 387 runs, avg. 20.37, SR 147.15).
  • Also, ABD is a terrific finisher in a chase, but his record in first innings in IPL is magnificent (84 inns, 3,106 runs, avg. 47.8, SR 162.7).
  • Speaking of setting platforms, Devdutt Padikkal will be key in this regard. Padikkal has made starts vs CSK (3 inns 89 runs, avg. 24.67), including 34 off 15 balls earlier this season.
  • Also, Padikkal prefers to chase in IPL (avg. 38.6) compared to batting first (avg. 30).
  • Glenn Maxwell was a key reason why RCB enjoyed a good first half of the campaign. RCB will be hoping their big purchase can return to his best form here against an opponent whom he enjoys playing against: 8 inns, 248 runs, avg. 35.43, SR 183.70.
  • Also, Maxwell has enjoyed past success at Sharjah, with 197 runs in three innings at an average of 98.50 and strike rate of 203.09.
  • Can Wanindu Hasaranga bounce back after a tough IPL debut against KKR? (Golden duck and 0/20 off two overs). In 2021, Hasaranga has taken 20 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of just 5.78.
  • Harshal Patel has proven to be quite expensive since the move away from Chepauk earlier this year. He took three wickets vs CSK earlier this season, but was taken to the cleaners by Jadeja. He remains the top wicket-taker so far in IPL 2021 (17 wickets in eight matches), so how well he nails his execution at the death will be key.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal has a fine record at Sharjah. In five innings, Chahal has taken six wickets at an average and strike rate of 18, with a superb economy rate of 6.06.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 28, CSK 18, RCB 9, N/R 1.
  • CSK (191/4) were too good for RCB (122/9) earlier this season.
  • Kyle Jamieson has conceded 9.50 runs per over in eight matches this season, including 0/31 off three overs vs CSK earlier this season.
  • Suresh Raina averages 34.65 in 25 innings for CSK vs RCB (693 runs), but he has issues against quicker bowling (strike rate of just 91 vs pace in 2021). Expect the likes of Jamieson and Siraj to target him with shorter pitched bowling.
  • Mohammad Siraj has taken just one wicket in five innings vs CSK (avg. 132). However, numerous players have been able to defy poor head-to-head records in IPL 2021, and Siraj is a much-improved bowler over the past 12 months or so.
  • AB de Villiers has an average of 20.7 and a strike rate of 112 against finger spinners since IPL 2019.
  • Virat Kohli is 66 runs away from 10,000 T20 runs. Only Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik and David Warner have reached that landmark.

Possible Playing 11

Ambati Rayudu is in doubt after a copping a blow to his arm against MI. There is no broken bone, but there is significant bruising. Rayudu has a solid record for CSK vs RCB (266 runs, avg. 38, SR 119.28), but if he is unavailable, Robin Uthappa may come in.

Also, Sam Curran is available. He could come in for Josh Hazlewood, given that Bravo was superb against MI.

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

RCB could look to bring in Tim David, but it would be very harsh if RCB dropped Hasaranga or Jamieson after one game.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. KS Bharat (wk), 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. AB de Villiers, 6. Sachin Baby, 7. Kyle Jamieson, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Sharjah Pitch Report and Weather

Each of the first four matches at Sharjah in IPL 2020 saw a 200+ score in the first innings. Overall, the average first innings score at Sharjah in 2020 was 179.12, with the shorter boundaries a key feature. The team batting first won five of the first six matches on this ground last season, before the chasing team won the last six.

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 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK 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 35: RCB vs CSK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BLR vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report
IPL 2021 Match 35: RCB vs CSK Fan2Play

Match Prediction

A cracking match in store for the fans. CSK look the better team at the moment, but that is no guarantee of victory in a topsy-turvy IPL. Batting first and setting a score between at least 180-200 could prove crucial.

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

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