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5 talking points ahead of 4th ENG vs IND Test: Who will win?

Debashish Sarangi
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5 talking points ahead of 4th ENG vs IND Test: Who will win?

5 talking points ahead of 4th ENG vs IND Test: Who will win? | Key talking points ahead of the 4th ENG vs IND Test at The Oval

Cricket is indeed a great leveler. The Indian team that won the second Test in an emphatic manner at Lord’s went on to be handed an innings defeat by the home side at Headingley. With the series well poised at 1-1, we can hope for some nail-biting contests in the remaining two Tests.

There are a few things to talk about ahead of the fourth Test at the Oval. In this article, I am going to mention five such key points. Here we go.

Ishant Sharma’s ineffectiveness

Ishant Sharma was India’s best seamer in the England tour back in 2018. He handled the Dukes ball in an exemplary manner and picked 18 wickets from five games at an average of 24.28 and a strike rate of 50.33.

However, he has looked a pale shadow of his former self in this series. He took a fair amount of time to get his line and length right in the Lord’s Test and bowled a really good spell in the 2nd session of the last day as well. But at Leeds, he didn’t seem to be in rhythm at all. He was bowling short and giving width to the English batsmen on most occasions; something we have seen rarely from him in the last 5-6 years.

Be it his age or fitness, something is not right with him. As an Indian fan, I personally had expected much better from him prior to the commencement of the series. But, unfortunately it seems that we might not see the best version of Ishant Sharma in England this time.

Is Jos Buttler’s absence a blessing in disguise for England?

Jos Buttler was one of England’s best batsmen in the last summer as he scored 416 runs in six Tests at a really good average of 52. But, his struggle with the bat was clearly visible in the three Tests this summer against India.

The Indian seamers have found a way to get him out and Buttler has not scored a single fifty in this series. As he is unavailable for the remaining Tests owing to personal reasons, this has definitely opened the door for England to go with another batsman in their middle order. This could definitely boost their batting lineup considering Buttler’s poor form with the bat and hence his absence can prove to be a “blessing in disguise” for England.

The standout performance of Ollie Robinson

In a time when England were deprived of the services of Stuart Broad, the young Ollie Robinson took the responsibility of being James Anderson’s deputy and has performed magnificently so far.

Robinson has proved to be the best bowler in the series as he has picked 16 wickets at a splendid average of 19.06 and a terrific strike rate of 43.81. He has kept the Indian batsmen quiet and picked wickets in crucial stages. Also, he has troubled the legendary Virat Kohli and dismissed him twice which definitely speaks volumes for his immense potential with the ball.

All eyes will again be on him and I am eagerly waiting to see the battle between he and Virat Kohli in the fourth Test. Looking at his form and confidence, I won’t be surprised if he ends up being the highest wicket taker in the series.

Rohit Sharma has outclassed all India batters

You wouldn’t have believed if I had told you that Rohit Sharma would be the most dependable batsman for India at the start of this series. The way Rohit has adapted to his role of an opening batsman in Tests is commendable. He has shown a strong determination to bat for a long time and his defensive technique has been really impressive so far.

Yes, he has got out playing the pull shot a couple of times, but as far as surviving the hostile spells are concerned, he has done a fabulous job. He has provided India a solid start in every game so far and I feel a hundred is just around the corner for him.

India’s selection conundrum

There are some questions regarding India’s possible XI in the fourth Test. The vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has looked ordinary barring one knock of 61 in the 2nd innings of the Lord’s Test. So there is a possibility that he might get replaced by someone like Hanuma Vihari or Suryakumar Yadav.

Although Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t been amongst the wickets, his ability with the bat assures him a spot in the XI if fit. As I have already mentioned, Ishant Sharma looked completely ineffective in the third test. So, There is a strong possibility of him R Ashwin replacing him. Also, India might want to rest one of their three fast bowlers viz. Bumrah, Shami and Siraj to manage the workload and bring either Umesh Yadav or Shardul Thakur into the XI.

Personally, I would like to see Ashwin and Umesh in place of Ishant and Shami respectively. I prefer Bumrah to play in order to provide the control with the ball.

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.     

CPL 2021 Match 12: JAM vs SKN Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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CPL 2021 Match 12: JAM vs SKN Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 12: JAM vs SKN Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | JAM vs SKN Dream11 Prediction Today |  Jamaica Tallawahs vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 12th Match Key Players | Warner Park Pitch Report

The 12th game of the 10th edition of the CPL will see Jamaica Tallawahs square off against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Thursday (September 02).

After an underwhelming performance during their first clash with Barbados Royals, the Tallawahs stormed back in the return fixture to notch up their second win of the tournament.

The win was set-up set by opener Kennar Lewis, who smashed a whirlwind 53-ball 89 – an innings which included 9 fours and as many as 5 sixes – and Shamarh Brooks, who stayed unbeaten at 47 [26] to help Jamaica Tallawahs make light work of the target of 152.

The Tallawahs have quite a task on their hands in their forthcoming fixture though as they will lock horns against table-toppers St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

With three wins in as many games, the Patriots are flying high and they will come into this game on the back of a six-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors. The win was set-up by Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed his 2nd 50-plus score of the season – 34-ball 59* – to help his side gun down 3/166 in the last over.

Will the Patriots make it four in four or will Jamaica Tallawahs prove to be party poopers?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Jamaica Tallawahs

  • Kennar Lewis: The opener smashed a whirlwind 53-ball 89 to set-up a six-wicket win for Jamaica against the Royals. Lewis has played twice against St Kitts and has scored 58 runs at a strike rate of 175.46.
  • Roman Powell: The skipper once again had a poor outing as he managed a 10-ball 3 against the Royals.
  • Powell, however, has a good record against St Kitts. He is the leading run-scorer among the current crop of Jamaica Tallawahs players against the Patriots – 232 – and he will be hoping to emulate his past exploits in the next encounter against his favored opposition.
  • Shamarh Brooks: After a lacklustre show in the first encounter against Barbados Royals, Brooks fought back brilliantly as he scored a match-winning unbeaten 26-ball 47. The Tallawahs will hope he carries his form in the next game.
  • Andre Russell: The all-rounder bowled a decent spell in the last game as he gave away just 28 runs in four overs besides claiming the wicket of Jason Holder. He then provided the finishing touch to the run-chase with a first ball six.
  • Russell’s record against St Kitts: 125 runs in 9 innings at 20.83 and a strike rate of 138.89. He has also claimed 7 wickets at an average of 26
  • Migael Pretorious: The fast bowler continued his brilliant form in CPL 2021 aa he claimed a four-wicket-haul in the last game against the Royals. He has taken nine wickets in three matches.
  • Fidel Edwards: The veteran pacer had a brilliant outing in the last game as he landed body blows on Barbados Royals by dismissing Shai Hope and Kyle Mayers within a space of two deliveries.
  • Edwards has played a couple of games against St Kitts in which he claimed two wickets at an economy rate of 9.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots:

  • Evin Lewis: The West Indian opener has a good record against Jamaica. In 13 innings, he has scored 336 runs at a strike rate of 171.43. 
  • Lewis is the highest run-getter among the current set of players from both sides in Jamaica-St Kitts encounters and the Patriots will hope that the left-hander turns on the heat when he takes center-stage on Thursday.
  • Sherfane Rutherford: The middle-order has been in brilliant form this year so far. Rutherford has smashed a couple of match-winning half-centuries for the Patriots thus far.
  • His unbeaten 34-ball 59 was the prime reason why St Kitts were able to gun down 167 in their last game against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. 
  • Devon Thomas: The opener has been a consistent scorer for his side in CPL 2021 thus far – 93 runs in 3 innings at 46.50 – although his strike rate of 101.08 has left a lot to be desired.
  • The Patriots will hope that he improves his strike rate in the next game. His record against Jamaica: 136 runs in 8 innings at 22.67.
  • Fabian Allen: The all-rounder loves playing against Jamaica Tallawahs as is evident from his stats – 122 runs in 3 innings at an average of 122 and a strike rate of 234.62. He has also claimed 4 wickets at 29.25.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have locked horns 13 times in CPL 2021 with the ledger locked at 6-6.
  • St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have dominated the rivalry at Warner Park. The home side has won 4 out of their six fixtures against Jamaica at the venue.

Possible Playing XI

Jamaica Tallawahs:

Playing XI– Chadwick Walton (WK), Kennar Lewis, Haider Ali, Rovman Powell ©, Shamarh Brooks, Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Migael Pretorious, Chris Green, Veerasammy Paul, Fidel Edwards

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots:

Playing XI: Devon Thomas, Evin Lewis, Asif Ali, Sherfane Rutherford, DJ Bravo ©, Fabian Allen, Joshua de Silva, Dominic Drakes, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Paul van Meekeren, Fawad Ahmed

Warner Park, St Kitts pitch report and weather conditions

The last couple of games were played on a fresh pitch and the help for fast bowlers was quite evident.

The average 1st innings score in the two games played on the fresh strip is 154.5. Sides’ batting first and bowling first won a game apiece.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be bright and sunny with temperatures fluctuating between 25-30 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 66%. 

Dream11 Prediction

Base team:

  • Wicket-keeper: Chadwick Walton
  • Batters: Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford
  • All-rounders: Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite
  • Bowlers: Paul van Meekeren

Match Prediction

Given their past record at the venue against Jamaica Tallawahs and their current form, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will start as favorites.

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

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

CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

Match 11 of CPL 2021 is a crucial one. Two sides here have the opportunity to solidify their top four position, which is an important proposition in what is looking a competitive tournament.

Champions Trinbago Knight Riders are not yet playing at the level they did last year, but they still sit relatively comfortably with two wins out of four matches so far. Their huge dot-ball percentage in the powerplay overs is an area to address, but the depth in their batting lineup inspires confidence. Plus, the performance of Ravi Rampaul (most wickets in CPL 2021) is a major positive to build on as TKR look to build momentum.

Guyana Amazon Warriors are tottering on the edge. Since beating TKR in game one of CPL 2021, they have lost twice to St. Kitts, displaying some poor cricket at crucial stages. As the tournament nears its halfway stage, getting wins and points on the board is vital to ensure there isn’t too much pressure to qualify come the final stages of the league season.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Trinbago Knight Riders:

  • Colin Munro is yet to fire in CPL 2021, but today could be his day. No player has more runs in TKR-GUY matches than Munro, with 495 runs to his name at a superb average/strike rate of 49.50/138.66.
  • Kieron Pollard won player of the match yesterday for his game-changing 29-ball 42. Against Guyana, Pollard’s 296 runs come at an average of 22.77 and strike rate of 140.95. Can he improve on this here?
  • Tim Seifert has hit form. His last two innings make for good reading (40* off 16 balls and 37 off 25 balls). Against Guyana, he has hit scores of 2 (3), 39* (30) and 23 (39). He will aim to build on this today.
  • Sunil Narine has taken 15 wickets in 10 matches vs Guyana, including 2/17 earlier in CPL 2021. He was terrific against St. Lucia yesterday, taking 1/16 including a maiden.
  • Ravi Rampaul has taken nine wickets in four matches in CPL 2021, the most of any bowler so far. Akeal Hosein continues to impress, with an economy rate of just 4.62 in four matches this season (five wickets).

Guyana Amazon Warriors:

  • Give Shimron Hetmyer TKR, and he’ll give you runs. His nine innings against them have yielded 324 runs at an average/strike rate of 40.50/129.60. This includes 54 off 41 balls earlier in CPL 2021.
  • Odean Smith was player of the match against TKR earlier this season. He scored a 15-ball 24 and took 2/10.
  • Guyana needs skipper Nicholas Pooran to perform. He has a half-century vs TKR (54), but just 34 runs in his other four innings against this opposition. Key match for him, and he really needs more balls to make an impact.
  • The move to have Mohammad Hafeez open worked in delivering more runs at the top. He is coming off a 59-ball 70 in his last match, vs. St. Kitts. However, his strike rate will be in focus in this match.
  • Imran Tahir has taken nine wickets in nine matches vs TKR, including a magnificent spell of 2/12 earlier this season.
  • Naveen-ul-Haq took the second-most wickets for Guyana behind Tahir last season. He will be key in the death overs against TKR’s power-hitting.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 22, TKR 12, GUY 10.
  • Both teams are locked at 1-1 in matches at Warner Park.
  • Guyana beat Trinbago in the first game of CPL 2021, successfully defending 142.

Possible Playing XI

It remains to be seen if Darren Bravo is fit enough to play in this match. Also, TKR may send Sunil Narine back down the order after eating up a lot of dot balls yesterday.

Trinbago Knight Riders: 1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Tion Webster/Darren Bravo, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Tim Seifert (wk), 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7. Sunil Narine, 8. Akeal Hosein, 9. Isuru Udana, 10. Jayden Seales, 11. Ravi Rampaul

Romario Shepherd took 3/15 against TKR but hasn’t played since. It will be interesting to see if he is available today.

Guyana Amazon Warriors: 1. Mohammad Hafeez, 2. Chandrapaul Hetmaj, 3. Shimron Hetmyer, 4. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 5. Brandon King, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Anthony Bramble (wk), 8. Odean Smith, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Nial Smith/Romario Shepherd

Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first has won six of 10 matches so far in CPL 2021. A different part of the square was utilised yesterday, with run-scoring on offer as shown by the likes of Pollard and Kennar Lewis.

The forecast is for more clear and warm weather in St Kitts.

Fantasy Cricket

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

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 11: TKR vs GUY Fan2Play

Match Prediction

An interesting game ahead. Guyana look to be doing quite a few things wrong, and until they sort out key issues, TKR are favourites to win.

BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report

Bangladesh, after achieving a historic series win over Australia, will lock horns with another trans-tasman opponent ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Not only have Bangladesh enjoyed white-ball success at home against New Zealand, but they will be playing a new-look Black Caps side looking to find their feet right away in foreign conditions. This rivalry is one of the most home-dominated in world cricket, with Bangladesh winning their last seven ODI matches at home vs New Zealand (in 2010 and 2013), while the Black Caps have never lost a home game vs Bangladesh in any format.

Expect the Tigers to stick to the same formula that served them so well against Australia. Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan did recently call for “better pitches” for this series, but spin will still play a key role as often the case in Dhaka. For New Zealand, only Colin de Grandhomme, Scott Kuggeleijn and skipper Tom Latham have at least 10 T20Is of experience, and the likes of Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell and Will Young will be key.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Bangladesh:

  • Shakib Al Hasan produced a gem of a performance in the ODIs vs NZ in 2010, leading Bangladesh to a famous 4-0 series win. However, Shakib has a surprisingly poor all-round record against New Zealand in T20Is, with just 72 runs in six matches (avg. 12) and two wickets (avg. 86.50).
  • Nonetheless, one can expect Shakib to be a factor on this ground against an inexperienced team. He has 32 wickets in 24 T20Is at Mirpur, along with 462 runs.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim is back for Bangladesh. The classy right-hander will provide much-needed solidity in the middle order. He scored a half-century in his only home T20I vs New Zealand to date.
  • However, Rahim will be aiming to improve on a T20I average of 19.60 on this ground. In all T20s at Shere Bangla Stadium, Rahim has ammassed 2,549 runs in 101 innings at a fine average of 34.59.
  • No player has more runs on this ground in T20Is than Mahmudullah. The skipper has scored 568 runs in 28 T20Is at an average of 40.57 and strike rate of 129.09. Also, he has the most runs of any Bangladesh player vs New Zealand (186, avg. 20.66, SR 108.13).
  • Afif Hossain was impressive in the recent series against Australia. Afif had the highest strike rate of any player (122.47) who scored at least 50 runs, in what were difficult batting conditions. Key finisher.
  • Watch out for Mustafizur Rahman. Coming off a simply brilliant series against Australia (seven wickets, econ. 3.52), the ‘Fizz’ will be key once again in these conditions. He took 5/22 vs New Zealand in the 2016 World Cup, and has 88 wickets in 63 T20s on this ground.
  • Nasum Ahmed took eight wickets in the Australia series, and will be key in conditions where spin will be a factor. As will Mahedi Hasan.

New Zealand:

  • Henry Nicholls has not played a T20I since 2019, with no T20Is in Asia since 2017. He scored just 15 runs in three innings in Asia in 2016-17, so Nicholls and New Zealand will be hoping he adjusts to the conditions quickly here.
  • Skipper Tom Latham will be crucial in guiding a New Zealand side lacking experience. He is a fine player of spin, so watch out for his array of sweep shots against Bangladesh’s spinners. His last T20I was in 2017, and his last T20 was a 57-ball century in 2019 for Canterbury.
  • Will Young enjoyed success against Bangladesh earlier this year in the batting-friendly conditions of New Zealand (half-century on debut). The challenge will be tougher away from home, but Young has shown excellent adaptability across formats in his international career to date.
  • Although Rachin Ravindra hasn’t set the world on fire in domestic T20 cricket (avg. 17.12 in 18 innings), he has 19 wickets to his name. He will be key with his spin bowling here. As will Ajaz Patel.
  • Colin de Grandhomme returns to the NZ setup, and will be looking to make a mark as the team’s finisher.
  • Hamish Bennett has experience playing in Bangladesh. He played two ODIs in 2010, taking 3/44 on debut. He and Scott Kuggeleijn will be key, as Kuggeleijn has experience and success bowling on slow surfaces (top wicket-taker in CPL 2020 with 17 in 11 matches).

Stats and Facts

  • New Zealand and Bangladesh have played just the one T20I in Bangladesh. This was in 2013, and New Zealand won the match by 15 runs.
  • Bangladesh have 602 games of T20I experience in their squad. New Zealand? Just 100.
  • New Zealand beat Bangladesh 3-0 in both the ODIs and T20Is in New Zealand earlier this year. Bangladesh will be looking to extract some revenge.

Possible Playing XI

Liton Das is expected to return and open, likely in place of Soumya Sarkar. Mushfiqur Rahim is also set to feature.

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

New Zealand are likely to go in with three spin options in Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie. Finn Allen is unavailable due to testing positive for COVID-19.

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

Shere Bangla National Stadium Mirpur Dhaka Pitch Report and Weather

The pitches were a dream for the spinners and cutters in the Australia series. According to Bangladesh ESPNCricinfo correspondent Mohammad Isam, more slow, low conditions are on the menu for this series. The team batting first has won six of the past eight T20s on this ground.

There is a chance of some showers in the evening.

Fantasy Cricket

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

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

BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs New Zealand 1st T20I Key Players | Dhaka Pitch Report
BAN vs NZ 1st T20 Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Bangladesh, at home, with a near full-strength team, should have enough to beat a very inexperienced New Zealand side.

Twitter reactions after Dale Steyn announces retirement

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions after Dale Steyn announces retirement

Twitter reactions after Dale Steyn announces retirement | Dale Steyn announces retirement: Fans, players and pundits react on Twitter

All good things come to an end, even though we don’t want them to. The legendary Dale Steyn, South Africa’s highest-ever Test wicket-taker announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday, with millions reminiscing on his brilliance throughout a glorious career.

Such was Steyn’s impact that it was not only South African supporters paying tribute to a magnificent cricketing journey. Fans and players from across the globe – including the magnificent James Anderson – took time to commend such a true legend of the game. Others including AB de Villiers and Pat Cummins also sent messages of congratulations to Steyn.

Steyn finishes with 699 international wickets, including 439 in Tests. He goes down as one of the greatest ever fast bowlers, boasting a strike rate of 42.30 in Tests, including a scarcely believable 42.90 in 22 Tests in Asia.

The kind of numbers most pace bowlers can only dream of.

Twitter reactions as Dale Steyn announces retirement from cricket

Steyn took to social media to announce his decision to retire from cricket. “It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood,” Steyn’s statement read.

“There are too many memories to tell. Too many faces to thank.”

“Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bitter sweet but grateful.”

“Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been an incredible journey together.”

CPL 2021 Match 10: BR vs JAM Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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CPL 2021 Match 10: BR vs JAM Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 10: BR vs JAM Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs JAM Dream11 Prediction Today | Barbados Royals vs Jamaica Tallawahs Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

The caravan of the 10th edition of the CPL rolls on as Barbados Royals lock horns with Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Wednesday, September 1.

This will be the second fixture between these two sides and Jamaica Tallawahs will be looking to stage a redemption following their 15-run defeat in the previous encounter. After a record-breaking blitz in their opening game where they smashed the second-highest total in CPL history, the Tallawahs faltered during their run-chase of 162 against the Royals.

The batting-unit never really took off as the likes of Mohammad Amir (2/23), Raymond Reifer (3/31) and rest of the Barbados Royals bowlers tightened screws.

It didn’t help that Andre Russell registered a golden duck while Shamarh Brooks (47 off 45) and Carlos Brathwaite (29 off 27) were underwhelming. As for Barbados Royals, they will be hoping to continue with the momentum they have gained in the last game following two consecutive defeats in their campaign thus far.

Key Players to watch/Key Stats

Barbados Royals:

  • Johnson Charles: The right-handed opener smashed a whirlwind 17-ball 25, an innings which included 2 fours and as many sixes, in the last game against the Tallawahs. However, the Royals will hope that the swashbuckler kicks on and gets a big score in the next encounter.
  • Glenn Phillips: Phillips batted in the middle-order in the last game against Tallawahs and the move paid off as the wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a match-winning unbeaten 46-ball 56; an innings which included 6 fours and a six. The Royals will hope that the New Zeaander carries his form in the next game.
  • Raymon Reifer: Reifer was easily the ‘MVP’ for the Barbados Royals in the last game as he racked up a brisk cameo of 20-ball 31* which included 2 fours and 2 sixes to help the Royals post 5/161 in 20 overs. 
  • He then proceeded to register figures of 3/31 in tour overs which included the prized scalp of Andre Russell for a golden duck. It will be interesting to see if the all-rounder carries his form in the next encounter against the same opposition.
  • Mohammad Amir: The Pakistani left-arm pacer was brilliant in the last game as he gave away just 23 runs in his quota of four overs besides claiming two wickets. He has taken six wickets in three games so far in CPL 2021, whilst conceding just 5.33 runs per over.
  • Oshane Thomas: The West Indian pacer had a rare poor outing in the last game as he gave away 34 runs in his four overs. However, barring the last game, Thomas has been brilliant with the ball in CPL 2021 so far. In the first couple of games, Thomas claimed four wickets which included a three-wicket-haul against St Kitts.
  • Jason Holder: The skipper has the second most wickets (11) in Jamaica-Barbados encounters. He registered figures of 1/22 in three overs in his last outing.

Jamaica Tallawahs

  • Chadwick Walton: Walton faltered in the last game against the Tallawahs as he registered a 9-ball 3. The right-hander scored a 29-ball 47; an innings which included six fours and two sixes in the first game against St Lucia Kings and the Tallawahs will hope that he emulates the same against Royals.
  • Walton loves playing against the Royals. He has the most number of runs (358) in encounters between these two sides. Those runs come at an average of nearly 33.
  • Andre Russell: The West Indian all-rounder smashed a 14-ball 50 in the first game but missed out big time in the last game as he endured a golden duck. Can Dre Russ improve on his batting average of 19 in 10 innings vs Barbados? Although, those runs come at a superb strike rate of 185.37.
  • He had an equally poor outing with the ball as he was taken for 49 runs in four overs for a solitary wicket. So, it’s a big redemption game for Dre Russ.
  • Rovman Powell: The Tallawahs skipper had a good day with the ball against Royals in the last encounter as he registered figures of 1/21 in three overs. He, however, missed out with the bat, scoring an 8-ball 9. Can he shrug off the blip in the next game?
  • Veerasammy Permaul: The spinner was the pick of the bowlers for Jamaica in the last game as he registered figures of 2/15 in four overs. He will be the one to watch out for.
  • Shamarh Brooks: He may have top scored with a 45-ball 47 in the last fixture against the Royals but the innings proved to be detrimental to the team’s cause. Can the young batsman redeem himself in the next game?

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have locked horns in 17 games this far with the ledger locked at 8-8.
  • Barbados Royals won the first encounter against Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2021 by 15 runs.
  • Chadwick Walton has scored the most runs (358) among both sides during their encounters.

Possible Playing XI

Barbados Royals: 1. Johnson Charles, 2. Shai Hope (wk), 3. Kyle Mayers, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Jason Holder (c), 6. Azam Khan, 7. Raymon Reifer, 8. Thisara Perera, 9. Hayden Walsh, 10. Mohmmad Amir, 11. Oshane Thomas

Jamaica Tallawahs: 1. Chadwick Walton (wk), 2. Kennar Lewis, 3. Haider Ali, 4. Rovman Powell (c), 5. Shamarh Brooks, 6. Carlos Brathwaite, 7. Andre Russell, 8. Migael Pretorious, 9. Chris Green, 10. Veerasammy Paul, 11. Imran Khan

Warner Park St Kitts Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitches at Warner Park have been quite brilliant thus far. While batsmen have scored runs, fast bowlers and spinners have also generated help from the surface, making it a brilliant contest to watch between bat and ball. The average 1st innings score after eight games is 165.47 while sides batting first have won on five occasions.

As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to be clear with temperatures fluctuating between 25-29 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 68%. 

Fantasy Cricket

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

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 10: BR vs JAM Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAR vs JAM Dream11 Prediction Today | Barbados Royals vs Jamaica Tallawahs Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 10: BAR vs JAM Fan2Play

Match Prediction

Barbados Tridents may have won the last game but with Jamaica Tallawahs boasting of an imperious batting strength, one can expect the Rovman Powell-led side to stage a comeback in the return fixture.

WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies Women vs South Africa Women Key Players | Antigua Pitch Report

At the same time as an important CPL tournament is taking place, an important T20I bilateral series also takes place.

West Indies, coming off a successful series against Pakistan, will be looking to continue the momentum here. However, they will be missing star player Stafanie Taylor due to being a close COVID-19 contact, which is certainly a blow. As a result, Anisa Mohammed will lead the side, and the likes of Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews must step up.

The Windies have a fine record against South Africa. However, this South Africa side has come leaps and bounds in recent years. A number of their players were successful in the recent Hundred, and they welcome back skipper Dane van Niekerk after missing their successful tour of India.

An interesting match ahead.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

West Indies:

  • In the absence of Taylor, Hayley Matthews will have an even more important role to play. She has struggled against South Africa in the past (8 inns, 143 runs, avg. 17.88, SR 105.93), so West Indies will be hoping she can turn these numbers around.
  • Matthews had an excellent Hundred campaign recently, with 221 runs in eight matches at an average of 31.75 and strike rate of 119.45.
  • Deandra Dottin has an outstanding record against South Africa. No player has more runs in WI-SA T20Is than the talented all-rounder, at a superb average and strike rate (440, avg. 40.00, SR 150.68). She also has four wickets in eight innings against them.
  • Kycia Knight scored the most runs in West Indies’ recent T20I series vs Pakistan (69, avg. 34.50). She has experience against South Africa (nine matches), with 95 runs at 23.75, but will be aiming to improve her strike rate of 77.24.
  • Skipper Anisa Mohammed will be key in limiting the excellent South Africa batting lineup. She has taken 21 wickets in 15 matches against them at an average of 15.19.
  • Shamilia Connell has taken six wickets in seven matches vs South Africa, at a fine economy rate of 4.78. Can she build on her wickets tally?

South Africa:

  • Welcome back to international cricket, Dane van Niekerk. The South Africa skipper is coming off an incredible Hundred campaign, top-scoring with 259 runs at an average of 43.16. She also took eight wickets.
  • van Niekerk will be looking to improve on her numbers vs West Indies. In 12 innings against them, she has struck just 165 runs at an average/strike rate of 15.00/76.04.
  • Mignon du Preez has the most runs of any South Africa player vs West Indies. However, like van Niekerk, du Preez will be aiming to improve on her average of 18.13.
  • Lizelle Lee has the next most runs for South Africa against West Indies. Her 197 runs come at a decent average of 28.14 and strike rate of 110.06. Also, Lee is coming off a fine Hundred campaign, where she scored 215 runs at an average of 43.00 and strike rate of 124.27.
  • Marizanne Kapp also had a fine Hundred campaign, with 150 runs (avg. 37.50) and 11 wickets (avg. 6.36) in five matches. Like her teammates, she will be aiming for a big performance against West Indies, as she averages just 14.83 in 13 innings (178 runs), as well as just the four wickets in nine innings.
  • Laura Wolvaardt is enjoying a fine 2021. In addition to 90 runs at 45.00 in T20Is this year, Wolvaardt scored 181 runs at 36.20 in the recent Hundred. Also, Wolvaardt has scored 94 runs in four matches vs West Indies at an average of 31.33.
  • Shabnim Ismail is one to watch, as always. The classy South Africa pacer has taken 13 wickets in 10 matches vs West Indies. van Niekerk has the next-most wickets for South Africa vs West Indies with nine scalps.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 19, West Indies 13, South Africa 4, N/R 2.
  • The last time these two sides met was in 2018, and the teams played out a 2-2 series draw.
  • This will be the first meeting between the teams at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Possible Playing XI

Qiana Joseph could slot in at five, with Kyshona Knight and Chedean Nation to move up the order in the absence of Stafanie Taylor. Anisa Mohammed will lead the side.

West Indies: 1. Hayley Matthews, 2. Deandra Dottin, 3. Kyshona Knight. 4. Chedean Nation, 5. Qiana Joseph, 6. Kycia Knight (wk), 7. Britney Cooper, 8. Aaliyah Alleyne, 9. Shamilia Connell, 10. Anisa Mohammed (c), 11. Shakera Selman

Regular captain Dane van Niekerk is back from injury in what looks a terrific South Africa team on paper.

South Africa: 1. Lizelle Lee, 2. Dane van Niekerk (c), 3. Marizanne Kapp, 4. Mignon du Preez, 5. Laura Wolvaardt, 6. Sune Luus, 7. Chloe Tyron, 8. Trisha Chetty (wk), 9. Shabnim Ismail, 10. Ayabonga Khaka, 11. Nonkululeko Mlaba 

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Antigua Pitch Report and Weather

West Indies played two T20Is against Pakistan on this ground in July. West Indies won both games, defending 136 in one and chasing 103 in the other. Back in March, West Indies mens chased down two scores of 270+ vs Sri Lanka in consecutive ODIs. Expect an easy-paced surface with some possible assistance for the spinners.

The forecast is for warm and clear weather in Antigua.

Fantasy Cricket

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

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies Women vs South Africa Women Key Players | Antigua Pitch Report
WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies Women vs South Africa Women Key Players | Antigua Pitch Report
WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11

Fan2Play Prediction

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

WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies Women vs South Africa Women Key Players | Antigua Pitch Report
WI-W vs SA-W 1st T20 Fan2Play

Match Prediction

West Indies have a great record vs South Africa, but the rise of South Africa and absence of Stafanie Taylor puts the tourists in the drivers’ seat.

CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Kings Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

Remarkable stuff. Trinbago Knight Riders, who had lost just the three wickets, were unable to chase 158 courtesy of a terrific bowling effort by St. Lucia Kings. In the process, they picked up their first win of CPL 2021 – a crucial result in what is shaping up to be a competitive tournament.

It is a tournament where champions TKR have lost two of their first three matches, after dominating CPL 2020 without losing a single match. Apart from Tim Seifert, none of their top order players were able to get going; reflective of their season to date. Plus, their finish with the ball left a little to be desired, so they will get the chance to make amends 48 hours later against the same opponent.

What a time for St Lucia to pick up their first win against Trinbago for the first time since CPL 2016. Roston Chase led the way in typical Roston style, making a difference to the contest seemingly without making a fuss. Tim David again showed why he is hot property in T20 cricket, and Wahab Riaz bounced back after a shocker to defend 13 in the final over to seal victory.

The challenge for the Kings will be to repeat such an effort a day later against an opponent looking to find momentum in CPL 2021.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Trinbago Knight Riders:

  • A match-losing knock by Colin Munro on Sunday. So, how does he bounce back? His overall record vs SLK is decent (9 inns, 267 runs, avg. 38.14, SR 132.18), but he is yet to hit top form in CPL 2021.
  • Lendl Simmons also struggled to find fluency. Like Munro, Simmons’ overall record for TKR vs SLK is solid (180 runs, avg. 45, SR 136.36). but TKR needs a big performance from their star opener, who was the top-scorer in CPL 2020 (11 inns, 356 runs, avg. 39.55).
  • Kieron Pollard missed out Sunday (9), but is still a factor given how brilliantly he has performed vs St Lucia in the past. His 387 runs against them come at an average of 48.38 and strike rate of 151.17. He scored a brilliant 58* off 30 balls vs Barbados a few days ago.
  • Also, Pollard might be well-served giving himself a bowl. He has taken 20 wickets in 12 innings against SLK, including seven wickets in two games last season.
  • Tim Seifert was the player who found form for TKR. His 40* off 16 balls wasn’t quite enough to get TKR over the line, but the performance is certainly encouraging.
  • Sunil Narine has taken just five wickets in nine matches vs SLK, including 0/30 on Sunday.
  • Ravi Rampaul has the equal-most wickets in CPL 2021 so far (six wickets in three matches). Isuru Udana had an off day on Sunday after taking 5/21 in the previous game. Can he rediscover his wicket-taking form?

St. Lucia Kings:

  • No player has scored more runs in TKR-SLK matches than Andre Fletcher. His 28 off 25 balls two days ago is in line with his overall record against TKR (479 runs, avg. 28.18, SR 103).
  • Roston Chase was player of the match on Sunday, courtesy of a superb performance. He followed up his 30* (24) with a terrific spell of 1/17. Key player.
  • Faf du Plessis is yet to get going so far in CPL 2021, but his class is permanent. He has scored just 12 runs in three innings vs TKR, so he will be out to make an impact.
  • Tim David continues to impress. His two innings in CPL 2021 read: 56 (28) and 43 (32). He will be key again as SLK’s finisher.
  • Wahab Riaz bounced back well, and will be key at the death. He has taken four wickets in four games vs TKR.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 18, SLK 3, TKR 13, N/R 2.
  • SLK’s win was their first win vs TKR since CPL 2016.
  • TKR have lost two of their first three games this season. Last season, they won CPL without losing a single match.

Possible Playing XI

Darren Bravo was reportedly out with an ankle problem on Sunday. He has a superb record vs St. Lucia (323 runs at an average of 107.67 and strike rate of 150.23), so it will be interesting to see if TKR slot him back in if fit.

Trinbago Knight Riders: 1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Tion Webster, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Tim Seifert, 5. Kieron Pollard (c), 6. Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7. Sunil Narine, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Akeal Hosein, 10. Ravi Rampaul, 11. Jayden Seales

Obed McCoy was reportedly rested to manage workload. It remains to be seen if SLK bring back McCoy for this match.

St. Lucia Kings: 1. Rakheem Cornwall, 2. Andre Fletcher (wk), 3. Faf du Plessis (c), 4. Roston Chase, 5. Mark Deyal, 6. Tim David, 7. Keemo Paul, 8. Wahab Riaz, 9. Usman Qadir, 10. Alzarri Joseph, 11. Obed McCoy/Jeavor Royal

Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Pitch Report and Weather

The team batting first has won five of eight matches so far in CPL 2021, with the average first innings score reading 178 in these games. Interestingly, the team batting first has won three of the four games in the daytime matches. Quick run-scoring is very possible due to the easy-paced surface and small boundaries.

The forecast is for more clear and warm weather.

Fantasy Cricket

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

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Kings Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | TKR vs SLK Dream11 Prediction Today | Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Kings Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Dream11 Prediction

Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 9: TKR vs SLK Fan2Play Prediction

Match Prediction

Big game in take two of Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Lucia Kings. SLK were excellent on Sunday, and will be keen to produce a similar performance. However, backing TKR to bounce back in an important game, especially if they get the chance to bat first.

Ranked: Top 5 players from 3rd ENG vs IND Test

Nash Sant
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0
Ranked: Top 5 players from 3rd ENG vs IND Test

Ranked: Top 5 players from 3rd ENG vs IND Test | Top players from the 3rd ENG vs IND Test: England win by innings and 76 runs

How often in recent times has India lost test matches and test series from winning positions? There have been so many instances as an Indian fan, where you must think, “How on earth did India lose this Test?”

Safe to say though, the 3rd Test at Headingley was different. This Test was probably lost on the very first day with India falling like a house of cards to the swing of Jimmy Anderson, coupled with Ollie Robinson and Craig Overton’s immaculate line and length.

Indian fans are starting to have Déjà vu of the 2014 series, where India won the 2nd Test at Lord’s and then went on to lose the series 3-1. India will be hoping for a different result this time around, as this team has shown the fight and have made impossible comebacks in recent times and under difficult conditions. The swords are out for the Indian team and more so for Virat Kohli and the middle order who keep being dismissed in the same fashion time and again.

Indian fans will be hoping that India can turn things around dramatically at The Oval in the 4th Test just like they did in Australia last year after posting their lowest Test score of all time.

Ranked: Top 5 players from 3rd ENG vs IND Test

5. Dawid Malan

Malan’s last First Class match was back in June. Although he hit 199 in that game, people could argue that Ollie Pope would have been an option to consider for the much maligned England number three slot. However, Malan played beautifully, scoring a fine 70 at number three, providing the kind of assurance and solidity that England have been lacking for quite some time.

4. Rohit Sharma

The only Indian player on this list and rightly so. When India started the second innings, Anderson and Robinson displayed some top-class swing bowling, making run-scoring quite difficult. Sharma left well, patiently waiting to pounce on rare loose deliveries from England’s disciplined and skilful attack. The way he stood his ground ensured that India made the England bowlers work and set a platform for the middle order.

3. Joe Root

Well, a Joe Root hundred shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone now. He is having the time of his life and with another hundred in the Test match, that’s three for the series in three matches and six for the year already. With five Test matches to play, Joe Root looks set to pass the record for the highest runs scored in a calendar year.

Root came in at 2-159 after England openers finally got them off to a great start. He was the only one who converted the fifty into another hundred and India don’t seem to have any answer to Joe Root’s class at the moment.

2. Ollie Robinson

With seven wickets in the test, including a 5-for in the second innings, Robinson has taken to Test match cricket like duck to water. A lot of experts have already tipped Robsinon to take on the mantle of fast bowling along with Archer once Broad and Anderson hang up their boots. He dismissed a well set Virat Kohli in the second innings with a terrific piece of bowling and opened the floodgates for the Indian collapse.

1. James Anderson

Time again, Jimmy makes us wonder how he does it. To bowl with that gusto and keep yourself hungry at the age of 39 is a thing of beauty. He dismissed KL Rahul, India’s shining light so far on this tour, in the first over of the Test match, before dismissing Pujara and Kohli in the first hour of the Test.

He took three wickets in the first innings in his eight overs while only giving away six runs with six maidens. You would expect nothing less than a 630-wicket stalwart.

The series is now evenly poised at 1-all, but England will definitely have the upper hand going back to London at The Oval for the fourth Test. But this Indian team has shown time and again that they will not be bullied like the old Indian teams, (Sorry Mr Sunil Gavaskar) and they know how to make a comeback.

As a fan, we can expect there will no love lost between the two teams at The Oval and we can expect some hard and tough cricket when the 4th Test begins on 2nd September.

CPL 2021 Match 8: SKN vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Yash Mittal
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0
CPL 2021 Match 8: SKN vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

CPL 2021 Match 8: SKN vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SKN vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report

The 8th match of the 9th season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will see St.Kitts and Nevis Patriots lock horns with Guyana Amazon Warriors at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

This will be the second meeting between these two sides in as many days. Yesterday, the impressive and much-improved St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots notched up a comfortable eight-wicket win over as they chased down 147 in just 18.5 overs. Devon Thomas (55 off 54 balls) and Evin Lewis (62 off 39 balls) were the stars of the show for St Kitts as the duo racked up 113 runs for the opening wicket in just 13.4 overs.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots are riding high with two wins in as many games and they will looking to make it a hat-trick when they square off against the Warriors 

Guyana Amazon Warriors, on the other hand, need to address their batting. The likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran are batting too low in the order at the moment and, as a result, they are ending up with underwhelming totals. Will there be a change in batting order for the Amazon Warriors in the next game?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots:

  • Evin Lewis: Lewis smashed a whirlwind 39-ball 62 against Guyana in the last game and he will be looking to emulate the same in the next outing.
  • Before yesterday, Lewis had a poor record vs Guyana. Now, he has scored 210 runs in 12 innings against Guyana with his 62 in the last game being his highest total.
  • Devon Thomas: Thomas chipped in with an unbeaten 54-ball 55 in the last game against Guyana. He has scored a total of 204 runs in 8 innings against Guyana at an average of 25.5.
  • Sherfane Rutherford: The middle-order batsman smashed a match-winning 43-ball 53 in the first game against Barbados Tridents. He will play another game against his former side today, and will be looking to improve on his score of 14 yesterday.
  • DJ Bravo: Skipper Bravo has chipped in with both and ball in the tournament this far. While he stroked an unbeaten 35-ball 47 in the first game, he chipped in with a crucial wicket of Shimron Hetmyer in the last game against Guyana Amazon Warriors. He has 26 wickets in 20 matches against them.
  • Dominic Drakes: The left-arm pacer has been a revelation in the tournament thus far. In two games, he has claimed 5 wickets at an average of 7.80 and an economy rate of 4.87.
  • In his last outing against Guyana, Drakes claimed 3/26 in 4 overs and he will be looking to make an encore in the next game.

Guyana Amazon Warriors 

  • Nicholas Pooran: The Warriors skipper has chipped in with handy cameos while batting at No.7 in the two games thus far. However, with the middle order not really firing, there is a good enough case for Pooran to promote himself up the order and make the maximum impact.
  • Pooran chipped in with a 10-ball 23 in the last game against St Kitts. However,  given his stupendous record against SKN- 141 runs in 4 innings including a three figure score- it is imperative he gets the maximum balls to bat for him to make the difference.
  • Shimron Hetmyer: The left hander smashed a brilliant 41-ball 54 in the first game against TKR but missed out against St Kitts as he managed 5 ball-4. He will be looking to make amends for the same.
  • His record against SKN is impressive: 241 runs in 7 innings with the highest score being 79.
  • Odean Smith: Smith put up a match-winning performance for Guyana in the first game as he chipped in with a 15-ball 24 before claiming two important wickets for 10 runs in two overs.
  • He, however,  had a poor outing in the last game against St Kitts as he didn’t trouble the scorers with the bat while conceding 18 runs in 3 overs with the ball.
  • Mohammed Hafeez: The veteran Pakistan all-rounder had a good outing in the last game as he chipped in with an unbeaten 31-ball 38 besides bowling four economical overs for 18.

Stats and Facts

  • Both sides have locked horns on 13 instances with Guyana Amazon Warriors bossing the ledger with a 10-3 lead.
  • However,  St Kitts and Nevis Patriots beat Guyana in their first meeting this season by 8 wickets. This was their first win vs GAW since 2017.
  • Both sides have met at Warner Park on 6 occasions with Guyana winning 5 of them.

Possible Playing XI

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 1. Devon Thomas, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Sherfane Rutherford, 4. Joshua de Silva (wk), 5. Asif Ali, 6. Fabian Allen, 7. DJ Bravo (c), 8. Dominic Drakes, 9. Sheldon Cottrell, 10. Paul van Meekeren, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Guyana Amazon Warriors: 1. Brandon King, 2. Chanderpaul Hemraj, 3. Odean Smith, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Mohammad Hafeez, 7. Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), 8. Naveen-ul-Haq, 9. Imran Tahir, 10. Ashmead Nedd, 11. Nial Smith

Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts pitch report and weather conditions

With 6 matches having already taken place at St Kitts, the pitches are likely to get slow and sluggish as the tournament wears on. The average 1st innings score after six games is 166.8 while sides batting first have won on four occasions.

As far as the  weather is concerned, it is expected to be clear with temperatures hovering between 27-30 degree Celsius. Humidity is set to hover around 6%. 

Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction

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

CPL 2021 Match 8: SKN vs GUY Dream11 & Fan2Play Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SKN vs GUY Dream11 Prediction Today | St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Key Players | St Kitts Pitch Report
CPL 2021 Match 8: SKN vs GUY Fan2Play Prediction

Match Prediction

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have a better balance as far as their batting-unit as well as their bowling is concerned. They are much improved in 2021. Backing them to make it two-in-two against Guyana on Sunday.

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