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Twitter reactions as New Zealand beat India to win the WTC

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions as New Zealand beat India to win the WTC

Twitter reactions as New Zealand beat India to win the WTC | Fans react on Twitter to the WTC Final: New Zealand beat India to win mace

Congratulations, New Zealand. After the heartbreaks of the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup Finals, the Black Caps then inflicted further hurt to India in ICC finals by producing a calm, clinical and calculated display to become the first ever winners of the World Test Championship.

Incredibly, this was achieved with days one and four completely washed out to rain. So, while the memes and reactions were flying on social media, New Zealand remained calm and ensured they put themselves in a position to push for a win on the final day. And they executed it with perfection.

Led by Kyle Jamieson, who finished with remarkable match figures of 7/61 in 46 overs, New Zealand’s bowlers decimated India’s batting lineup with such poise and precision that no one can deny just how good this bowling attack is. Then, after Ashwin dismissed the openers to keep the door open for India, the two stalwarts, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, fittingly slammed that door shut.

This is truly a great moment for New Zealand cricket. They have been competitive in most ICC tournaments since their last triumph in the 2000 Champions Trophy, and now they can bask in the glory of being crowned the Test champions. This is particularly special for someone Williamson and Taylor, who have been a part of countless near misses over the years, and the great BJ Watling, who finishes his superb career with a WTC triumph.

For India, the wait continues. They too are experiencing a drought in ICC knockout events, dating back to 2014. Their batting on the final day, where batting conditions were most pleasant, was cause for significant disappointment. Also, the lack of penetration of their pace attack on the final day provides another area for improvement.

India fans were distraught and the New Zealand fans rejoiced. Here are the Twitter reactions from New Zealand’s superb win:

India will now shift their focus to a five-match Test series against England, where they stand a good chance to achieve victory. For New Zealand, it’s celebration time before they look to gear up to try and add the T20 World Cup to their cabinet.

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

Aditya Narsale
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ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Sri Lanka 1st T20 Key Players | Cardiff Pitch Report

Sri Lanka is all set to start their challenging England tour with T20I match at Cardiff on June 23. Six limited overs matches are scheduled between the respective teams – 3 T20Is followed by 3 ODIs. After losing to WTC Finalists New Zealand in the Test series, England would like to get victory over Sri Lanka, who are led by young captain Kusal Perera.

Captain Morgan will be happy with the announced squad, which seems to be strong and confident as always. On the other hand, it will be a tough job for the visitors to have success against the number one-ranked T20I side at home. But team Sri Lanka also looks talented enough and well equipped to give England some problems throughout the contest.

Both teams will be having a strict eye on the ICC T20 World Cup to be held later this year, as they will look to get the strongest playing 11 and look at all these matches as practice for the big event. Remember both sides are coming with failure against India and Windies respectively in a 5-match T20I series each.

Match Details:

  • Match: England vs Sri Lanka T20I series 2021, 1st T20I
  • Date and Time: June 23, 6:30 PM (local time), 11 PM IST
  • Venue: Cardiff Wales Stadium, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats:

England: 

  • Jos Buttler is known as one of the best limited-overs batsmen in the world. With such flexibility in his game, he can make a huge impact on whichever game he plays. He scored brilliant 172 runs at 42 in the last series he played against India. And also he is coming from IPL with a mind-blowing century over there. And he will keep wickets for England in this series. So surely if he gets going, he can be the cause of worry of Sri Lankan bowlers. 
  • He has scored 188 runs at an average of 47 in 6 T20I matches against Sri Lanka. He will be very keen to make these stats look even better through this series.
  • Another English inform opener Jason Roy can be the cause of worry for the guests. He has hit 8 sixes in only 3 matches he played against SL, and it proves his destroying nature which can harm the opponents. 
  • He has scored 111 runs in 3 matches and also smashed a brilliant 69 (36) in the last game he played against them. Surely he is going to be a threat for Lankan bowlers.
  • Eoin Morgan has the most runs for any England player vs SL in T20Is (201, avg. 33.50, SR 123.31). He was under par in the India T20Is and IPL, so it will be interesting to see how he fares back home.
  • The English all-rounder Sam Curran will be a crucial player too for England in the forthcoming T20Is. Curran will play in the lower-middle order and he will probably bowl during powerplay overs for England. In the ongoing T20 Blast tournament, the left-arm seamer has picked 6 wickets at an average of 14. And also he scored some brilliant and essential runs for his team wherever he played. 
  • Moeen Ali has impressed all cricket fans with his amazing performances in ongoing T20 Blast and IPL 2021 plase 1. He has proved to be an excellent all-rounder for the T20 matches. He can attack over any bowler any time and also get some crucial wickets with his off spin. He is going to be an important player for hosts in the absence of star player Ben Stokes, particularly if he bats higher up the order.
  • In Eng vs SL matches, Moeen has a best strike rate of 225.00 in 3 matches among all the current players.

Sri Lanka:

  • The Sri Lankan skipper and opener, Kusal Perera, will be one of the players to watch out for the Islanders. He had a really good ODI series against Bangladesh where he scored a match-winning hundred in the last game of the series. He is making his comeback in the T20I team, but there is never a doubt on his potential and hitting ability. He is the highest T20I run-scorer in this current squad of Sri Lanka. 
  • Akila Dhananjaya: Akila is known as a T20I specialist mystery spinner . He recently took a hattrick of 3 wickets against West Indies and made his grand comeback from suspension. He can make English batsmen get the way of the pavilion with his mystery bowling. 
  • Do you know, After taking a hattrick against West Indies he was hit for 6 sixes in an over by Kieron Pollard? So he has to be cautious about the attacking English batsmen . 
  • Wanindu Hasaranga has been an exceptional limited-overs player for Sri Lanka in recent times. In the last series against Bangladesh, he scored 98 runs and scalped 3 wickets in three ODI matches. In the last T20I series against Windies, he picked 8 wickets in three matches. He will be a very important player for this Sri Lankan side in this series.
  • So the inform all rounder will be looking forward to the series as the opportunity to show his best more and more.

Stats and Facts: 

  • Head to head: Matches 9, England 5, Sri Lanka 4.
  • Last 5 matches: England 4, Sri Lanka 1.
  • Dawid Malan has 11 50+ scores in 24 T20Is, and is averaging 50.15 with a strike rate of 144.31.
  • This is the first time that ENG and SL are playing a 3 match T20I series. Till now they have played in ICC events or one-off T20Is.
  • England has not lost any T20I match at Cardiff. They have played 6 matches there and won all of them. 

Squads  

England: Eoin Morgan (C), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, George Garton, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka:  Kusal Perera(C), Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada Fernando, Charith Asalanka,Dasun Shanak, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya and Praveen Jayawickrama.

Possible Playing 11

England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Moeen Ali, 7. Sam Curran, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Chris Jordan, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood

Sri Lanka: 1. Kusal Parera (c & wk), 2. Danushka Gunathilaka, 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Pathum Nissanka, 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Oshada Fernando, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Isuru Udana, 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Nuwan Pradeep 

Cardiff Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch will be batting-friendly for the T20I at Cardiff. It is usually a high-scoring venue and is likely to remain the same for the first England vs Sri Lanka T20I. There will be very little help for the seam bowlers. The weather should remain clear during the match hours as the complete match will happen without any interruption due to rain. But English weather can change within a few seconds.

Dream 11 Prediction

Option 1:

ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Sri Lanka 1st T20 Key Players | Cardiff Pitch Report

Option 2:

ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs Sri Lanka 1st T20 Key Players | Cardiff Pitch Report

Tip: Edit your Fantasy team after the toss and you can choose more batsmen than usual as a batting friendly pitch is expected.

Match Prediction:

England will be the favorites to win this match against Sri Lanka, on the back of their strong batting. Sri Lanka have some talent in their ranks, but it is a long shot of seeing them sustain pressure for long enoug to win. England to win.

Written by Aditya Narsale. Follow Aditya on Twitter today.

PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Just like that, PSL 2021 favourites Islamabad United, who were on a five-game winning streak, are now in an elimination battle. Usman Khawaja was the only United batsman to provide substantial resistance in an otherwise disappointing outing for the usually-strong Islamabad side, who now have to put yesterday’s performance behind them very quickly.

The damage at the top, where United fell to 61/5, is something they must avoid today. Some may say that Colin Munro, who has had a fantastic campaign, had a failure at the right time, as United now get a second chance. He and Khawaja, who has struck a century and a 70 in his last two knocks, will be crucial in setting the tone.

Also, United’s death bowling needs improvement as Peshawar Zalmi possess danger players of their own. Their chase of 175 against champions Karachi Kings was thanks to another fantastic knock by Hazratullah Zazai, who set things up so well that even a slight middle-order hiccup wasn’t enough to deny victory. Now, Zalmi will want to avoid their win-loss pattern in the UAE leg, as this will mean elimination from the tournament. Consistency is key.

In the last match between these two sides, we saw one of the highest-scoring T20s in history. Islamabad United, courtesy of Khawaja and Munro’s great start, posted 247/2. Zalmi came close, finishing 15 runs short in a great chase.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Islamabad United:

  • Usman Khawaja is in fine form. He scored 105* (56) against Peshawar Zalmi just five days ago, and 70 (40) yesterday. Key player.
  • Colin Munro was out first ball yesterday, but he remains a danger player, no doubt. He smashed 48 off 28 balls against Zalmi last week, part of 241 runs in PSL 2021 at an average of 60.25 and strike rate of 173.38.
  • Asif Ali smashed 43 off 14 balls vs Zalmi five days ago. His 1 off 5 balls hurt United yesterday, so he will be looking to bounce back in what’s been a good tournament for him (216 runs, avg. 30.85, SR 170.07).
  • Hasan Ali has three wickets in two games against Zalmi. This includes 2/14 against them earlier this season. Ali has taken 12 wickets in nine matches this season at an economy rate of just 6.27.
  • Akif Javed was very expensive yesterday (1/50), but he enjoyed success vs Zalmi last week (3/43), including dismissing Hazratullah Zazai for a golden duck.

Peshawar Zalmi:

  • Hazratullah Zazai has belted scores of 63 (26) and 77 (38) against Kings in the past week. However, he scored a golden duck against United, so it will be interesting to see if he responds with a big score today.
  • Kamran Akmal has the most runs in PES-ISL matches (439 runs, avg. 31.36, SR 149.83). He scored 53 (32) against Islamabad last week, so Zalmi will be hoping for a similar effort today.
  • Shoaib Malik smashed 68 (36) vs United last week to return to some form, which he followed up with a 25-ball 30 yesterday vs Kings. Malik has a solid-but-unspectacular record vs United, with 249 runs at 31.13 and SR of 100.
  • Sherfane Rutherford has scored the second-most runs for Zalmi over the past year (258 runs, avg. 38.15). He struck 29 off 8 balls vs United last week.
  • No bowler has more wickets in PES-ISL matches than Wahab Riaz. The left-armer has an impressive haul of 21 wickets in 13 matches, including 4/17 earlier in the season (albeit against mostly different United players).
  • Umaid Asif has eight wickets in seven games vs United, and will be looking to bounce back after conceding 0/54 in four overs against them last week.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 15, Islamabad United 7, Peshawar Zalmi 7, 1 match abandoned.
  • Shadab Khan has taken 10 wickets in nine matches vs Zalmi.
  • Should United try Brandon King for this game? He scored an unbeaten 46* off 22 balls against Zalmi last week.

Possible Playing 11

Islamabad United: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), 4. Shadab Khan (c), 5. Iftikhar Ahmed, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Hussain Talat, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Mohammad Wasim, 10. Faheem Ashraf, 11. Akif Javed

Peshawar Zalmi: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Kamran Akmal (wk), 3. Imam-ul-Haq, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Sherfane Rutherford, 6. Khalid Usman, 7. Rovman Powell, 8. Wahab Riaz (c), 9. Mohammad Irfan, 10. Umaid Asif, 11. Mohammad Imran 

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Scores of 170+ have been a regular occurrence in recent matches, with Zalmi chasing 170+ and United conceding 180 yesterday. Given both lineups possess good batting talent, one can expect a similar outcome here, especially given that these two teams played out a very high-scoring match last week.

The weather will be warm and clear once again.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Qualifier 2: ISL vs PES Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

An intriguing battle awaits. The openers for United hold the key, so if Zalmi can dismiss them cheaply, they have a great avenue to victory.

WTC Final day 4 rain: The best memes & reactions

Charbel Coorey
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WTC Final day 4 rain: The best memes & reactions

WTC Final day 4 rain: The best memes & reactions | WTC Final day 4 rain: Check out more great memes and reactions from Twitter as rain continues to ruin WTC Final

Surprise, surprise, here we are again. Rain continues to ruin a riveting World Test Championship Final, where India and New Zealand are going at it with all they’ve got in a fascinating battle. Only 141.1 overs have been possible to date, and the wait continues to see more.

It started with a washout on day one, and day four is heading the same way. In such bleak circumstances from a cricketing perspective, the silver lining is the outstanding memes and reactions from the farce that is English “summer” weather. The memes and reactions were outstanding on day one, and it’s no different on day four as fans wonder whether there will be any chance of a result after 2+ years of the World Test Championship.

Here are some of the best reactions from rain ruining day four of the World Test Championship Final:

Also read: The best memes and reactions as rain washes out day one of World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand

Also read: The best memes and reactions as rain washes out day one of World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand

PSL 2021 Eliminator: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PSL 2021 Eliminator: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Eliminator: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Today | Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

The first official knockout match of PSL 2021 is here, but Karachi Kings had their first knockout match over the weekend. In a match against bottom-placed Quetta, the Kings did enough – albeit unconvincingly at times – to maintain their 100% success rate of qualifying to the PSL playoffs.

However, despite this great record, the Kings have plenty of improvement in them this time around. The UAE leg of PSL 2021 has been a rocky one for the defending champions, losing three in a row at one point to leave them perilously close to elimination. However, two straight wins, as well as Qalandars’ collapse, has given the Kings a chance to successfully defend their crown, and it starts here against Peshawar Zalmi.

And, what about the game Zalmi are coming off? In one of the all-time highest scoring T20s, Zalmi lost to Islamabad United despite scoring 232/6. One of the strengths of Zalmi is their ability to bat deep, and they will be looking to do the same here against a Kings side that can also bat deep, as Danish Aziz showed last game. So, they will need to be effective with the ball, as the Kings, despite their shaky form, still possess a number of gamechangers.

An interesting clash awaits.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Peshawar Zalmi:

  • Hazratullah Zazai was player of the match in Zalmi’s recent easy win vs Kings. He smashed 63 off 26 balls.
  • Kamran Akmal has scored the most runs in PES-KAR matches (14 inns, 485 runs, avg. 34.64, SR 157.47). However, Akmal has scored just 30 runs in two games vs Kings this season (21 and 9), so Zalmi will be hoping today is his day.
  • Shoaib Malik returned to form last game with 68 off 36 balls against Islamabad. Zalmi will be hoping that Malik can improve on his career numbers vs Kings, which reads: 8 inns, 169 runs, avg. 24.14, SR 127.07.
  • Sherfane Rutherford is striking at 150.62 this season. In fact, he has the second-most runs of any Zalmi player in PSL 2021 (behind Malik), with 241 runs at 34.42. Also, he scored 46 (32) vs Kings earlier in PSL 2021. Key finisher.
  • Wahab Riaz has the most wickets of any Zalmi bowler vs Kings. He has taken 15 wickets in 12 games against them, including 3/34 in the last meeting between the two sides on 15th June, 2021.
  • Abrar Ahmed took 3/14 in his last match vs Karachi Kings a week ago.

Karachi Kings:

  • Babar Azam was out for a golden duck to Wahab Riaz a week ago. Can he bounce back this time? Babar has a fine record vs Zalmi, with 444 runs at 44.40 (SR 130.21).
  • Also, no player has more runs in PSL 2021 than Babar’s 501 (avg. 71.57, SR 134.31). He has been strong in the UAE leg of PSL 2021, with scores of 85*, 81, 0, 54 and 23.
  • Sharjeel Khan has made four double-figure scores in a row (25, 25, 13, 45). In eight matches vs Zalmi, Sharjeel has struck 202 runs at 25.25, so signs point to a 25+ score today.
  • Martin Guptill has been under-par in PSL 2021 (11, 6, 4, 43, 5). He and Najibullah Zadran (also inconsistent, scores of 11, 71*, 17, 0, 13) have key roles to play in the middle and/or death overs.
  • Imad Wasim has the second-most runs vs Zalmi out of the current Karachi squad (155, avg. 22.14, SR 113.14). However, can he improve on his bowling strike rate of five wickets in 11 games against them?
  • Danish Azaz is coming off a player-of-the-match performance two days ago. He struck an incredible 13-ball 45 to get Karachi to 176/7 vs Quetta.
  • Mohammad Amir has the most wickets in KAR-PES matches (16 scalps in 14 matches).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 14, Peshawar Zalmi 9, Karachi Kings 5.
  • Last 5 matches: PES 3-2 KAR.
  • A week ago, Zalmi restricted Kings to 108/9. They chased the target in just 11 overs.
  • The winner of this match will play the loser of the Islamabad United-Multan Sultans match. The loser will be eliminated.

Possible Playing 11

Peshawar Zalmi: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Kamran Akmal (wk), 3. Haider Ali/Imam-ul-Haq, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Sherfan Rutherford, 7. Wahab Riaz (c), 8. Umaid Asif, 9. Abrar Ahmed, 10. Waqar Salamkheil/Mohammad Imran, 11. Sameen Gul/Mohammad Irfan

Karachi Kings: 1. Sharjeel Khan, 2. Babar Azam (c), 3. Martin Guptill, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Chadwick Walton (wk), 6. Imad Wasim (c), 7. Danish Azaz, 8. Mohammad Ilyas, 9. Arshad Iqbal, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Noor Ahmad 

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Peshawar Zalmi smashed 232/6 in their last game and Karachi Kings have hit 170+ twice in a row. There have been low scores at Abu Dhabi, but even on the slow pitch, big scores are possible courtesy of strong finishing. The weather will be warm and steamy in the evening lights.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Eliminator: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Eliminator: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Peshawar have a fine record vs Kings, and seem to be playing the better cricket of late. Runs on the board will prove critical – anything in the region of 170 will be mighty competitive.

PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

After a whirlwind PSL 2021 league stage, separated across Pakistan and UAE, the final four has been confirmed. Islamabad United sealed top spot thanks to a brilliant run of form that saw them win their last five matches, which includes a win a few days ago against today’s opponents Multan Sultans.

So, what does Qualifier 1 hold in store? United still beat Sultans without the in-form Colin Munro, Usman Khawaja and Hasan Ali in what was effectively a curtain-raiser last game, so they will be confident heading into this game. However, the pressure of a Qualifier is sure to have the Sultans on greater alert, as they too have enjoyed a good UAE leg of PSL 2021 (four wins in their past five matches).

This one certainly promises to be a battle between the excellent opening batting combinations. Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood muscled 93 in 9.3 overs against United a couple of days back, and the form of Khawaja and Munro is for all to see. Eyes will be on the bowling attacks – particularly in the powerplay and death overs – to see how they hold their nerve in the quest for direct qualification to the PSL 2021 Final.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Islamabad United:

  • Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent century in his last innings (105* off 66 balls). United will be hoping that the left-hander continues his excellent touch.
  • His opening partner, Colin Munro, has been simply outstanding in the UAE leg of PSL 2021. He has smashed a total of 241 runs in five matches at an average of 80.33 and SR of 174.64. Key player.
  • Asif Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed will be key at the backend of the innings. Asif has struck 215 runs in PSL 2021 at an average of 35.83 and superb SR of 176.22. Iftikhar is not far behind in terms of runs, with 195 at an average of 48.75 (SR 128.28).
  • Shadab Khan has taken eight wickets in eight matches vs Multan, and achieved his best batting score against them last game (35 off 27 balls).
  • Mohammad Wasim was player of the match two days ago vs Multan after he took 4/31. He now has seven wickets in two matches for Islamabad against Multan.
  • Faheem Ashraf has seven wickets in seven games vs Multan. This includes a steady spell of 2/24 last game.
  • United will welcome back Hasan Ali for this match. He has taken eight wickets in six games vs Multan in his career, as well as 12 scalps in eight matches in PSL 2021. He has taken at least one wicket in all four of his matches in the UAE leg (2/27, 2/24, 1/31, 1/30).

Multan Sultans:

  • Mohammad Rizwan has had a terrific PSL 2021 campaign. In 10 matches, he has amassed 470 runs at 52.22 with a strike rate of 131.28. Also, Rizwan has scored 97 runs in total vs Multan this season (scores of 71 and 26).
  • Shan Masood is in fine form. He has scored two half-centuries in his last three matches (73, 0, 59). He is coming off a 37-ball 59 vs United two days ago.
  • Sohaib Maqsood has scored just 2 and 12 vs Islamabad this season. However, he has had a fine season, with 304 runs at 38 (SR 154.31), which is the fifth-most runs of any batsman this season. Key player.
  • What a season Shahnawaz Dahani has had. He has the most wickets of any bowler (20 wickets in 9 matches), including 2/21 vs United last game.
  • Imran Tahir has taken six wickets in four matches in PSL 2021 (2/27, 0/27, 3/17, 1/8).

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 8, Islamabad United 5, Multan Sultans 3.
  • Islamabad United have won three of the past four matches vs Sultans, including twice this season.
  • The winner of this match will qualify for the PSL 2021 Final. Islamabad have previously made two finals, winning both (2016 and 2018). Multan Sultans have never reached the final before.

Possible Playing 11

Islamabad United: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Iftikhar Ahmed, 4. Shadab Khan (c), 5. Asif Ali, 6. Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), 7. Hussain Talat, 8. Hasan Ali, 9. Ali Khan, 10. Mohammad Wasim, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Multan Sultans: 1. Shan Masood, 2. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), 3. Sohaib Maqsood, 4. Rilee Rossouw, 5. Johnson Charles, 6. Hammad Azam/Khushdil Shah, 7. Sohail Tanvir, 8. Usman Qadir, 9. Imran Tahir, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Shahnawaz Dahani 

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

Islamabad have been making the big scores in PSL 2021, adjusting well to the slow Abu Dhabi surface. Expect another slow pitch here, where runs on the board in the region of 160-170 can be a winning score. More warm and clear weather is on the cards.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction Today | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Qualifier 1: ISL vs MUL Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Islamabad United have been brilliant, and they look good for another win. However, Multan can challenge them with their bowling, so getting through the top order will be key.

Twitter reactions to India Women pulling off amazing draw

Charbel Coorey
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0
Twitter reactions to India Women pulling off amazing draw

Twitter reactions to India Women pulling off amazing draw | Reactions to a fine battle between England and India Women

A terrific advertisement for women’s Test cricket ended in a draw, with India fighting back to salvage a draw from a position of considerable distress. After being asked to follow on after a first innings collapse, India seemed headed for another batting collapse, which would surely have seen defeat in their first Test since 2014.

However, the debutants were out of this world. 17-year old Shafali Verma deservedly won player of the match for yet another inspiring performance on the international stage, but special mention also goes to Sneh Rana. Rana is the first Indian – man or woman – to take a four-wicket haul and score a half-century on Test debut, and it was made all-the-more special given the predicament India found themselves in.

Rana combined with Taniya Bhatia for a magnificent 104-run stand to see India to safety, matching the fight the Indian men’s team showed in Australia at the turn of the year. After the match, praise was aimed at the Indian team, and calls grew louder for more women’s Test matches, as well as a five-day length for those matches. Indeed, this one would have been some finish on the fifth day.

In the end, it was a celebration of women’s Test cricket, as the players put on a great show despite Tests being so few and far between. Here are some of the Twitter reactions:

PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Today | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

The final day of an unpredictable PSL 2021 league stage offers a number of possibilities and scenarios. One of them relates closely to defending champions Karachi Kings, who crucially broke a three-match losing streak by beating Lahore Qalandars in a big test of nerves. That can certainly hold them in good stead in this clash, coming up against a team who would rather put this tournament behind them as quickly as possible.

That team is Quetta Gladiators, who were rolled for just 73 in their last outing to lose by 110 runs vs Multan. With just two wins to their name in PSL 2021, the Gladiators can only now play spoilsport for the Kings. Their horrendous net run rate of -1.913 paints the picture perfectly of a season that has been anything but, as their final game will surely precede an end-of-season review.

However, this result is not set in stone. Many times before we have seen teams with nothing to lose beat the team with all to play for, and the Kings will be out to make sure that’s not the case as victory for them will seal a playoffs spot over the Qalandars.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Karachi Kings:

  • There is no doubt that Babar Azam needs to lead the Kings well with the bat. The classy right-hander has struck three 50+ scores in four matches in the UAE leg of PSL 2021 (85*, 81, 0 and 54) to sit number one in the PSL 2021 run-scoring chart (9 inns, 478 runs, avg. 79.66, SR 137.35.
  • However, Kings will be hoping that Babar improves on his modest record vs Gladiators, which reads: 9 inns, 266 runs, avg. 29.56, SR 107.69.
  • Martin Guptill played his most influential knock of PSL 2021, scoring 43 off 31 balls last game vs Qalandars. Kings will be hoping for more of the same today.
  • Skipper Imad Wasim (30 off 19 balls and 1/31) had an excellent last game against Qalandars. He has just the six wickets in 10 matches vs Gladiators will be hoping he can build on these numbers.
  • Noor Ahmad was player of the match last game vs Qalandars, courtesy of his fine spell of 2/19.

Quetta Gladiators:

  • Jake Weatherald holds importance in a depleted Gladiators batting lineup. He has made two 40+ scores in four matches in PSL 2021 (43, 13, 48 and 19).
  • Sarfaraz Ahmed has a decent record against Karachi (9 inns, 159 runs, avg. 39.75, SR 111.97). He has had a solid tournament, with 270 runs at an average of 38.57 and SR of 135 (sixth-most runs).
  • Khurram Shahzad has been a positive in a disappointing season for Quetta. He has taken 3/14 and 2/26 in his last two matches.
  • Mohammad Hasnain had a disappointing match last game (0/44), but still has the most wickets for Quetta in PSL 2021 (nine in nine matches). Also, Hasnain has a good record vs Karachi, with eight scalps in four games against them.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 11, Karachi Kings 4, Quetta Gladiators 7.
  • Last five matches: KAR 3, QUE 2.
  • Karachi Kings beat Quetta Gladiators easily in the first game of PSL 2021.
  • Sharjeel Khan has made three starts in a row, without converting any to a 30+ score (25, 25, 13). Will today be his day?
  • Mohammad Amir has taken just four wickets in eight games vs Quetta.

Possible Playing 11

Karachi Kings: 1. Sharjeel Khan, 2. Babar Azam, 3. Martin Guptill, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Chadwick Walton (wk), 6. Imad Wasim (c), 7. Danish Azaz, 8. Noor Ahmad, 9. Abbas Afridi, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Mohammad Ilyas

Quetta Gladiators: 1. Jake Weatherald, 2. Usman Khan 3. Cameron Delport, 4. Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), 5. Azam Khan, 6. Mohammad Nawaz, 7. Hassan Kham, 8. Usman Shinwari, 9. Khurram Shahzad, 10. Mohammad Hasnain, 11. Zahir Khan

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has seen mixed performances from teams so far. The pitches have had a lack of bounce, but it has not been too disappointing for the batsmen or the bowlers. Both parties have found themselves in a position where the pitch has given them something to work with.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Today | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Today | Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 29: QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Karachi need to ensure they don’t let the pressure of this game get to them. They have the assets to win this game, but must hold their nerve.

PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Aditya Narsale
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PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Today | Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

In match number 28 of the ongoing Pakistan Super League, Multan Sultans face-off against Lahore Qalandars. Both teams have an excellent record against each other throughout the history of the tournament. Multan Sultans are currently on a winning streak after back-to-back victories and they will be desperate to solidify their top-four position.

Multan Sultans have played eight matches so far in which they have won four and lost four. Multan Sultans are on the 4th spot of the points table with 8 points. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars are going through a bad run of form after suffering back-to-back losses. Lahore Qalandars have played eight matches so far, in which they have won five and lost four. Lahore Qalandars are in the 3rd spot of the points table with 10 points.

So it is the chance for Multan Sultans to enter in top 2 and Lahore’s Qalandars will be looking to make their position more safe. And hence the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi is all set to host the big game.

Key Players to watch/Key Stats

Multan Sultans: 

  • Mohammad Rizwan: Mohammad Rizwan has been probably the brightest sign of good batsmanship in recent times in Pakistan. He has scored loads of runs in the past one year, which includes some really crucial runs in the Pakistan Super League. He has hardly missed out on a scoring opportunity.
  • He has made 429 runs with an average of 61.29 and a strike rate of 136.62. 
  • Imran Tahir: Imran Tahir, who only played one match in the first half of the tournament, has featured in all of Multan’s three encounters since the resumption of the tournament and has been one of the key reasons why they have been doing so well.
  • The leg spinner has picked up seven wickets in four games at a strike rate of 12. 
  • Shan Masood: He is in form and coming with his brilliant 73 of 42 which helped his team to win against QG by a very big margin. Till now he has scored 155 runs off 4 matches (MUL vs LAH only) at a strike rate of 147. So he will look to add more runs to his stats which will automatically result in his team’s favour.

Lahore Qalandars: 

  • Fakhar Zaman: Fakhar has the most runs in MUL-LAH matches with 312 in eight matches at an average of 39 and strike rate of 150.
  • Rashid Khan: Rashid Khan has bowled some really good spells during this tournament. He will be expected to perform well for his franchise one more time. He has played in six matches so far for Lahore this season and managed to scalp eight crucial wickets. He has an average of 16.50 and economy of around 7, which makes him quite lethal in this format. 
  • James Faulkner : Lahore signed James Faulkner just ahead of the Abu Dhabi leg and the left-arm seamer from Australia has picked up 11 wickets in five games so far. The 31-year-old has taken three three-wicket hauls in four games and has also chipped in with the bat a couple of times. The batsmen have struggled to pick his variations and Faulkner could once again be amongst wickets against Multan.
  • Saheen Afridi: The talented pacer has impressed at some moments in UAE leg so far. And he will be looking forward to destroy the opponents’ batting order in such an important match for them. He has scalped 14 wickets in 8 matches against MUL so far. 

Stats and Facts

  • Head to head: Matches 8, Lahore 4, Multan 4.
  • Last 5 matches: Lahore 2, Multan 3.
  • Whoever wins this game will reach the number 2 position in the Points table.
  • In the 8 matches they played with each other, only one time did the score cross 200 . And among those 8 matches, the team batting second won the match.

Possible Playing 11

Multan Sultans: 1. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), 2. Shan Masood, 3. Sohaib Maqsood, 4. Rilee Rossouw, 5. Johnson Charles, 6. Khushdil Shah, 7. Sohail Tanvir, 8. Blessing Muzarabani, 9. Shahnawaz Dhani, 10. Imran Khan,11. Imran Tahir

Lahore Qalandars: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Sohail Akhtar (c), 3. Zeeshan Ashraf, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Ben Dunk (wk), 6. Tim David, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Ahmed Daniyal, 10. Shaheen Afridi, 11. Haris Rauf

Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has given mixed responses so far. The wicket has had a lack of bounce, but it has not been too disappointing for the batsmen or the bowlers. Both the parties have found themselves in a position where the pitch has given them something to work with. And the weather is clear throughout.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Today | Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction Today | Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 28: MUL vs LAH Dream11 Prediction

Written by Aditya Narsale. Follow Aditya on Twitter today.

Best memes & reactions to England rain hurting WTC Final

Charbel Coorey
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0
Best memes & reactions to England rain hurting WTC Final

Best memes & reactions to England rain hurting WTC Final | Some of the best memes and reactions to Southampton rain delaying the WTC Final

The two best sides in Test cricket, India and New Zealand, are all set for a big battle. And so are their fans.

But as soon as the World Test Championship Final was pencilled in for England, fans feared the classic English weather may play spoilsport. And, as feared, the England rain has made an unwelcome appearance, already washing out the first session and set to wash a whole lot more.

However, there is a silver lining. Memes and reactions are aplenty, as fans take to Twitter to express their views (and creativity) on the England weather. Here are some of the best memes and reactions to the England rain so far:

So, the wait continues for the World Test Championship Final. Given the rain forecast for the remainder of the game, a result looks very far-fetched.

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