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

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

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

After Sri Lanka picked up crucial, confidence-boosting ODI Super League points in the third ODI, attention turns to a T20I series that has significance for both the home side and India.

Like in ODIs, Sri Lanka have also had a tough time of things in T20Is, winning just one of their last 13 matches. They barely put up a fight in England, and with a potentially tricky T20 World Cup Qualifier Stage coming up against Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia, the Lions will be aiming to find form and confidence against a side filled with T20 and IPL experience.

For India, they are coming off a 2-1 ODI series win, but the batting in the last two matches is cause for improvement. How they tackle Sri Lanka’s spin threat will be key to this result, providing the Indian batsmen with great preparation ahead of the World Cup. Indeed, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to come into this side, it is an audition for a number of batsmen to put their hand up and be counted.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

  • Avishka Fernando scored the most runs of any player in the ODI series. His 159 runs included two half-centuries, so he will be looking to transfer that form to the T20Is. In Sri Lanka’s domestic competition earlier this year, Fernando scored 87 runs in three matches at an average of 27.67 and strike rate of 136.07.
  • Dhananjaya de Silva has the most T20I runs of any current Sri Lanka player on this ground (5 inns, 155 runs, avg. 31.00, SR 109.15, 1 50). He has a half-century against India in his two innings against them (total of 74 runs, avg. 37, SR 151.02).
  • Charith Asalanka is a strong chance of making his T20I debut. He showed resistance right throughout the ODI series (38, 65, 24), and Sri Lanka will be hoping for more of the same. However, Asalanka is traditionally a better List A player (1,664 runs, avg. 41.60, SR 79.57) than T20 (479 runs, avg. 23.95, SR 127.39), so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts here.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga missed the third ODI but is expected to be fit for this clash. He was outstanding in the T20I series in West Indies earlier this year (eight wickets in three T20Is) on pitches that offered assistance to spinners. Key player.
  • Dasun Shanaka has a bowling strike rate of just 13 against India (six wickets).
  • Akila Dananjaya has plenty of experience on this ground. In 17 T20s, he has taken 20 wickets at an economy rate of just 7.42. After his three wickets in the third ODI, he will be one to watch here.

India:

  • Shikhar Dhawan has been simply outstanding in IPL since the start of 2019 (1,541 runs in 41 innings). However, in T20Is, he has 363 runs in 14 matches at an average of 25.92 and strike rate of 117.47 in the same period. He will be using this series as a way to remind selectors that he belongs in India’s main T20I side.
  • Dhawan has a solid T20I record vs Sri Lanka. He has three half-centuries in eight innings vs the Lions (289 runs, avg. 41.28, SR 136.96).
  • Prithvi Shaw is all set to make his T20I debut. If he gets going, watch out. In partnership with Dhawan at the Delhi Capitals, Shaw was enjoying a fine IPL 2021 campaign (8 inns, 308 runs, avg. 38.50, SR 166.48).
  • Ishan Kishan was Mumbai Indians’ highest run-scorer in the title-winning season of 2020 (516 runs, avg. 57.33, SR 145.76). His partner in crime, Suryakumar Yadav, will also be key here as he has brilliant in IPL since the start of 2020 (653 runs, avg. 34.37, SR 144.79).
  • Yuzvendra Chahal has enjoyed success against Sri Lanka in T20Is. He has taken 14 wickets in six matches against them (avg. 15.85, SR 9.8). Kuldeep Yadav has 10 wickets in six T20Is vs Sri Lanka (avg. 15.40, SR 12).
  • Deepak Chahar scored a superb 69* in his last outing (second ODI). He is a powerplay specialist with the ball, so his role will be key here.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 19, Sri Lanka 5, India 13, N/R 1.
  • Sri Lanka last won a bilaterial T20I series vs Pakistan in 2019. They have lost five in a row since.
  • Out of players in the Sri Lanka squad, only Dasun Shanaka and Isuru Udana have played more than 100 T20 games.

Possible Playing 11

According to reports, Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to be fit for this clash. Also, the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Charith Asalanka impressed in the ODIs, and could be rewarded with a place in the T20I side.

In terms of the bowling, Sri Lanka will have a decision to make regarding their pace-spin combination. Isuru Udana has struggled in recent times, but could be brought in given his experience in the format. Akila Dananjaya looked threatening with his ability to turn the ball both ways, and could make an important part of Sri Lanka’s attack here.

Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4. Dhananjaya de Silva, 5. Charith Asalanka, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Isuru Udana/Praveen Jayawickrama, 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Akila Dananjaya

On the eve of the match, Shikhar Dhawan said that India will play their best T20I team. This suggests that they could wait before handing multiple debuts.

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

R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report

Conditions assisted spinners in the ODIs, and more of the same is expected here. However, the chasing team has won 8 of the last 10 T20Is on this ground, with the average first innings score 163.5.

Some showers are forecast in Colombo.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

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

Option 2:

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

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka would have taken confidence from their performance in the last two ODIs. However, India, with their great T20 experience, should win this clash.

IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 3rd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report

Yet again, South Africa produced a total in the region of 160 and defended it thanks to more brilliant bowling by the world’s number one T20I bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi. However, it was far from smooth sailing as the Proteas were reduced to 58/5, with David Miller this time producing a very timely return to form.

Also, Ireland’s batting woes continued in this series, with their top order failing again to leave their middle order with too much to do. The home side has lost 19 wickets in the two games so far; cause for significant improvement as matches are limited between now and the T20 World Cup.

So, this third T20I, rather than it just being a dead rubber, serves as further important preparation for two sides whose batting still leaves a little to be desired. With spin so prominent in the second T20I, the onus will be on the batsmen to be better, with UAE conditions to certainly help spin later in the year.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Ireland:

  • Andy Balbirnie needs to hold things together at the top for Ireland. The home side has lost a total of six powerplay wickets this series, so Balbirnie needs to rediscover his earlier form vs South Africa. He has three 50+ scores in six internationals against them.
  • Paul Stirling has been effective with the ball rather than the bat. After his 2/12 in the first T20I, Stirling now has seven wickets in six T20Is on this ground at an average of just 10.14. However, he will be hoping for an improvement with the bat (6 inns, 96 runs, avg. 16.00).
  • Harry Tector made his first score below 25 in South Africa’s tour of Ireland (previous scores of 25, 79, 29, 36). He will be key as he has in been in decent form of late.
  • Simi Singh has been economical and in wicket-taking form. His three wickets this series have come at an average of 15.00 and economy rate of just 5.62.
  • Mark Adair has the most wickets of any Ireland bowler so far this series. He has a total of five scalps, and will be key in Ireland’s quest for a win (figures of 3/39 and 2/33).
  • Josh Little went wicketless for the first time vs South Africa, after taking six wickets in his first three internationals against them.

South Africa:

  • It has been a surprisingly quiet series so far for Quinton de Kock. He has made two scores in the 20s, and will be looking to build on that here. He recently scored 255 runs in the five T20Is vs West Indies and scored a ton in the third ODI vs Ireland.
  • What a timely return to form for David Miller. The left-hander is key to South Africa’s finishing, so his 75 off 44 balls would have been a relief to both he and the Proteas. His 103 runs this series have come at a strike rate of 158.46.
  • Aiden Markram is still warming to the task of batting at four. However, he is enjoying a strong year in T20Is, with 339 runs at an average of 37.66 and strike rate of 154.09. He will be hoping to bounce back after a score of just 8 in the second T20I.
  • What an arrival for Bjorn Fortuin. His 3/16 in the second T20I was a fine show of accuracy, and if selected again, he will want to make another impact. He has 10 wickets in 11 T20s in 2021.
  • The more we see Tabraiz Shamsi, the better he gets. He followed up his 4/27 in the first T20I with 3/14 in the next, completely bamboozling the Irish batsmen. He has taken 24 wickets in 14 T20Is this year at an average of 12.90 and economy rate of 5.32. Outstanding.

Stats and Facts

  • Will Ireland persist with Kevin O’Brien? The right-hander is having a terrible year, with just 27 runs in seven internationals, including consecutive ducks in this series.
  • If Lungi Ngidi plays, he will have the opportunity to build on a prolific T20I wicket-taking record (36 wickets in 23 matches to date).
  • South Africa have won five of their past seven T20Is.

Possible Playing 11

Ireland have the Kevin O’Brien question to answer. One option they have is to promote Balbirnie to opener and bring in another batsman.

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. Mark Adair, 10. Josh Little, 11 Craig Young/Barry McCarthy

South Africa could look at further rotation in this game. Lungi Ngidi has played both games, so could be rested for Anrich Nortje who is yet to play. Also, Kagiso Rabada could come back after missing the second match.

Also, should the Proteas persist with four openers in their top four? There is a chance Janneman Malan will be left out with either Heinrich Klaasen or Kyle Verryenne coming into the middle order.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Temba Bavuma (c), 3. Aiden Markram, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. David Miller, 6. Kyle Verryenne/Heinrich Klaasen, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Bjorn Fortuin/George Linde 9. Beuran Hendricks/Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi 11 Tabraiz Shamsi

Civil Service Cricket Club Stormont Belfast Pitch Report and Weather

The surface in the last T20I was on the slower side, with spinners taking a total of 10 wickets. 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. Also, more sunny weather is forecast.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 3rd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 3rd T20I Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report
IRE vs SA 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Ireland have had their moments, but South Africa’s experience counts for plenty. The Proteas to win.

SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 3rd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report

There are one of two ways to bounce back from heartbreak. One, you can be left feeling sorry for yourself, thus negatively affecting performance moving forward. Or, you can use it to spur you on to go one better and end the series on a positive note.

Indeed, that is the situation Sri Lanka find themselves in. With the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan in the syllabus, it was Deepak Chahar who was the unexpected question in the exam that the home side were unable to answer. Chahar produced a record-breaking 69* to lead India to an incredible victory, further extending Sri Lanka’s long wait for their next bilateral ODI series win against their subcontinent rivals since 1997.

However, while this series may be over, Sri Lanka’s desperation should remain. Only Zimbabwe sit below them in the ODI Super League points table, and if they wish to qualify directly into the 2023 World Cup, they need to start winning now. This is especially after they were docked a point for a slow over rate in the second ODI.

For India, it’s another chance for these players, and perhaps more new faces, to make a mark.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sri Lanka:

  • Avishka Fernando remains key to Sri Lanka’s hopes. He has made two starts this series (33 and 50), but needs to show an ability to carry on with those starts.
  • Like Fernando, Minod Bhanuka has got in then got out this series (scores of 27 and 36). Sri Lanka have had positive starts twice, but the key will be building on that.
  • Charith Asalanka has been a bright spot for the home side this series. His 65 in the second ODI was compact and organised, following on from his 38 in the first ODI.
  • All-rounders Dhananjaya de Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key to Sri Lanka’s chances of avoiding a series cleansweep. Hasaranga was outstanding with the ball last game (3/37), and could be used against Prithvi Shaw early once again. Also, Dhananjaya de Silva dismissed Shaw in the first ODI.
  • Chamika Karunaratne has been magnificent with the bat lower down the order. He has struck scores of 43* and 44* so far at a strike rate of 127.94.

India:

  • Shikhar Dhawan will be required to hold the innings together for India. He was looking solid in the second ODI before getting out for 29. Dhawan has a superb overall ODI record vs Sri Lanka: 18 ODIs, 1,098 runs, avg. 73.20, SR 96.91.
  • How will Prithvi Shaw counter Sri Lanka’s spin plans? There is no doubting his white-ball form this year (827 runs in eight matches at an unbelievable average of 165.40 in the 2021 Vijay Hazare Trophy), but India will be hoping he can overcome Sri Lanka’s spinners early in the innings. If he does, watch out.
  • Suryakumar Yadav was in his usual classy element in the second ODI. He has looked outstanding in his debut ODI series so far (scores of 30* and 53), effortlessly striking at 131.25.
  • Of course, millions won’t forget Deepak Chahar’s efforts in a hurry. Not only did he bat beautifully in the second ODI, but he showcased his terrific slower ball that has the potential to bag him more wickets. So far, he has four scalps in two matches this series.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal is in fine wicket-taking form. He has the most wickets of any bowler so far this series (five), with 16 in eight ODI innings overall vs Sri Lanka (avg. 24.75, SR 30).

Stats and Facts

  • Dushmantha Chameera is yet to take a wicket in four ODIs vs India (34 overs, 0/211).
  • Sri Lanka have not won a bilateral ODI series vs India since 1997 (12 series since then).
  • Yuzvendra Chahal needs three wickets to reach 100 in ODIs. If he achieves it in this game, he will join Jasprit Bumrah as the second-fastest Indian to the 100-wicket mark (57 ODIs).

Possible Playing 11

Kasun Rajitha is out with an injury. He will likely be replaced by Lahiru Kamara. Also, Sri Lanka could look to bring in Akila Dhananjaya for the expensive Lakshan Sandakan (18.4 overs, 2/124, econ. 6.64 this series).

Sri Lanka: 1. Avishka Fernando, 2. Minod Bhanuka (wk), 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4. Dhananjaya de Silva, 5. Charith Asalanka, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Chamika Karunaratne, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Akila Dananjaya, 11. Lahiru Kumara

India could look to experiment with the series won. They could look to rest Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and also bring in Sanju Samson for a game.

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

R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather

The pitches have been good for batting for the most part, but there has been help for the spinners. Both teams could certainly look at bringing a spinner on in the powerplay overs to try pick up an early wicket or two on a ground that is traditionally good for batting. The average first innings score in the last nine ODIs on this ground is 295.67, with the team chasing winning five times.

Some rain is forecast in Colombo today, which could see interruptions throughout the match.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 3rd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 3rd ODI Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
SL vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka improved significantly in the second ODI. However, India’s depth and quality should see them prevail and win the series 3-0, weather permitting.

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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0
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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0
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.

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