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CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction Today | St Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

It’s crunch time. Two triple-headers in consecutive days will decide the final four in what has been one hell of a fight in the league stage of CPL 2021, with one team hanging by a thread.

That team is Barbados Royals, who, like last season, are enduring a disappointing campaign. With just two wins to their name, the Royals sit bottom and must win their last two games by strong enough margins to have a chance of progressing.

Their opponent will be St Lucia Kings both today and tomorrow. St Lucia, like other teams, have shown flashes of brilliance but have largely been inconsistent. A win today will go a long way to confirming qualification as Guyana and Jamaica also do battle following this encounter, so the incentive is quite inviting.

In a pressure match, who will be the first to blink?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

St Lucia Kings:

  • No player has more runs in St Lucia-Barbados matches than Andre Fletcher. His 450 runs come at an average of 30.00 and strike rate of 134.33.
  • Fletcher has scored 4, 23, 0, 8 and 30 in his last five innings, so SLK will be hoping for a turnaround in form here.
  • Roston Chase is having a terrific CPL 2021 campaign. He is the leading run-scorer (311 runs, avg. 62.20, SR 153.20). He has scored 85, 64*, 51*, 40 and 30 in his last five innings. Also, Chase has batted just the one innings vs Barbados so far, where he scored 14 in CPL 2020. He has three wickets in two innings against them.
  • 120 of Faf du Plessis’ 193 runs in CPL 2021 came in one innings. Can the skipper produce the goods at the business end? He has scored 50 runs in two innings vs Barbados.
  • Jeavor Royal has been one of the real positives for St Lucia this season. He is their top wicket-taker, with 11 in wickets in his last four matches: 3/19, 3/20, 2/17, 3/37.
  • Kesrick Williams has taken eight wickets in five matches against the Royals, including 1/24 and 2/12 last season.

Barbados Royals:

  • Kyle Mayers has played with aggression at the top of the order, and has looked quite good in the last couple of matches (24 off 12 balls and 36 off 20 balls). In conditions likely to assist spin, quick runs at the top can prove crucial.
  • Johnson Charles has a solid record against his former team. In four matches against St Lucia, Charles has struck 147 runs at an average of 37.25 and strike rate of 128.45. He has made a start in all four matches: 35, 39, 47, 26.
  • Azam Khan is Barbados’ leading run-scorer in CPL 2021 (178, avg. 22.25, SR 124.47).
  • Glenn Phillips is close behind with 175 runs at an average of 24.85 and strike rate of 110.12. Phillips has a solid record vs St Lucia: eight matches, 302 runs, avg. 37.75, SR 152.23.
  • Jason Holder will be crucial to Barbados’ hopes. He is having a shocker of a season with the bat (75 runs, avg. 9.37) and has just four wickets in eight games with the ball. But, Royals fans can hold hope in his better record vs St Lucia: 138 runs, avg. 27.60, SR 153.33, and 10 wickets in 12 games.
  • Raymon Reifer has eight wickets in six matches vs St Lucia, and seven wickets in five innings in CPL 2021. Nyeem Young also has seven wickets, and has only gone wicketless in one innings (last game).
  • Mohammad Amir is the leading wicket-taking taker for Barbados this season, with nine wickets in six games. He is yet to play a game against St Lucia.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, St Lucia 6, Barbados 10.
  • St Lucia beat Barbados twice last season, including an incredible defence of just 92 runs.
  • Defeat today will officially rule Barbados Royals out of semi finals contention.
  • Joshua Bishop has taken five wickets in his two games so far in CPL 2021 (3/20 and 2/29).

Possible Playing 11

St Lucia Kings: 1. Andre Fletcher (wk), 2. Faf du Plessis (c), 3. Mark Deyal, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Tim David, 6. Samit Patel, 7. Kadeem Alleyne, 8. David Wiese/Obed McCoy, 9. Jeavor Royal, 10. Alzarri Joseph, 11. Kesrick Williams

Barbados Royals: 1. Kyle Mayers, 2. Johnson Charles, 3. Azam Khan, 4. Smit Patel (wk), 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jason Holder (c), 7. Raymon Reifer, 8. Joshua Bishop, 9. Nyeem Young, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Jake Lintott

Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Pitch Report and Weather

Warner Park has provided turn for the spinners, but batsmen have had the opportunity to go big, too. The teams batting first have won five of the last six matches in CPL 2021, with Jamaica scoring 211 last game.

The forecast is warm and clear.

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:

CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction Today | St Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction Today | St Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 25: SLK vs BAR Fan2Play

Match Prediction

St Lucia were poor in their last game against Jamaica, but they still look in better shape than Barbados. A score of 160 batting first can be a challenging chase.

India T20 World Cup Squad Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses

Robin Rounder
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India T20 World Cup Squad Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses

India T20 World Cup Squad Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses | Analysis of India T20 World Cup squad: Looking at key strengths and weaknesses

The ICC T20 World Cup will start from 17 October 2021 in the UAE and Oman. The Final will be played on 14 November. India has announced their 15-man squad for the World T20 with three reserve players, and they are expected to feature at the business end of the tournament.

There are many surprise inclusions as well as exclusions in the squad. Players like Yuzvendra Chahal, Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, who were surely expected to be included in the squad, have been dropped. At the same time, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Varun Charkravarthy have been included.

Iyer has been included in the reserve players but has been dropped from the main squad.

Ashwin’s inclusion is not as surprising as the omission of Yuzvendra Chahal who has been India’s leading spinner prior to the World T20. Ishan Kishan has been preferred over Sanju Samson for the back-up wicket keeping option. Mohammad Siraj failed to find a place in the World Cup squad as well while Mohammed Shami has been included as the third pacer.

Let’s talk about India’s squad in more detail and see how strong this squad looks on paper and what can be the points of concern, too.

India T20 World Cup squad

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami.

Reserve Players: Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar.

The Batting Department

Let’s talk about India’s batting unit. The Indian batting unit for the World T20 is very strong. India’s probable top 7 will consist of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as the openers with Virat Kohli batting at number 3. Suryakumar Yadav will bat at 4 with Rishabh Pant at 5 followed by Hardik Pandya at 6 and Ravindra Jadeja at 7.

All are proven match-winners and can win games from any situation on their day. The batting unit is very flexible as players like Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja can be used as floaters too according to the match situation. Ishan Kishan, who is the second wicket-keeper, can be used as both an opener or as a middle-order batsman.

All the batsmen are good players of spin as well as pace bowling. Each can attack from the first ball. The middle-order of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya will ensure that the run-rate doesn’t drop in the middle-overs, an area of concern for India in T20Is for a while.

Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya will be the finishers in the squad and both have already shown how destructive they can be with the bat.

Overall, the Indian batting unit for the World T20 is a perfect batting line-up for T20 cricket and can chase down any total or can set big targets while batting first.

The Bowling

The Indian bowling unit for the World T20 will consist of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya will bowl as well.

Death Bowling: Concern for India

Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mohammed Shami will be the pace bowlers with Hardik Pandya assisting them. This is a bit concerning as Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t been the same what he used to be a few years back and Mohammad Shami is yet to prove himself as a T20I bowler.

Shami’s Performance in T20 Cricket:

Image: cricmetric.com

You can see that Shami has an economy of 8.90 in T20Is since 2019, although the sample size is very small as he has played only 5 T20Is. However, his economy in the IPL since 2019 after 36 innings is 8.53, which is a little high.

Shami’s Performance in Death Overs (15-20):

Image: cricmetric.com

The main concern is his death bowling. His economy in the 5 T20Is he has played since 2019 is 10.33 during overs 15-20. Shami’s death bowling in the IPL since 2019 is 10.11 in 32 innings – 499 runs in 49.2 overs to be exact.

Bhuvneshwar’s Performance in T20 Cricket:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s economy in T20Is since 2019 is 7.24. He has played 17 matches during that time. His IPL economy during that phase is 7.95 after 24 games. Bhuvneshwar’s strength is wickets with the new ball as he has the ability to swing it both ways.

Image: cricmetric.com

Bhuvneshwar in Death Overs (15-20):

His death bowling numbers are not that encouraging as well. He has an economy of 9.9 during overs 15-20 after 14 T20Is. Bhuvneshwar’s IPL economy during the death overs is 10.36.

Image: cricmetric.com

So, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India’s death bowling may cause them a few problems. India could have picked someone like Mohammad Siraj who was excellent in IPL 2021, conceding runs at an economy of 8.78 during overs 15-20 in 7 matches, instead of Mohammad Shami.

Siraj is a wicket-taker with the new ball as well and is in excellent form currently.

India are at least one pacer short in their squad. Although they have the likes of Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur in the reserves, the death bowling apart from Bumrah remains a concern and Bhuvneshwar and Shami will have to do well in the death overs.

Spinners

Ravichandran Ashwin was recalled in the T20I setup for a very long break. He will be India’s lead spinner with Ravindra Jadeja and Rahul Chahar. His selection was a much-needed one as India lacked a good off-spinner in the shortest format for quite some time now.

Ravindra Jadeja will be the left-arm spinner. He keeps the runs in check and can chip in with a few wickets. He has an economy of 7.27 in the IPL since 2019 and has picked 27 wickets in 36 games. Plus, he can hit a long ball.

Rahul Chahar will be the leg-spinner. He is one of those fast leg-spinners. Chahar has played 5 T20Is and has picked 7 wickets at an economy of 7.61. He has 47 wickets to his name in 40 IPL matches at an economy of 7.33. Chahar has performed well in the last couple of seasons in the IPL.

Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy are the other options in the spin department. Varun Chakravarthy can be a good option as he can bowl in the power play as well. He has done well in the IPL as well.

Axar Patel will get the chance only when Jadeja is dropped or injured which looks very unlikely. India could have picked one more pacer, someone like Mohammad Siraj or T Natarajan.

Chahal’s omission came as a surprise for everyone as he was India’s lead spinner for some time now. However, his performance in the last 2-3 years has been poor and that went against him.

Indian Bowlers in T20Is since 2019:

Image: ESPNcricinfo

Since 2019, Chahal has played 22 T20Is and has picked 19 wickets at an economy of 8.94 and is averaging 40.47. He picked only 6 wickets in 10 T20 games (IPL+Domestic) in 2021.

Chahal is an experienced campaigner and a proven-match winner. India could have picked him instead of someone like Axar Patel as Jadeja is already there. Also, Rahul Chahar is still inexperienced in international cricket.

Apart from that, India’s spin department looks strong with all kinds of varieties; they have an off-spinner, a left-arm orthodox, a leg-spinner and a mystery spinner as well in Varun Chakravarthy. Spinners will be very important as the pitches in the UAE may assist the spinners, as the pitches will get tired as the tournament progresses.

Overall, the Indian squad for the ICC World T20 2021 is looking balanced. Their batting unit is one of the best in the whole tournament while bowling can cause a few problems and could’ve been better. India are one of the top contenders for the title and it will be very exciting to see these 15 men in action on the cricket field.

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.

SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st T20I Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

  • Charith Asalanka was Sri Lanka’s star batsman in the ODI series (most runs: 196 at an average of 65.33). Also, he scored two half-centuries in four domestic T20s recently, along with a score of 44 vs India. Key player.
  • Kamindu Mendis is in outstanding touch. He has scored five consecutive 50+ scores in domestic matches (67 and 110 in List A, and 74, 53* and 66 in the SLC T20 Invitational League).
  • Avishka Fernando is yet to grasp the T20 format (average of 13.15 in 20 T20Is). However, he has the potential to do so here. He has scored just 17 runs in three T20Is vs South Africa to date.
  • Dhananjaya de Silva has a poor record vs SA (111 runs, avg. 15.85), but enjoys batting on this ground (227 runs, avg. 37.83).
  • Watch out for Wanindu Hasaranga. The star all-rounder was player of the series against India, and is enjoying a fine year in T20s with 17 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 5.23.
  • Dushmantha Chameera has the next-highest number of T20I wickets for Sri Lanka in 2021 (14 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 6.17). He was also player of the match in the third ODI with 29 runs and 2/16 off his four overs.
  • Maheesh Theekshana enjoyed a dream ODI debut, taking 4/37. He has taken 10 wickets in nine T20s this year at a magnificent economy rate of just 4.23.

South Africa:

  • Reeza Hendricks has the most runs of any current South Africa player vs Sri Lanka (5 inns, 199 runs, avg. 39.80, SR 127.56). This includes two 50+ scores.
  • Janneman Malan missed out on the T20 World Cup squad, so eyes will be on how motivated he is here to prove the selectors wrong. His top order partner, Aiden Markram, will also be looking to make an impact in what is a fruitful year in T20Is for him (9 inns, 339 runs, avg. 37.66, SR 154.09).
  • David Miller strikes at 135.47 vs Sri Lanka (196 runs, avg. 24.50). He will be key in the middle order for South Africa.
  • World number one Tabraiz Shamsi will be looking to lead from the front in spinning conditions. He is having an outstanding year in T20Is, where he also won player of the series vs West Indies. His overall 2021 stats read: 14 matches, 24 wickets, avg. 12.20, econ. 5.32.
  • Keshav Maharaj took six wickets in the ODI series at an average/economy rate of just 16.66/3.57.
  • Kagiso Rabada has three wickets to his name in two T20Is vs Sri Lanka. Key man at the death.

Stats and Facts

  • South Africa lead the head-to-head vs Sri Lanka 7-5 in T20Is.
  • Sri Lanka have won their last two T20Is.
  • Both teams are coming off series wins (Sri Lanka against India, and South Africa against West Indies and Ireland).

Possible Playing 11

Dinesh Chandimal is set to open and take the gloves. Kamindu Mendis is set to bat three. Maheesh Theekshana is likely to play after a dream ODI debut.

Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 3. Kamindu Mendis, 4. Dhananjaya de Silva, 5. Charith Asalanka, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Ramesh Mendis, 9. Chamika Karunaratne, 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Maheesh Theekshana

David Miller has recovered from his hamstring injury and is set to play. Lungi Ngidi has taken off for the IPL. Keshav Maharaj will skipper the side in Temba Bavuma’s injury-forced absence.

South Africa: 1. Janneman Malan, 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Aiden Markram, 4. David Miller, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. George Linde, 9. Keshav Maharaj (c), 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather

More turn is on the cards for this one, especially given it played a key role in Sri Lanka’s ODI series victory. The team batting second has won seven of the last 10 T20Is on this ground, but a decent score in the region of 140-150 here could be a tough chase.

There is a chance of rain interruptions during the match.

Dream11 Prediction

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

Option 1:

SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st T20I Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st T20I Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs SA 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka at home look tough to beat. However, South Africa also have the spinners to cause headaches. So, a score of 140-150 can be a winning one.

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

ENG vs IND 5th Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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ENG vs IND 5th Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ENG vs IND 5th Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs IND 5th Test Match Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs India 5th Test Match Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report

Two years ago, a billion dreams were shattered at Old Trafford in Manchester when Virat Kohli’s Team India lost to New Zealand in the semi-final of the 50-over World Cup. Two years and a few months later, another opportunity beckons for the Kohli-led side to carve out yet another legacy enhancing feat as the tourists aim for their first Test series win in England since 2007.

India have time and again displayed just why they are a top-tier Test team in the past four years. Their ability to bounce back from the dead has been truly inspirational and we saw that yet again in the last Test at the Oval where the tourists reversed a 99-run first innings deficit into a 157-run mauling of England.

India were up against it on the first evening thanks to yet another batting collapse but Shardul Thakur’s belligerent half-century kept them afloat as they eventually posted 191. England were then reduced to 5-62 on the second morning but Ollie Pope’s 81 and decent contributions from the middle and lower order ensured that the hosts ended up getting a 99-run-lead.

That England managed to get just a 99-run lead was down to the inability of their batsmen to convert their starts into a big knock, something that came back to bite them later in the game as India piled up 466 runs in their 2nd innings to set them a target of 368.

It was a flat track, alright, and when England breezed to 0-100 on the fifth morning, it looked like the Test would meander to a draw. However, disciplined bowling in the 1st session, imaginative captaincy by Kohli and a masterclass in how to bowl on a flat deck by Jasprit Bumrah ensured that the heart of England’s middle and lower order was ripped out by the time players departed for the tea break.

Umesh Yadav completed the formalities after the Tea break to ensure that India won their first Test at the Oval after 50 years and took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 5-match series.

India can no longer lose the Test series but England can still ensure that it ends in a 2-2 stalemate, something that the tourists will be desperate to ensure that that’s not the case as they aim to rewrite history books in Manchester.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Joe Root: The England captain endured a rare average game by his standards in the Oval Test as he failed to convert his starts into a three-figure score. Root would be desperate to do so at one of his favorite venues-Old Trafford- as England aim to draw the series. Root is the 2nd highest run-getter among all English batsmen in Manchester. In 15 innings, he has scored 781 runs at an average of 65.08 with six 50+ scores including one ton.
  • Rory Burns: The Surrey opener looked good during his half-century knock in the second innings of the last Test before he was undone by a Jaffa from Shardul Thakur. Burns has got off to starts in the series but he has failed to convert them into big knocks, something Joe Root stressed for the English batsmen to do more often after the last game.
  • Ollie Pope: The young batsman looked like a million dollars during his knock of 81 in the first innings of the Oval Test. However just like other England batsmen he failed to convert it into a daddy hundred. Can he do that in the must-win game in Manchester?
  • Chris Woakes: The seam-bowling all-rounder had a near perfect game as he claimed seven wickets across two innings besides scoring a crucial 50 in the first innings. He will once again be a huge threat for the tourists in Manchester.
  • Woakes’ record in Manchester: 23 wickets in 10 innings at 18.47 with one five-wicket-haul
  • James Anderson: It is still not known whether Anderson will play at his home venue given the amount of workload he has endured in the series so far. If he does play then Anderson will hope to notch up his maiden five-wicket-haul at his home turf. In 18 innings, he has managed 31 wickets at Old Trafford at 24.29.

India:

  • Rohit Sharma: The stylish Indian opener finally got the monkey off his back in the last game as he smashed an imperious 127 in the 2nd innings to set-up a 157-run victory. Rohit has thus far scored 368 runs in 8 innings at an average of 52.57 and he will be hoping to end the series on a high.
  • KL Rahul: The Karnataka opener shrugged off his string of low scores with a patient 46 in the 2nd innings at the Oval. Rahul started this series with an 84 at Trent Bridge and an imperious 126 at Lord’s. Can he finish the series on a high?
  • Virat Kohli: The Indian skipper looked really good in both the innings during the Oval Test. He scored a crucial 50 in the first innings and then backed it up with a 44 in the second before he was once again undone by Moeen Ali.
  • Can the Indian skipper continue his good work and hopefully convert his start into his 71st international ton?
  • Cheteshwar Pujara: He may have struggled for runs in the first inning but it is fair to say that the Indian No.3 has compensated with three back-to-back crucial knocks in the second innings in the ongoing Test series.
  • Pujara was once again brilliant (61) in the second innings of the Oval Test as he played with the same intent as he had done during his 91 at Leeds and it was his 153-run-stand with Rohit that really set the platform for Team India. Can Pujara emulate those exploits in the first innings of a Test match at Old Trafford?
  • Shardul Thakur: The all-rounder had a perfect outing at the Oval as he scored two crucial 50s besides claiming three prized scalps including Ollie Pope in the first innings and Joe Root in the second. Can he back it up with another good show in the next Test?
  • Jasprit Bumrah: The champion pacer once again displayed during the last Test just why he is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler. In an inspired spell on a fifth day track, Bumrah ripped the heart out of the English middle-order and his figures 6-3-6-2 does not remotely suggest just how good he was.

Stats and Facts

  • India have an abysmal record at Old Trafford: 0 wins, 4 defeats and 5 draws in 9 previous Tests.
  • The last time India played a Test in Manchester was in 2014 where they were pumped by an innings & 54 runs.
  • England’s record at Old Tafford: 31 wins, 15 defeats and 35 drawn games.
  • If England fail to win the final Test then it will be the first time since 1986 where they end their home summer with two Test series defeats.
  • If India manages to win or draw the final Test then Virat Kohli will become the first Indian skipper to lead his side to a Test series win in Australia and England.

Possible Playing 11

India

It will be interesting to see the make-up of India’s playing XI for the Old Trafford Test. Will an out of form Ajinkya Rahane be finally consigned to the bench? Will the management rotate it’s seamers? Also, if the pitch shows signs of turn, will India bring back Ashwin? And, if yes, in place of whom?

Playing XI– Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli ©, Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav/R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami/Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah/Ishant Sharma

England:

With Jos Buttler available and Root having confirmed in the presser that the Lancashire stumper will keep wickets, it will be a toss up between Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow.

Mark Wood is likely to slot back while it remains to be seen whether England decide to rest one of their seamers in James Anderson or Ollie Robinson. Also, with Jack Leach in the squad and Old Trafford expected to aid spin bowlers, will the home side resort to playing two spinners?

Playing XI– Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root ©, Ollie Pope/Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali/Jack Leach, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson

Old Trafford, Manchester pitch report and weather conditions

The wicket at Old Trafford has shown signs of aiding spinners in the recent past. However, with it expected to be overcast and gloomy for the first few days, one can expect the seam and swing bowlers to rule the roost.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to rain on the first three days. The temperatures will fluctuate between 17-21 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 87%. 

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

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

ENG vs IND 5th Test Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs IND 5th Test Match Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs India 5th Test Match Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report
ENG vs IND 5th Test Fan2Play

Match Prediction

This series has been back and forth with one side storming back emphatically after a set-back. England certainly have it in them to put up a performance like they did in Leeds. However, India should start as slight favourites.

BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 5th T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report

After beating Australia, Bangladesh achieved history once again by beating New Zealand in a T20I series for the first time ever. And, once again, it was off the back of a highly-efficient bowling performance.

The Black Caps tried hard in the fourth T20I, but ultimately Bangladesh’s accuracy and skill on a slow, low pitch was too much for Tom Latham’s team to deal with. They also fought hard with the ball to defend their total of 93, but the patience and calmness of Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah shone through to seal a 3-1 series lead.

The fifth T20I represents an opportunity for both teams, but for different reasons. For Bangladesh, they are yet to fully fire with the bat, and key players such as Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman are reportedly set to be rested. For New Zealand, it is another chance for their up-and-comers to gain valuable experience to further their careers.

Plus, a 3-2 series defeat for such an inexperienced team in these conditions is motivation in itself.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Bangladesh:

  • Skipper Mahmudullah has produced two key batting knocks in the last three games. His T20I record at Shere Bangla Stadium continues to improve, with a total of 665 runs in 32 T20Is at an average of 44.33 and strike rate of 121.12.
  • Also, the Bangladesh captain is his team’s top run-scorer this series, with 97 runs and just the one dismissal.
  • Mohammad Naim has made three 20+ scores in his last five innings, but hasn’t been able to cross 40. Is today the day?
  • If Shakib is out, Mushfiqur Rahim will have an even more important role to play. The experienced right-hander has struggled this series (4 inns, 36 runs, avg. 18.00, SR 53.73), so Bangladesh will be hoping he finds some form here.
  • Shoriful Islam has been waiting keenly for an opportunity, and rightly so. He has taken 18 wickets in his last nine white-ball internationals, without going wicketless in any of the games.
  • Nasum Ahmed was player of the match in the fourth T20I (4/10). However, he is likely to be rested, with Aminul Islam set to play. The young leg-spinner has 22 wickets in 25 T20 matches at an average of 24.18 and economy rate of 7.71

New Zealand:

  • Ajaz Patel continues to produce the goods this series. After his 2/9 off four overs in the fourth T20I, Patel now has eight wickets for the series at a remarkable average of 6.50 and economy rate of 3.25.
  • There were no runs nor wickets for Rachin Ravindra in the fourth T20I. However, his economy rate and accuracy is always a factor in such conditions, and can be in the wickets if Bangladesh look to go after him.
  • It was a tough outing for Cole McConchie in the fourth match (1/34 off 3.1 overs). However, he took 3/15 in the third T20I, which highlights his potential in these conditions.
  • Finn Allen has looked to go big and has been threatening (three fours and a six). However, he has perished for 15 and 12 in the two games he’s played in. If he bats through the powerplay, watch out.
  • Tom Latham is New Zealand’s top run-scorer in this series (109, avg. 36.33). He will be key in conditions that aid spin. Will Young has occupied the crease in the past three matches (22, 20 and 42), and New Zealand will be hoping he can again hold things together to set a platform in difficult batting conditions.

Stats and Facts

  • Bangladesh have now won three straight T20I series for the first time ever.
  • Also, Bangladesh’s series win is their first ever in T20Is vs New Zealand.
  • The batting average in this series is 14.96 combined. It is just higher than the 14.73 in the Australia series. These are the two lowest batting averages in a T20I series involving three or more matches between Full Member nations.

Possible Playing 11

According to Bangladesh correspondent Mohammad Isam, Bangladesh are set to rest Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, and there is a chance that Mohammad Saifuddin and Nasum Ahmed also get a rest.

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

Tom Blundell is in doubt for New Zealand due to a quadricep strain. If he is out, Matt Henry is likely to come in.

New Zealand: 1. Rachin Ravindra, 2. Finn Allen, 3. Tom Latham (c & wk), 4. Will Young, 5. Colin de Grandhomme, 6. Henry Nicholls, 7. Tom Blundell/Matt Henry, 8. Cole McConchie, 9. Ajaz Patel, 10. Hamish Bennett, 11. Blair Tickner

Shere Bangla National Stadium Mirpur Dhaka Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in this series is just 105.5. More turn and slow, low conditions is set to be on the menu again in what has been a difficult time for batsmen on this ground. Also, the team batting first has won eight of the last 12 T20s on this ground, including twice this series when the team batting first scored over 100.

Some rain is forecast during the day in Dhaka, but hopefully there should be a full match.

Dream11 Prediction

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

Option 1 (if Shakib, Mustafizur, Nasum and Saifuddin are rested):

BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 5th T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2 (if all Bangladesh players are available):

BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 5th T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

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

BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 5th T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 5th T20 Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Bangladesh at home even with key players missing look good for another win. However, any score around the 120 mark by either team will be a tough, tough chase.

CPL 2021 Match 24: SLK vs JAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
CPL 2021 Match 24: SLK vs JAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 24: SLK vs JAM Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SLK vs JAM Dream11 Prediction Today | St Lucia Kings vs Jamaica Tallawahs Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

The 24th game of CPL 2021 will see St Lucia Kings square off against Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park in a crucial encounter St Kitts on Friday.

This will be the second encounter between these two sides in CPL 2021. The last time these two sides’ locked horns, Jamaica Tallawahs obliterated the Kings by smashing the second-highest score in CPL history – 5/255. 

Andre Russell chipped in with a record-breaking 14-ball 50 before the likes of Migael Pretorios (4/32) and Imran Khan (3/7) finished the proceeding by rolling St Lucia Kings over for a mere 135.

The Kings will be looking to avenge the defeat and also to get back to winning ways as they come into this game on the back of a 17-run defeat at the hands of Guyana after they failed to chase down 151.

Jamaica Tallawahs, on the other hand, have won just two games after their comprehensive win against St Lucia in the season opener. They will come into this game of a morale-boosting 22-run win over St Kitts and the Rovman Powell-led unit will be desperate to continue with the momentum.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

St Lucia Kings:

  • Roston Chase: Chase was once again the pick of the St Lucia Kings batsmen as he ended up being the second highest run-getter in the game against Guyana. 
  • He managed a 33-ball 40 but St Lucia will hope that the middle-order batsman converts his start into a big knock in the forthcoming game.
  • Tim David: The young swashbuckler was the leading run-scorer for his side in the last game against Guyana- a 42-ball 47*.
  • David scored a 28-ball 56 in his previous outing vs Jamaica and he will be looking to do an encore of it in the next game.
  • Faf du Plessis: The former Proteas skipper has shown glimpse of his best in this season but more often than not he has failed to convert his start into a big knock.
  • In the last game also, Du Plessis managed just a 17-ball 19 in the last game and his side will hope that he converts these starts into a big knock in the upcoming matches.
  • Jeavor Royal: He has been extremely consistent in whatever opportunities he has got this season. In the last game, Royal claimed two crucial wickets in the form of Hemraj and Hafeez for just 17 runs in 3 overs.
  • Royal will be gunning for yet another good outing in the next match.

Jamaica Tallawahs:

  • Kennar Lewis: The opener is the leading run-getter for his side, having racked up 187 runs in 7 innings.
  • He scored a whirlwind 21-ball 48 in his last outing against St Lucia.
  • Shamarh Brooks: With 151 runs in 6 innings at an average of 37.75, Brooks is the leading run-getter for Jamaica thus far.
  • Rovman Powell: The skipper scored a 26-ball 38 in his last outing against St Lucia. He scored a crucial 19-ball 37 in the last game and will be looking for another good outing with the bat.
  • Andre Russell: Dre Russ smashed the fastest 50 in CPL history during his last outing against St Lucia. The all-rounder is coming off a great outing in the last game where he scored a 17-ball 28 besides claiming a wicket.
  • Migael Pretorious: The fast bowler claimed four wickets in his last outing against St Lucia and he will come into this came on the back of a match-winning performance in the last game where he registered figures of 3/26 in 4 overs.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have met 16 times in the CPL with Jamaica leading the ledger 10-6.
  • Both sides have won a game apiece against each other at Warner Park.

Possible Playing 11

St Lucia Kings: 1. Andre Fletcher (WK), 2. Faf du Plessis (c), 3. Roston Chase, 4. Samit Patel, 5. Tim David, 6. Keemo Paul, 7. Jeavor Royal, 8. Keron Cottoy, 9. Kesrick Williams, 10. Wahab Riaz, 11. Obed McCoy

Jamaica Tallawahs: 1. Kennar Lewis (WK), 2. Kirk McKenzie, 3. Shamarh Brooks, 4. Rovman Powell (c), 5. Carlos Brathwaite, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Haider Ali, 8. Migael Pretorious, 9. Imad Wasim, 10. Chris Green, 11. Veerasammy Permaul

Warner Park, St Kitts pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch has proved helpful for the pace and spin bowlers, but there have been plenty of runs on offer as well for batsmen willing to play the percentages.

The average 1st innings score in the 14 completed games played on the fresh pitch is 157.84. 

With regards to the weather forecast,  it is expected to be clear with temperatures fluctuating between 26-32 degrees Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 71%. 

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 24: SLK vs JAM Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Given the current form and their previous encounter, Jamaica Tallawahs will start as massive favorites.

CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction Today | ST Kitts Pitch Report

In what was shaping up to be a truly miserable season, Barbados Royals picked up a crucial victory in their last outing against Guyana Amazon Warriors. In the process, they have kept their playoff hopes alive. However, they face a must-win clash today as the Warriors defeated St. Lucia on Wednesday evening to leave the Royals four points adrift of fourth spot with two games remaining after this one.

Trinbago Knight Riders are in a more comfortable state. The defending champions have the opportunity today to go top of the CPL 2021 table, and will be looking to repeat what they did against the Royals earlier in 2021 where they won by six wickets with 17 balls to spare.

TKR’s only defeat in their last four matches was a Super Over loss to Guyana. They are shaping up nicely, with a number of players threatening to hit their best form consistently at the business end of the season. As a result, Barbados will have to put in a strong performance if they are to keep their top four hopes alive.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Barbados Royals:

  • Johnson Charles was in fine touch in his last game vs Guyana (40 off 21 balls). Also, no Barbados player has more runs vs TKR than Charles, with 260 runs in six matches at a fine average of 43.33 (SR 124.40).
  • Kyle Mayers was player of the match last game vs Guyana (36 off 20 balls). However, he has only scored 49 runs in four knocks vs TKR (avg. 12.25), so the Royals will be hoping he turns this around.
  • Glenn Phillips has the most runs of any Barbados player in CPL 2021 (172, avg. 28.66, SR 113.90). He scored a 24-ball 24 against TKR earlier this season, part of 279 runs at an average of 31.00 and strike rate of 140.91. Key player.
  • Jason Holder has 14 wickets in 14 matches and averages 19.14 with the bat in 11 innings vs TKR. He had an unhappy outing against TKR earlier in CPL 2021 (3 and 0/30), so his contribution today will be key.
  • Mohammad Amir was the standout bowler for Barbados against TKR earlier in CPL 2021, taking 3/21. Nyeem Young has made a strong start to his CPL 2021 campaign, taking seven wickets in three matches so far including 3/24 a few days ago vs Guyana.

Trinbago Knight Riders:

  • Kieron Pollard has struck scores of 41* (17), 72 (28) and 58* (30) in his last three games against Barbados. Incredible numbers.
  • Lendl Simmons scored 70 and 42 in his last two innings, and will look to build on this here. One can expect Simmons to make at least a 20+ score here, as he is averaging around 22 both in CPL 2021 (22.57) and in his career record vs Barbados (22.31).
  • Darren Bravo has the most runs of any TKR player against Barbados (306 runs, avg. 25.58, SR 113.28).
  • Colin Munro averages 20.25 in 12 innings vs Barbados (243 runs), and is striking at just 97.93 in CPL 2021. Can he turn these numbers around today? He did score a half-century against the Royals last year.
  • Ravi Rampaul is the leading wicket-taker in CPL 2021 (17 in seven matches). He took 2/13 against Barbados earlier this year.
  • Incredibly, Akeal Hosein and Sunil Narine have the exact same numbers so far in CPL 2021 (seven matches, nine wickets, avg. 13.66, econ. 4.39). Hosein took 1/18 vs Barbados earlier this season, while Narine took 1/27. Interestingly, Barbados isn’t one of Narine’s favourite opponents, with just five wickets to his name in 10 matches against them.
  • Ali Khan is coming off a player of the match performance vs Tallawahs, where he took an incredible 4/6. Will he be in the wickets once again? He has five wickets in six matches vs Barbados at an average of 40.60 and economy rate of 9.23.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 18, BAR 7, TKR 11.
  • TKR have won the past three matches between the teams.
  • If Barbados lose this match, they will sit four points outside the top four with just two matches to play.

Possible Playing 11

Barbados Royals: 1. Kyle Mayers, 2. Johnson Charles, 3. Azam Khan, 4. Smit Patel (wk), 5. Glenn Phillips, 6. Jason Holder (c), 7. Raymond Reifer, 8. Ashley Nurse, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Nyeem Young, 11. Jake Lintott

Trinbago Knight Riders: 1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Leonardo Julien (wk), 3. Colin Munro, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Tim Seifert, 7. Sunil Narine, 8. Khary Pierre, 9. Akeal Hosein, 10. Ravi Rampaul, 11. Ali Khan

Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Pitch Report and Weather

Slower balls and spin were on the menu yesterday. The teams batting first won again, meaning that the last four matches have been won by the team batting first. The average first innings score in these matches is 168.

More clear and warm weather is forecast for St. Kitts.

Dream11 Prediction

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

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:

CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction Today | ST Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction Today | ST Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs TKR Dream11 Prediction Today | ST Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 23: BAR vs TKR Fan2Play

Match Prediction

TKR start as favourites given their better form compared to the Royals. A score in the region of 160-170 can be a tough chase.

Ranked: Top 5 players from 4th ENG vs IND Test

Nash Sant
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Ranked: Top 5 players from 4th ENG vs IND Test

Cricket News: Ranked: Top 5 players from 4th ENG vs IND Test | Ranking the top 5 players from India’s win at The Oval

On Day 4 of The Oval Test, the pitch was as flat as a pancake. Easy runs were on offer and India made the most of it.

The foundations for posting a big total in the 2nd Innings for the visitors were already laid on Day 3 itself, mainly by virtue of Rohit Sharma’s brilliant hundred – his first in overseas ton in Tests for India.

However, the final blow was by the Indian lower order when they put up 154 runs for the last 4 wickets with the main contribution from Shardul Thakur (or Lord Thakur as he is known on social media). Thakur scored a valuable 60 and partnered with Rishabh Pant (50) to put on a 100-run partnership for the 7th wicket which enabled them to post a target of 368 setting up an enthralling final day’s play for the fans.

All was not lost for England as the English openers made the most of the Day 4 evening session and put on a partnership of 77 before the close of play.

As Day 5 started, all 4 results (India win, England Win, Draw, Tie) were possible, and fans and experts all over the world did not know what to expect. But, one thing was sure, the way India made a comeback after losing the toss, getting bowled out for 191 in the first innings and conceding a 99-run lead, the final day had the potential to silence a lot of critics from an Indian perspective.

With that thrilling spell from Bumrah, which read like a tennis score (6-3-6-2) and all the bowlers chipping in when it mattered most, India managed to post a historic win at The Oval after 50 years.

Ranked: Top 5 players from 4th ENG vs IND Test

5. Umesh Yadav

There was some speculation that Umesh Yadav might play the 4th Test before it began. Given the swinging conditions, Umesh was the most likely candidate to replace one of the fast bowlers.

Grabbing three wickets each in both innings, Umesh made a significant contribution to the win. Although he lacked consistency in his line and length, fans were not surprised as that is not completely out of character for him. But he made inroads at the right time, grabbing the prized wicket of Joe Root in the first innings and also dismissing Dawid Malan.

4. Jasprit Bumrah

If you look at the wickets column, it was nothing special for Bumrah. However, it was a magnificent exhibition of pace bowling. His spell just after lunch saw him dismiss Ollie Pope with a full, fast and straight delivery and also get rid of Jonny Bairstow with an absolute jaffa. This period was the turning point in the game, as Bumrah gave the England batsmen no room to breathe.

He ended that spell with the figures of 6-3-6-2 and his overall figures for the innings read 22-9-27-2 which was instrumental in sealing the victory for India.

3. Chris Woakes

Many would believe that perhaps Ollie Pope was the best performer for England. But, Chris Woakes, playing a Test match after 12 months and immediately making an impact, is the reason he was the best English player in the Test. He dismissed Rohit Sharma and ended up taking four wickets before making an all-important half century at No.9.

2. Rohit Sharma

Winning the MOM award for his 127 in the 2nd innings, Rohit helped India gain a lead of 367. He brought up his first overseas ton in Tests with a six over long-on off Mo Ali. He was absolutely sublime on Day 3 of the Test and posted a 153-run partnership with Pujara for 2nd wicket.

1. Shardul Thakur

Lot of people tipped Thakur to win the MOM award due to his twin fifties and striking with the ball at key moments.

That is exactly the reason he is my number one player for India for the Test. Reeling at 127-7, Shardul made sure India got as close to 200 as possible in the first innings. When Thakur came into bat in the second innings, India only had a lead of 211 on the board and by the time he got out, that lead had crept up to 311. He contributed with a crucial innings of 60 and also struck with the ball dismissing Burns and Root.

Apart from these five key performers, there have to be a couple of special mentions, especially the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, who many were saying would not as effective as R Ashwin. But Jadeja did spin the ball on the last day, picking up two crucial wickets of Hameed who batted really well for his 63 and Moeen Ali who was dismissed for a duck. He also made sure that he saw out the second new ball, batting out 20 overs with Virat Kohli before being dismissed.

India now has a taken a lead of 2-1 in the series. With the assurance of not losing the series, India will look to seal the series with another victory in Manchester. Of course, there is still a question of whether Ashwin will play or not, but whatever the team selection we can be sure that the final Test of the English summer is going to be an absolute cracker.

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today.

CPL 2021 Match 22: GUY vs SLK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
CPL 2021 Match 22: GUY vs SLK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 22: GUY vs SLK Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | GUY vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Today | Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Lucia Kings Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

The 22nd game of CPL 2021 will see Guyana Amazon Warriors lock horns with St Lucia Kings at Warner Park in St Kitts on Wednesday.

This will be the second encounter between these two sides in CPL 2021 and Guyana Amazon Warriors will be looking to avenge the 51-run hammering that they suffered at the hands of St Lucia in their last meeting.

The Amazon Warriors were knocked over for a mere 98 in 16.5 overs by St Lucia Kings when these two sides last met in CPL 2021 with the trio of Jeavor Royal (3/19), Obed McCoy (2/19) and Kesrick Williams (2/7) wrecking havoc after Roston Chase’s 50-ball 85 had guided the Kings to 7/149.

Guyana will come into this game on the back of a 45-run mauling at the hands of Barbados Royals where they failed to chase down 186.

St. Lucia Kings, on the other hand, are flying high with consecutive wins. They won their last fixture- against St Kitts- by six wickets after Roston Chase’s unbeaten 38-ball 51 guided them past the target of 119.

Can St Lucia Kings make it four in a row or will Guyana Amazon Warriors pull one back?

Key Players to watch/Key Stats

Guyana Amazon Warriors:

  • Chandrapaul Hemraj: The opener smashed a whirlwind unbeaten 56-ball 105 – an innings which included 14 fours and 5 sixes against Barbados but missed out in the last game, managing a 10-ball 12.
  • The Amazon Warriors will hope for a better outing in the next game from Hemraj.
  • Shimron Hetmyer: The left-hander missed out in the last game as he was dismissed for a 5-ball 3. However, Hetmyer is still one of the leading scorers for Guyana this season and his side will be desperate for a big knock from the southpaw in the forthcoming game.
  • Nicholas Pooran: Pooran has been the bedrock for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the middle-order. In 6 innings he has scored 128 runs at a strike rate of 150+.
  • The southpaw could only manage a 10-ball 14 in the last game and will be hoping for better returns against St Lucia.
  • Romario Shepherd: Shepherd was once again the pick of the bowlers for Guyana in the last game as he claimed 3/31 in his four overs.
  • Odean Smith: The all-rounder had a brilliant outing in the last game as he claimed a wicket besides top-scoring with a 29-ball 43.

St Lucia Kings:

  • Roston Chase: Chase has had a sensational season thus far. In 6 games, he has smashed 241 runs at an average of 80.33 and a strike rate of 157.31.
  • He scored a match-winning 50-ball 85 in his last outing against Guyana. Chase has also claimed 6 wickets at 21.
  • Faf du Plessis: He started off the season slowly but the former South African skipper has shown glimpses of his absolute best. In six games, he has scored 168 runs at a strike rate of 142.37 which also includes a three figure score.
  • Tim David: The Australian swashbuckler has played some handy knocks during the season. In 5 innings he has scored 132 runs at a strike rate of 157.14.
  • Jeavor Royal: He claimed 3/19 in his last outing against Guyana. Royal has been brilliant this season. In just 3 innings, he has taken 6 wickets at 10.33 and an economy rate of 5.63.
  • Kesrick Wiliams: With 9 wickets in 5 innings at 12.66, Kesrick Williams is the leading wicket-taker for St Lucia this season. The right-hander had a brilliant outing in his last encounter against Guyana as he picked 2/7.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have met 17 times in CPL with Guyana leading the ledger 10-7.
  • However, St Lucia Kings lead the ledger 2-1 when it comes to their outings in St Kitts.

Possible Playing XI

Guyana Amazon Warriors:  Brandon King, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Kevin Sinclair,  Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir

St Lucia Kings: Andre Fletcher (WK), Faf du Plessis, Keron Cottoy, Roston Chase, Samit Patel, Tim David, Jeavor Royal, Alzarri Joseph, Kesrick Williams, Wahab Riaz, Keemo Paul

Warner Park, St Kitts pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch has proved helpful for pacers but as has been evident in the last few games, there are plenty of runs on offer.

The average 1st innings score in the 12 completed games played on the fresh pitch is 157.49. 

With regards to the weather forecast,  it is expected to be bright and sunny with temperatures fluctuating between 25-32 degrees Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 68%. 

Match Prediction

Given the manner in which St Lucia Kings have fared thus far this season, they will start as massive favorites.

Analysis: What makes Joe Root so good & how do you get him out?

Debashish Sarangi
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0
Analysis: What makes Joe Root so good & how do you get him out?

Analysis: What makes Joe Root so good & how do you get him out? | A technical analysis of the England captain Joe Root

Joe Root has been in magnificent touch in 2021. The English captain has piled up 1,455 runs at a superb average of 66.13 so far this year.

He was outstanding in Sri Lanka, scored a double hundred in India and now he is having a dream run in the home series against India. He seems technically solid, but there are still some areas in his game that opponents can exploit.

In this article, I am going to highlight what makes Joe Root difficult to dismiss and what should be the most appropriate line of attack for him. Here we go.

Joe Root’s backfoot game and side-on stance:

One of the major reasons behind the Indian bowlers finding it hard to dismiss Root is his tendency to stay on the backfoot and play the ball late. He has a backward trigger movement, which provides him the extra time to play the ball late right under his eyes.

Another specialty in Root’s technique is his side-on stance. This allows him to play along the movement square of the wicket. He has scored a lot of runs by guiding the moving ball towards the backward point or third man with perfection due to both of these factors.

What exactly does Joe Root do?

Let’s analyse Joe Root’s overall technique against the fast bowlers.

Joe Root has an initial backfoot trigger movement. He takes his stance around the leg stump and moves his back foot backwards along the same line (image 1). He doesn’t have the “back and across” trigger movement (that he had in the Ashes 2019); the reason being his willingness to play the ball inside the line, stop his instinct (if any) to chase the ball and avoid being trapped in front of the stumps.

Analysis: What makes Joe Root so good & how do you get him out? | A technical analysis of the England captain Joe Root
Image 1: Root’s backfoot trigger

After the backfoot trigger, he takes his front leg marginally across to come to his ‘neutral position’ when the bowler is about to deliver the ball (images 2 and 3).

After that, he begins to anticipate the line and length and starts moving his front foot across in varying degrees accordingly. If the ball is expected to be fullish and outside the off stump, he takes his front leg across and drives the ball (images 4 and 5).

If Root expects the ball to pitch on either short of a good length or short length, he takes his front leg marginally across and plants it around the middle stump (image 6).

Image 7: Joe Root taking his front leg marginally across and planting it on middle stump

Then, his front leg pushes his body backwards and he punches (image 7) or guides the ball through square or third man (if the ball is further outside the off stump) (image 8) or pulls it (if it comes towards his body). 

What should be the ideal plan to Joe Root?

As Root moves his front foot across in varying degrees as per the length, he can only be beaten on length. As I have already mentioned, he plants his front leg in the middle stump line while playing balls pitched around the short of the good length or shorter than that. So, he doesn’t cover his off stump if he believes that the ball is not going to be ‘that full’ (image 9).

Image 9: Root’s off-stump is visible.

So ideally, the bowler should try to pitch the ball right on the good length around the 4th or the 5th stump channel and bring it back into him. If the ball is pitched exactly on the good length, Root will probably get confused regarding the extent to which he is supposed to take his front leg across to cover his off stump and there will be a chance of him reacting late.

Bumrah did exactly the same in the 1st innings of the 3rd Test and Root inside-edged the ball to his stumps (image 10).

Image 10: Joe Root is bowled by Jasprit Bumrah

Although Umesh bowled the ball short of a good length, the ball skidded off the surface and jagged back into Root in the first innings of the 4th Test. As a result, Root could find neither the room nor the time to play the ball off the backfoot, which he usually does and his off stump was shattered (image 11).

Image 11: Joe Root bowled by Umesh

So there remains some uncertainty around his off-stump which the bowlers should primarily try to exploit.

The bowler can also try the ‘inswing-out seam’ deliveries around that channel to make him poke away from his body without the required movement of the front foot. Bumrah has done this twice in this series (in the second innings of the first two Tests) (image 12).

Image 12: Joe Root playing slightly away from the body

If you drop anything shorter than the good length, he can easily play/leave the ball by pushing himself back. If you bowl anything fuller, he can easily drive that through either the ‘V region’ or square of the wicket. Similarly, if you target his middle or leg stump, he easily flicks the ball through the midwicket or square leg.

Therefore, there exists a very small margin for error for the bowlers while bowling to him.

Joe Root’s technique demands the bowlers to attack his off stump relentlessly from the good length spot in order to dismiss him, which consequently leaves a very small margin for error for the bowlers. It is really tough to dismiss him.

So, the opposition’s bowling unit should not lose patience, keep bowling in that particular channel and try force the mistake.

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.

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