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Ranked: England’s 3 best players in T20I series win vs Pakistan

Vaibhav Tripathi
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Ranked: England’s 3 best players in T20I series win vs Pakistan

Ranked: England’s 3 best players in T20I series win vs Pakistan | Ranking 3 of England’s best players in T20I series win vs Pakistan

England wrapped up their white-ball summer with a thrilling series win over Pakistan. The victory meant a 2-1 scoreline in England’s favour and ensured they have now won all four of their limited-overs series in recent weeks – a total of 10 victories from a possible 12 games (one defeat and one no result). While it was a close call against Pakistan, they always felt just ahead of the game.

The T20I series against Pakistan was England’s last assignment on home turf before the mega event in UAE later this year. Prior to the start of the series, England captain Eoin Morgan stated that his team will look to work out with different combinations in the build-up to the T20 World Cup. 

The number one T20I side in the world experimented with their resources in the 3-match series in order to fix the core of the team. Eoin Morgan tried a few things and in that process too he managed to win another bilateral series.  It was a hard-fought series and it went down to the last over of the series to decide the winner. In this article, we’ll look at the 3 players who played a major role in the series win over Pakistan.

1. Liam Livingstone

This was just the series that Livingstone needed to announce his arrival at the international level. He started the series in roaring fashion with a record hundred in the Trent Bridge run-fest. Another demonstration of the versatility of the all-rounder saw him threatening right-handers with leg-spin and left-handers with off-spin.

Although he didn’t pick any wickets, he was used well as an extra bowling option. He accumulated 147 runs in the 3 game series at 49 with a blistering strike rate of 216.17 which earned him a deserving player of the series award. The Lancashire star player has timed his run perfectly to become undroppable from that World Cup squad and, almost certainly, the first-choice side.

2. Adil Rashid

One of Eoin Morgan’s most reliable men, Adil Rashid, again was the pick of England bowlers as he took 6 wickets including the best bowling performance of 4/35 coming in the third and final T20I. His best bowling figures helped England keep Pakistan to a total of less than 160.

England’s spin wizard was rested for the game England lost at Trent Bridge. He was then called back in the XI for the virtual decider in the 2nd T20I and made an immediate impact alongside Moeen Ali and Matt Parkinson to spin the game in England’s court. Rashid continues to enhance his reputation as a proven wicket-taker in the team and he’s only getting better with more games under his belt.

3. Moeen Ali

Before the start of the series, the expectations were certainly high of Moeen Ali, especially after the way he went about his business both with the bat and ball in the first phase of IPL 2021.

Although he didn’t get as many runs as he would have liked, he compensated with the ball by picking 3 wickets at 17 and conceded runs only at an economy rate of 7.28. A Player-of-the Match performance in the second T20I included a sparkling 16-ball 36 with the bat and two wickets with the ball. In the last game of the series, he didn’t give away a single boundary in his four-over spell to return with figures of 1-19.

Moeen badly needed a series like this as he was struggling to find a place in the XI. The absence of the likes Ben Stokes and Sam Curran gave him 3 games to re-establish himself again as England’s number 1 spinning all-rounder in the T20I side. And, he sure enjoyed batting higher up the order.

Written by Vaibhav Tripathi. Follow Vaibhav on Twitter today.

IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report

Quinton de Kock has been hailed as South Africa’s key man for some time now, but the superb Tabraiz Shamsi is not far behind. The wrist-spinner wrote another chapter in what is a fantastic story, winning player of the match to guide the Proteas to victory in the first T20I.

Now, South Africa have the chance to pick up three trophies out of four across tours of West Indies and Ireland. It will certainly represent success, but Temba Bavuma’s team still have areas to improve. One is the middle order, which needs to step up with the T20 World Cup looming. The other is their bowling depth, with a combination of six specialist batters, a spin-bowling allrounder, three quicks and a specialist spinner in the first T20I.

For Ireland, they are certainly not as advanced in their T20 World Cup preparations as the first T20I was their first match in this format this year. There were positivies, but they need to build on these quickly against higher-ranked opposition before matches against struggling Zimbabwe. As the series moves to Belfast, Ireland will be aiming for a big performance; the kind they showed in the ODI series.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Ireland:

  • Paul Stirling has struggled for form vs South Africa (scores of 13, 27 and 11 in the ODIs, followed by 6 in the first T20I). Ireland need him to turn this form around quick at a ground he has struggled at in the past in T20Is (5 inns, 77 runs, avg. 15.40, SR 118.46).
  • Andy Balbirnie was the only player in Ireland’s top four to cross 20 in the first T20I. He has three 50+ scores in five internationals vs South Africa, so Ireland will be hoping he adds another today.
  • Harry Tector top-scored for Ireland in the first match (36 off 34 balls), after he had a promising ODI series (25, 79, 29). Is another 25+ score on the cards?
  • Simi Singh is in career-best form. After hitting a century in the third ODI, Singh then took 2/19 in the first T20I. Key player.
  • Josh Little took 11 wickets in six matches in Ireland’s inter-provisional T20 competition (2/21, 3/26, 1/32, 0/21, 3/8, 2/16). Also, he has taken two wickets in each of his three matches vs South Africa (two ODIs, one T20I), including 2/27 in the first T20I.

South Africa:

  • Ireland would have been relieved to dismiss Quinton de Kock when they did in the first T20I. He had raced to 20 off just eight balls and was looking dangerous. He is one to watch again, after smashing 255 runs in five T20Is vs West Indies and a century in the third ODI vs Ireland.
  • Aiden Markram is enjoying a fine year in T20Is. In eight matches, he has struck 331 runs at an average of 41.37 and strike rate of 154.67.
  • Rassie van der Dussen has played plenty of club cricket on this ground with great success. He scored 1,865 runs at an average of 81 and top-scored with 190* in 2014 and 2015.
  • George Linde has taken at least one wicket in each of his last five T20Is (2/19, 1/33, 2/16, 1/33 and 2/26). Lungi Ngidi (2/18 in the first T20I) continues to be a genuine wicket-taker in T20Is (35 scalps in 22 matches).
  • What more can be said about Tabraiz Shamsi? He is coming off another great performance, where he took 4/27 to dismantle Ireland’s lineup. He has taken 21 wickets at just 13.28 in T20Is this year. On fire.

Stats and Facts

  • The form of Kevin O’Brien is a significant concern. He has scored just 27 runs in six internationals this year after his golden duck in the first T20I. Also, he scored just 47 runs in six matches with a top score of 16 in Ireland’s inter-provisional T20 competition, and averages just six with the bat in eight innings on this ground. Can he turn it around today?
  • Mark Adair was Ireland’s leading wicket-taker in the first T20I (3/39).
  • South Africa will be the first top-eight team to play a T20I on this ground. The last T20I here was back in 2015.

Possible Playing 11

Ireland are likely to stick with the same XI.

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Kevin O’Brien, 3. Andy Balbirnie (c), 4. Harry Tector, 5. George Dockrell, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. Shane Getkate, 8. Simi Singh, 9. Barry McCarthy, 10. Josh Little, 11. Craig Young

South Africa could look to persist with the same XI as well.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Temba Bavuma (c), 3. Janneman Malan, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. George Linde, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Lizaad Williams, 10. Lung Ngidi 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Civil Service Cricket Club Stormont Belfast Pitch Report and Weather

The Civil Service Cricket Club hosted T20Is between Ireland Women and Scotland Women earlier this year, where the top score was 137 in four matches. The hot conditions recently means that the pitch will likely be devoid of any moisture, which should make for good batting conditions.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 2nd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Ireland had their good moments, but South Africa have the experience and quality to prevail as winners. The Proteas to win.

ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 1st T20I Key Players | Harare Pitch Report

It’s been a tough old series for Zimbabwe, with their good moments counting for nil as they have gone on to lose all four matches across the Test and ODIs.

Now, with no T20 World Cup on the horizon, the objective turns to finding some winning form to boost morale. T20 victories, like ODIs and Tests, have been hard to come by for the Zimbabweans, with just one victory in 11 matches since the start of 2020. However, one of them was a classic victory against Pakistan earlier this year, of which they will look to replicate here.

For that to happen, their bowlers need to find ways to restrict the Bangladesh batsmen on what promises to be a flat Harare surface. The Bangladeshis chased 299 quite comfortably in the third ODI, as the Zimbabwean bowlers struggled for penetration on a friendly batting track. So, the key in this format will be to build dot-ball pressure and convert those into wickets, especially with no Brendan Taylor, who is rested.

For the Tigers, this T20I is the first of potentially 15 matches between now and the World Cup. Bangladesh are set to play Australia (despite the tour originally being in doubt), England and New Zealand after the Zimbabwe series, so this is a chance to build form and confidence ahead of the big tournament. However, they will be without star batsman Tamim Iqbal for at least two months due to that knee injury that continues to hamper him, so it’s a chance for others to step up in his absence.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Zimbabwe:

  • Regis Chakabva was a bright spot in the ODI series for Zimbabwe, scoring the most runs of any player (164, avg. 54.66, two 50s). He will be looking to make a mark in T20Is vs Bangladesh, as he has failed in all T20 games against them so far (four runs, avg. 1.33).
  • Wessley Madhevere forms part of an important middle order core for Zimbabwe. He will be looking to transfer his ODI form vs Bangladesh (two 50s in six ODIs) to the T20Is. Also, he scored 59 in his last T20I on this ground, vs Pakistan in April 2021.
  • It is incredible how Dion Myers continues to make starts without converting into at least a 50+ score. He scored 27 and 26 in the Test, followed by 18, 34 and 34 in the ODIs. Promising form, but Zimbabwe will be hoping for something more substantial.
  • Sikandar Raza enjoyed a solid return to cricket, with scores of 30 and 57 in the ODIs. He will be looking to improve on a poor record in T20Is vs Bangladesh, where he has just 91 runs to his name in nine matches (avg. 10.11).
  • Ryan Burl will be key for Zimbabwe as a finisher. He scored 59 off 43 balls in the third ODI. Also, he smashed 57* (32) vs Bangladesh in 2019, including 30 off one Shakib over.
  • Luke Jongwe is coming off six wickets in the ODI series. Also, he has 12 wickets in just five T20Is at Harare. He and Blessing Muzarabani, who has taken 21 wickets in 17 T20s this year, will be key.

Bangladesh:

  • What an ODI series Shakib Al Hasan had. He scored the third-most runs (145, avg. 72.50) and took the most wickets (eight), so he is coming into this series in fine form.
  • Also, Shakib was player of the series in Bangladesh’s last T20I series in Zimbabwe, back in 2013 (scores of 65 and 40, as well as six wickets in just two T20Is). In his nine T20Is vs Zimbabwe in total, Shakib has hit 196 runs at 28 (SR 129.80) to go with 13 wickets.
  • Like in ODIs, Liton Das enjoys playing against Zimbabwe. Liton has struck 193 runs in five T20Is vs Zimbabwe at an average of 48.25 and strike rate of 146.21, including two consecutive half-centuries against them in 2020.
  • Afif Hossain strikes at 173.53 vs Zimbabwe. He struck an amazing 52 off 26 balls in 2019 to steal victory, so he is a player to watch. As is Mahmudullah, who will be looking for a big knock (11 inns vs ZIM, 191 runs, avg. 21.22, SR 129.05).
  • Mustafizur Rahman loves bowling against Zimbabwe. He has taken 15 wickets against them in just eight T20Is, with an average of just 12.73 (econ. 6.10).
  • Mohammad Saifuddin was expensive in the third ODI. However, in four T20Is vs Zimbabwe, Saifuddin concedes at just 5.50 per over with four wickets to his name. Shoriful Islam took four wickets in the second ODI.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 13, Bangladesh 9, Zimbabwe 4.
  • The two teams have played just two T20Is against each other in Zimbabwe. The series was held in 2013, and finished level at 1-1.
  • Bangladesh have never lost a bilateral T20I series vs Zimbabwe (two wins, three draws).

Possible Playing 11

Brendan Taylor has been rested by Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: 1. Regis Chakabva (wk), 2. Tarisai Musakanda/Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 3. Tadiwanashe Marumani, 4. Wessley Madhevere, 5. Dion Myers, 6. Sikandar Raza (c), 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Donald Tiripano, 9. Luke Jongwe, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Richard Ngarava

Bangladesh could play four seamers with Shakib, Mahmdullah and Mahedi Hasan taking up the spin duties.

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

Harare Pitch Report and Weather

Expect another fine batting pitch with this match starting at midday. The surface for the third ODI was a belter for batting, and more of the same can be expected here with more sunny conditions forecast.

At Harare, the team batting first won all three T20Is between Zimbabwe and Pakistan earlier this year. The average first innings score was 144.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 1st T20I Key Players | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 1st T20I Key Players | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs BAN 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Bangladesh, even without Tamim Iqbal, have an edge over Zimbabwe. This is especially considering Zimbabwe will be without Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. Bangladesh to win.

Twitter reactions to incredible 69* by Deepak Chahar

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions to incredible 69* by Deepak Chahar

Twitter reactions to incredible 69* by Deepak Chahar | Twitter reactions to 69* by Deepak Chahar to lead India to thrilling 3 wicket win vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s long, long wait for a bilateral ODI series win against India will continue thanks mainly to one man.

After Sri Lanka posted a competitive 275/9, Deepak Chahar left the field thinking he wouldn’t be needed with the bat such was India’s dominance in the first ODI. However, not only was he required to bat, but he had to pull India out of a pretty deep hole thanks to some fine cricket by the Sri Lankans. Chahar went on to produce a memorable innings batting down at eight to see India home by three wickets, after plunging to the depths of 193/7.

Never before had Chahar scored an international fifty. Never before has an Indian number eight scored as many as 69* in a successful ODI chase. And, arguably, never before have India been so confident about the pace bowling all-rounders coming in down the order, with Chahar and the likes of Shardul Thakur in their ranks.

Sri Lanka were left devastated. Charith Asalanka said that the team and coaches were emotional after the defeat. They put in so much effort into the game, and coach Mickey Arthur was riding the wave the whole way, only to crash at the end.

It was testament, again, to India’s superb depth. Here are some of the Twitter reactions to Deepak Chahar’s remarkable innings.

Australia tour of Bangladesh in doubt due to COVID-19 spike

Charbel Coorey
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Australia tour of Bangladesh in doubt due to COVID-19 spike

Australia tour of Bangladesh in doubt due to COVID-19 spike | Australia tour of Bangladesh in doubt due to spike in coronavirus cases in Bangladesh

Not for the first time, an Australia series against Bangladesh could be cancelled. Australia’s tour of Bangladesh consisting of five T20Is, pencilled in for August 2021, is reportedly in doubt due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Australian side, coming off a poor 4-1 series loss vs West Indies, is due to fly out of the Caribbean soon after the three-match ODI series. However, Cricket Australia is set to meet this week to discuss whether it is safe to head over to Bangladesh, as the country is currently serving an eight-day pause from lockdown that the government has allowed for the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

Currently, Bangladesh is said to have about 11,000 new COVID-19 infections every day, and with people out and about, Cricket Australia is concerned of a similar situation to that of the IPL earlier this year. Then, CA had to organise for the evacuation of 40 Australian players, coaches and commentators from India to the Maldives, before the BCCI organised for a chartered flight back home.

However, there is still hope that the tour will go ahead. Cricket Australia, in previous negotiations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, wished to have all the matches played at the one ground to limit travel. The five matches will be played at Dhaka, with the players to reside at one heavily policed hotel rather than multiple locations. Also, players and support staff are all fully vaccinated.

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board and Cricket Australia have worked collaboratively on biosecurity and logistical plans for the five-match men’s T20 tour. We are in the final stages of planning now,” a Cricket Australia spokesman earlier said.

Cricket Australia came under fire earlier this year for cancelling their Test tour of South Africa, with claims that they will only work hard to secure a series against the bigger teams. However, Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg said that the players are keen to play cricket and the board will do what it can to ensure the tour goes ahead.

“Ultimately, of course, the welfare of our players is our number one concern, and in that regard we must act on the health advice provided by Cricket Australia and Government agencies – but the default position of our players is that they want to play cricket,” said Greenberg.

Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes

Charbel Coorey
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Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes

Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes | Here are 10 very memorable quotes from commentary great Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle is a name which resonates with Cricket fans and followers across the globe. His voice has reached our homes for years and his witty one-liners are a thing of beauty.

Being a child of two professors, Bhogle was set in his academics when he earned a Chemcial Engineering degree and studied a PGDM from Indian Institute of Management. His broadcasting career began at the age of 19 when he started commentating for the All India Radio. He became the first Indian commentator to be invited by ABC for India’s 1991-92 tour and thus his international career began.

He has since been part of a team called “Few Good Men” which has commentated matches all around the world for ESPN Star and included names like Alan Wilkins, Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar. In tribute of the great commentator in July – the month of his birthday – we take a look at his 10 best quotes which perfectly define Harsha Bhogle and the joy he brings.

Harsha Bhogle knows how to be savage

Nasser Hussain: “It is England but India has more support in the stadium, and the pitch is completely assisting your spinners. Says a lot about our hospitality, right?”

Harsha Bhogle: “Well.. we let you rule our nation for so many years, it the least you can do for us.”

Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes | Here are 10 very memorable quotes from commentary great Harsha Bhogle

Bhogle on Pujara’s slow innings in T20

“Pujara is a classical musician in an era of Yo Yo Honey Singh.”

Rahul Dravid fanboy

“Is there a more calming sight in the world than Rahul Dravid taking his guard?”

Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes | Here are 10 very memorable quotes from commentary great Harsha Bhogle

Dhoni and Tendulkar batting together

“We have a surgeon at one end and a butcher at the other.”

When Graeme Smith dropped Sachin Tendulkar

“Graeme Smith would be hoping that the world under his feet opens up and he would find a crevice large enough for him to slip through”

When Sehwag was in form and had luck

“It’s that kind of a day. Sehwag could walk blindfolded across a highway and not get run over”

Great commentator: 10 memorable Harsha Bhogle quotes | Here are 10 very memorable quotes from commentary great Harsha Bhogle

When AB de Villiers hit the first ball for a six

“Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts. We are ready for take-off”

Shakib was bowling very very slow one day….

“Even the shadow would go faster than the ball”

While India was losing a Test match against England and Rahul Dravid was Co-commentating

“The only man who can save the Test Match for India is sitting right next to me”

On what makes a great commentator

To be a commentator, you must have a life outside cricket, too. If cricket is all that you know, then you would not be a great commentator.

Happy Birthday, Sir!

Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today.

ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report

In an action-packed series where seemingly no ball passes without a big shot attempted, we reach the decider which also promises plenty. The action – particularly Liam Livingstone’s humongous six – has been as hot as the Manchester weather in recent times.

And with two sides looking to prove a point ahead of the T20 World Cup, we could be in for another match full of talking points.

England flexed their muscle to bounce back after their first up defeat, with the spinners leading the way to dismantle Pakistan’s capable but unpredictable batting lineup. July 19 was the UK’s Freedom Day, which is particularly relevant to the England cricket team who have scored 200+ twice this series without even batting their full 20 overs. With England’s top four looking to cause maximum damage up front, followed by the outstanding Livingstone, Pakistan will be braced for another tough outing in the field.

So, to give themselves the best chance to compete, Pakistan’s batting must produce the kind of performance they did in the first T20I. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remain central to Pakistan’s hopes, with the likes of the capable Sohaib Maqsood, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez to follow. And, of course, the Pakistani bowlers will have to be at their bullseye best to limit the English batting lineup.

All-in-all, the perfect test ahead of a big T20 tournament coming up.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Jos Buttler came back with a bang, scoring a 39-ball 59, which was his first fifty in seven T20Is vs Pakistan. Also, Buttler has played plenty of T20 cricket at Old Trafford, with 536 runs in 20 matches at a superb average and strike rate of 41.23 and 142.55 respectively.
  • Dawid Malan has had a poor series to date (scores of 1 and 1). The number one T20I batsman has never gone three consecutive innings without at least a 20+ score. He usually bounces back well after a couple of low scores.
  • Jason Roy is striking at an unbelievable 247.05 this series. However, he has faced just 17 balls. One feels that a big score is on the way if he can at least bat the powerplay.
  • Liam Livingstone has been out of this world in this series. His 141 runs this series have come at a strike rate of 213.63. Also, Livingstone has plenty of T20 experience at Old Trafford, with 863 runs in 30 matches at an average of 33.19 and strike rate of 149.31.
  • When Moeen Ali bats in the top four, he usually performs quite well. He is coming off a man-of-the-match performance in the second T20I after scoring 36 (16) and taking 2/32.
  • Saqib Mahmood continues to take wickets. He is coming off 3/33 in the last game, part of 24 wickets in 11 all T20s in 2021. A superb record.

Pakistan:

  • Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan started quite well in the second T20I, before getting out for 22 and 37 respectively. Babar has scored three half-centuries in five T20Is vs England, including one at Old Trafford.
  • Mohammad Hafeez loves batting in T20Is at Old Trafford. Last year, Hafeez slammed 155 runs in three T20Is at a superb strike rate of 176.13, and was dismissed just once.
  • Pakistan fans are waiting for Sohaib Maqsood to play the big innings in internationals after a strong PSL campaign where he scored 428 runs at a strike rate of 156.77.
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi’s economy rate of 8.09 is some effort in such a high-scoring series. And, he has four wickets to go with that. Once again, he will be a key bowler for Pakistan.
  • Mohammad Hasnain and Shadab Khan also have four wickets to their name this series, including a three-wicket haul for each. They are both on the expensive side, but wickets are key for Pakistan to try halt England’s momentum.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 20, England 13, Pakistan 6, NR 1.
  • England have won four of seven completed T20Is at Old Trafford.
  • England have not lost a T20I series at home since 2018 vs India.
  • Eoin Morgan is set to return today. He has the most runs in ENG-PAK T20Is (406, avg. 36.90, SR 137.16).

Possible Playing 11

With Eoin Morgan likely to return, England have a decision to make regarding who misses out. With Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone superb in their positions so far, either Jason Roy or Jonny Bairstow could miss out. Also, England could look at rotation in their bowling department, with someone like Lewis Gregory coming in.

England: 1. Jason Roy/Jonny Bairstow, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Moeen Ali, 5. Liam Livingstone, 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7. Lewis Gregory/Tom Curran, 8. David Willey, 9. Chris Jordan, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Saqib Mahmood

Pakistan could look at the same XI in their quest to win the series.

Pakistan: 1. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2. Babar Azam (c), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Sohaib Maqsood, 5. Mohammad Hafeez, 6. Azam Khan, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Haris Rauf, 10. Mohammad Hasnain, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report and Weather

The highest score on this ground in the Vitality Blast this season is 172. So, bowlers have had more of a say in Manchester, which could provide the bowlers here with some hope. However, Old Trafford is usually a fine batting pitch, and with the talent on display, one can expect a high-scoring match.

The team batting first has won eight of the past nine T20Is on this ground. Conditions have been very warm in Manchester in recent times, and more of the same is forecast here. No rain is expected.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Key Players | Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report
ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Key Players | Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report
ENG vs PAK 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

This promises to be a beauty. Batting first has proven to be gold in this series, and on a ground that favours setting a score, anything in the region of 200 will be a tough chase.

ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI Key Players | Harare Pitch Report

Bangladesh are gunning for a 3-0 ODI series win – and fourth-straight victory on this tour – but it has not been as straightforward as one would think. The second ODI, rescued by the superb Shakib Al Hasan, was another episode in Bangladesh’s reliance on their key players as the middle order continues to be unreliable.

The Tigers fell to 132/6 in the Test match before recovering well to then control the match. Bangladesh then fell to 74/4 and 75/4 in the first two ODIs, with the likes of Shakib, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin rescuing the ship. Such numbers certainly gives Zimbabwe hope that they can avoid a series cleansweep, but they need to finish the job.

Zimbabwe have had their moments but have been unable to sustain them for long enough. Brendan Taylor has looked good without getting the big score (in freakish fashion, too). Wesley Madhevere’s exploits in the middle order is encouraging, but Zimbabwe’s finishing with the bat let them down. The return of Sikandar Raza provided an immediate boost. Blessing Muzarabani continues to be a threat. But, the home side has to turn these positives into prolonged periods of good play to pick up crucial ODI Super League points.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • Brendan Taylor has made two starts in this series. In the second ODI in particular, Taylor looked as though he was in for the long haul before a freakish dismissal ended his stay. No one has more runs on this ground than Taylor (2,137, avg. 42.74), so Zimbabwe desperately needs him to make an impact.
  • Regis Chakabva has been one of Zimbabwe’s positives in this series. He top-scored with 54 (51) in the first ODI, followed by another start in the second ODI (26). The home side will be hoping he can better deal with Shakib’s arm ball and convert a start into a bigger score. Chakabva has also taken five catches and executed one stumping.
  • Wesley Madhevere moved back down the order with immediate success. He has made a double-figure score in each of his seven ODIs batting in the middle order, including three half-centuries. Against Bangladesh, he has scores of 35, 52, 42 and 56 batting in the middle.
  • The return of Sikandar Raza was a boost for Zimbabwe. He contributed with 30 runs and 1/33, so the home side will be hoping he can further build on that here.
  • Blessing Muzarabani continues to take wickets on a regular basis. He went for just 3.38 per over in 9.1 overs in the second ODI, picking up the key wicket of Mahmudullah. He has taken at least one wicket in each of his last seven white-ball matches (total of 12 scalps).
  • Luke Jongwe has taken five wickets in two ODIs this series (3/51 and 2/46).

Bangladesh:

  • What more can be said of Shakib Al Hasan? His all-round display was a thing of beauty in the second ODI, taking 2/42 and then compiling a great 96* to guide Bangladesh home in a tricky chase.
  • Shakib now has an impressive 710 runs at 44.37 in ODIs in Zimbabwe, along with 25 wickets at 31.00 (including seven wickets at 10.28 in this series).
  • Liton Das missed out after compiling a start in the second ODI. He remains a key player for Bangladesh given just how strong he is against Zimbabwe (11 matches, 545 runs, avg. 54.50, three centuries).
  • Tamim Iqbal’s knee injury and Harare form is a worry for Bangladesh. No player has more runs in BAN-ZIM ODIs than Tamim (1,704, avg. 41.56), but he struggles at Harare (7 inns, 106 runs, avg. 15.14).
  • Afif Hossain impressed with his finishing in the first ODI, scoring 45 off 35 balls. He and Mahmudullah look in good touch, but Mahmudullah will want to build on his starts this series (33 and 26).
  • Mohammad Saifuddin (1/54 and 28*) showed his all-round value in the second ODI. He has 13 wickets in seven ODIs vs Zimbabwe (avg. 20.38), so is one to watch.
  • Shoriful Islam had his most fruitful outing in international cricket with 4/46, supported by Taskin Ahmed who continues to pose questions with his pace and movement (1/38). Key bowlers.

Stats and Facts

  • Bangladesh have now won 18 consecutive ODIs against Zimbabwe.
  • Dion Myers has made scores of 27, 26 (Test) and 18, 34 (ODIs) in Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe. He is able to get starts, but can he go on this time?
  • Zimbabwe sit bottom of the ODI Super League points table. However, if they win today and Sri Lanka lose vs India, they will move off the bottom.
  • Mahmudullah is set to become the fifth Bangladesh player to play at least 200 ODIs.

Possible Playing 11

Zimbabwe could look to stick with the same XI.

Zimbabwe: 1. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2. Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3. Regis Chakabva (wk), 4. Brendan Taylor (c), 5. Dion Myers, 6. Wesley Madhevere, 7. Sikandar Raza, 8. Luke Jongwe, 9. Blessing Muzarabani, 10. Tendai Chatara, 11. Richard Ngarava

Bangladesh could look to rest Tamim Iqbal due to his knee injury.

Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal (c), 2. Liton Das (wk), 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mohammad Mithun, 5. Mosaddek Hossain, 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Afif Hossain, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Mohammad Saifuddin, 10. Taskin Ahmed, 11. Shoriful Islam

Harare Pitch Report and Weather

The seamers get the most assistance in the first hour or so, before the pitch becomes a better one for batting later in the day. As Shakib showed, if you show the application necessary, runs are on offer.

A clear day is forecast, with a top of about 22 degrees.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI Key Players | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 3rd ODI Key Players | Harare Pitch Report
ZIM vs BAN 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Zimbabwe are a chance, given that they have had their good moments. However, Bangladesh, with slightly more depth, should win and take the series 3-0.

SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Aditya Narsale
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0
SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report

Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur and company were looking quite happy after the good finish to their innings and getting to a respectable total of 262. But that happiness suddenly disappeared, as we saw an amazing show by two youngsters of the Indian side – Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan – who blew Sri Lanka away in the first half of the innings itself. The Shikhar Dhawan-led India won the initial game of the tour by 7 wickets with a huge 13.2 overs remaining.

After the huge win in the first game, Team India is all set to take on Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI with a lot of confidence and hunger to win the series. After talk about India being a second-string side, the gap between the two sides was there for everyone to see. And, one could expect that it would be the same even if Sri Lanka had their full squad available.

The Sri Lankan spinners can be good on their day, but lack enough depth in their pace department to support Dushmantha Chameera, as the likes of Isuru Udana continue to struggle. Also, even after scoring a good score of 262, numerous batsmen made starts without even converting to a half-century. So, Sri Lanka have to address these issues and fast if they are to bounce back and level the series.

Key Players/Key Stats

India:

  • The 25th ODI captain of India, Shikhar Dhawan once again showed his importance. He was playing as an associate to the attacking youngsters and hence led his team to a comfortable win by staying there till the end. He scored a brilliant 86 (95) and was pinned to one end. Also, he has been amazing against SL over the years with 1069 runs in 17 innings (avg. 76.35) to his name.
  • Ishan Kishan remained true to his words (promise) that he gave to his teammates. Just before he came to bat, he promised that he would hit a six to get off the mark in his 1st ODI on the very first ball itself. And he went on with brilliant intent to a fine fifty and took honour to become the first Indian to score 50s on both T20I and ODI debut.
  • India’s 2 boundary machines – Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav – were terrific in the recent game hitting as many as 14 fours between them. Shaw gave a brilliant start to Indian innings with his quickfire 43 (24) and SKY ended things for India by scoring a classy 31 (20) on his ODI debut.
  • Shaw is enjoying an amazing year in white-ball cricket. In the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he smashed 827 runs in eight matches at an unbelievable average of 165.40. This included a score of 227*.
  • All the Indian fans were waiting for Kul-Cha to play together and they played on Sunday. Both were looking confident and in good touch. Both of them scalped 2 wickets each and hence broke the batting order of SL team. They have a golden chance to make a comeback as a pair in the main Indian Team. 
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 5/42 on this ground in 2017. He will be looking to bounce back after a quiet outing in the first ODI.

Sri Lanka:

  • Avishka Fernando has to lead his team in the batting department. After getting set at the crease, he has to try to make that big. If we look at his stats, we can find that he is more effective in case of SL losing the toss. He has scored 462 runs in just 9 innings (avg 51) when SL lose the toss. He has 240 runs in 12 innings (avg 20) to his name when SL wins it.
  • Bhanuka Rajapaksa showed some attacking intent and ability to hit the ball cleanly over the rope. Being a quality player, the only thing he needs to work on is staying at the crease for a long time. He scored 24 (22) with 2 fours and 2 sixes in the first ODI.
  • Sri Lankan savage Wanindu Hasaranga is the player who could be the threat for Team India. He was brilliant on the England tour and was difficult to read in the first ODI too. He will also look to add some runs with the bat as well. 
  • Chamika Karunaratne was terrific in batting as he scored 43 (35) in the first game. He was there till the end and fired in the very last over, hitting Bhuvneshwar for 2 amazing sixes. He will also be keen to make an impact with the ball.
  • Dushamantha Chameera was the only SL pacer who was looking good in the previous game. Though he conceded boundaries in early overs, he was brilliant with his bowling variations. If you play fantasy, Chameera is the must pick from SL side.

Stats and Facts

  • Head to Head: Matches 160, India 92, SL 56, Tie 1, NR 11.
  • Last 15 matches: IND 13, SL 2.
  • In Sri Lanka: Played 62, SL 27, IND 29, NR 6.
  • Sri Lanka haven’t won an ODI series against India since 1997.

Possible Playing 11 

Sanju Samson is now available for selection, but one feels the only chance he has of playing is if India choose to drop Pandey. India could go with the same 11.

India: 1. Shikhar Dhawan (c), 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Ishan Kishan (wk), 4. Manish Pandey/Sanju Samson, 5. Suryakumar Yadav, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Deepak Chahar, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Pacer Isuru Udana can make way for Lahiru Kumara as he was somewhat expensive in the previous game.

Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksha, 4. Charith Asalanka, 5. Dhanajaya de Silva, 6. Wanindu Hasaranga, 7. Dasun Shanaka (c), 8. Isuru Udana/Lahiru Kumara, 9. Chamika Karunaratne, 10. Lakshan Sandakan, 11. Dushmantha Chameera

R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch and Weather Report 

The same venue should offer similar conditions here. Sri Lanka’s score of 262 looked under-par, and it proved to be the case. In the seven ODIs on this ground before the last match, the average first innings score was 303.43. In the last eight ODIs on this ground, both the team batting first and second won four games each.

The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with no signs of rain. So the rain gods will show mercy and hence we, the cricket fans, will enjoy Tuesday with a full match.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

If SL bats first, then there would be no different story. If India bats first, they may look for 380 or more. Both ways, I think India will win.

The IPL and its impact on India’s limited-overs depth

Tarkesh Jha
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The IPL and its impact on India’s limited-overs depth

The IPL and its impact on India’s limited-overs depth | Does India’s squad for Sri Lanka tour certify that India’s limited overs bench strength will come through the IPL?

Covid-19 has compelled cricket teams to alter their outlook towards many aspects, but the most critical of them has been to develop formidable bench strength to tackle any adverse, dynamic circumstance.

The English team had to complexly revamp their ODI squad in the wake of a Covid scare during the recent series with Pakistan. The fact that they still whitewashed the opposition with a hurriedly arranged, second-string squad shows the significant amount of backups that champion teams develop.

India’s attempt to send a parallel squad to Sri Lanka simultaneous to the first-team’s tour to England is a step in the same direction.

The pandemic has meant that taking along big squads in such tours is set to become a norm in international cricket. Yet, the sheer number of youngsters knocking the door for a national team call-up is so much that the Indian management still had an opportunity to send over a completely new-look setup to the island nation in order to complete the series.

The Indian side has more or less walked over the Sri Lankans in the last few years, so it arguably didn’t make much sense to engage the first-team in this particular tour. Instead, it provided an opportunity to give some international cricket experience to some of the finest talents from the country, most of whom have unsurprisingly derived from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Upon the inception of the IPL, it was largely intended to serve as a catalyst for the growth of the T20 sport in the country along with providing an exciting, wider platform for the increasing talent pool of the country.

However, over the years, it rightly become a major source of assessing the capabilities of players in the limited-overs format. The tournament gives fringe batsmen the opportunity to face the best bowlers in the world. It allows up and coming Indian pacers to say test their death-bowling skills against some of the best finishers as well. All of this is seen and talked about by the masses at large and hence naturally shoots up a player’s chances of being called up to the national team.

The Indian squad for Sri Lanka comprises of many newcomers such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, Chetan Sakariya, Krishnappa Gowtham, Varun Chakravarthy, Nitish Rana amongst others. Most of these players become household names through the IPL, although it is not to discredit their domestic performances in any way.

In fact, the likes of Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar amongst others have slogged it out immensely in the India A circuit before making their way to the senior team. Moreover, the basis of most of these players’ selection for their IPL teams continues to be their domestic performances.

The IPL and its impact on India's limited-overs depth | Does India’s squad for Sri Lanka tour certify that India's limited overs bench strength will come through the IPL?
IPL impact: More people are aware of the talented Suryakumar Yadav thanks to the IPL.

Of course, this has certain exceptions like Chakravarthy or others who were spotted by their respective managements very early on in their domestic career. However, a wider audience base got acquainted with the finer abilities of someone like Gaikwad or Padikkal only through the IPL.

Ruturaj’s innate ease at facing top-class express pacers, Padikkal’s emergence offering further solidity and flair to RCB’s lineup have all been major talking points in the last couple of seasons. To dismiss its influence in their selection for this tour would be incorrect. Similarly, Sakariya impressed many with his skillsets by scalping seven wickets in seven IPL matches this year for the Rajasthan Royals.

The IPL and its impact on India's limited-overs depth | Does India’s squad for Sri Lanka tour certify that India's limited overs bench strength will come through the IPL?
IPL impact: Ruturaj Gaikwad has also benefitted from good performances in the IPL.

He even drew praise from the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and many have applauded the young lad for his sheer temperament whilst combating several terrifying personal issues in the recent past. Add to the fact that he is a left-armed pacer, a commodity that is severely lacking in Indian cricket.

The Indian team has made their fair share of experiments with leftie pacers in the past but none of them have provided great outputs yet. Hence, experimenting with Sakariya seemed viable, especially given he showed enough mettle against some top quality international batsmen during the course of the IPL.

The series is underway and India started with a comfortable victory. The squad lays enough emphasis on the impact and influence that strong performances in the IPL tends to have with respect to national team prospects for budding cricketers. This might perhaps also be a byproduct of a curtailed domestic season last time around owing the Covid-19 situation across the country.

But, it cannot be denied that IPL has become a valuable parameter to judge the potential of players on the brink of the national team. Solid domestic outings coupled with a showcase of flair, quality and consistency in the franchise tournament certainly have a robust influence amongst the selectors.

The pressure that players go through during the IPL can very well be matched to that one undergoes in the international circuit. So, the tournament does holistically hone the players for the forthcoming challenges that the might encounter in the international circuit.

The series arguably marks a rather significant shift in Indian cricket, considering that the once-taboo topic of IPL performances stimulating a player’s international cricket ambitions has now been streamlined!

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter today.

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