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ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England Women vs India Women Key Players | Bristol Pitch Report

In a week where the World Test Championship Final is deemed as a major moment in the game’s longest format, so too is a drought-breaking women’s Test that has the potential to deliver an intriguing battle.

It is hard to believe that India will be playing their first Test since 2014 – and just their fourth since 2006 – given the status and sheer size of their cricketing board. In fact, India are on a three-match winning streak dating back to 2006, with the chance to break Australia’s record for the most consecutive women’s Test victories. And, despite such a long time between drinks, eight of India’s squad possess Test experience, which can hold them in good stead as the focus and attention on women’s cricket continues to grow.

England, the home side, have played a Test much more recently, back in 2019 against Australia. And they too have plenty of motivation to perform well here. Not only are England seeking to make a mark in Test cricket, but they are after their first home Test win against India in eight completed matches, which provides enough incentive for Heather Knight and co. to put on a good performance at Bristol.

Both sides have engaged in a strong limited-overs rivalry over the past 18 months, and now the attention moves to the red ball. Which side will make the best impression right away?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

England:

  • Heather Knight has gone from strength to strength especially since the start of 2020. So, the key question will be whether she can transfer her 2020 white-ball form (13 T20Is, 486 runs, avg. 40.50, SR 135.75) to the red-ball format.
  • Knight has made three 50+ scores in 13 Test innings, including a century. In her lone Test against India in 2014, she scored just the one run, so motivation will be high to succeed here.
  • Nat Sciver has the third-most Test runs of any current England cricketer. In five matches, she has 228 runs to her name at an average of 28.50. She will be key with both bat and ball.
  • Amy Jones struck 64 off 140 balls in her only Test to date, back in 2019. She played well against the high-quality Australia attack.
  • Katherine Brunt, who made her Test debut way back in 2004, has the fourth-most Test wickets of any England bowler (41, avg. 22.51). Against India, Brunt has played just the two Tests, with three wickets at an average of 27.
  • Sophie Ecclestone has been a revelation for England in white-ball cricket (61 wickets in 42 T20Is). Her accuracy and consistency will be key here as she looks to build on her six wickets in two Tests (avg. 39.00).
  • Anya Shrubsole has the third-most wickets of any current England bowler in Tests (17 in six Tests at an average of 29.23). Kate Cross took 3/42 and 3/29 against India in 2014.

India:

  • Smriti Mandhana will be undoubtedly be key for India at the top. In 2014, she struck 22 and 51 to guide India to a great victory.
  • Mithali Raj has the most Test runs of any current India player (663). Also, not a single Indian batter in history averages better than her 51 (minimum 300 runs). In 2014, Raj struck a crucial 50* off 157 balls to guide India home.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur says that India are “mentally prepared” for this match despite the lack of match practice. She has a mammoth 222 matches of international limited overs experience, so India will be hoping she can transfer that experience to the red-ball format. Kaur scored just 9 and 0 in her Test in England in 2014.
  • What a cricketer Jhulan Goswami has been for India. She has the second-most Test runs of any current India player (283, avg. 25.72) and the fourth-most wickets for India ever (10 matches 40 wickets, avg. 16.62).
  • Goswami has an outstanding Test record vs England, with 29 wickets in six Tests at an average of 14.93. In 2014, she took 1/20 and 4/48 in the Test against England.
  • Shikha Pandey took 1/25 and 2/33 vs England in 2014. India will be hoping her experience comes to the fore here.

Stats and Facts

  • Heather Knight is set to captain England for the 100th time across formats.
  • England are aiming for their first home Test win against India in eight completed matches.
  • India, in their first Test in 2,401 days, will be looking to break the record for most consecutive Test wins (currently three straight wins).

Possible Playing 11

England: 1. Tammy Beaumont, 2. Lauren Winfield-Hill, 3. Heather Knight (c), 4. Amy Jones, 5. Nat Sciver, 6. Sophia Dunkley, 7. Fran Wilson/Georgia Elwiss, 8. Katherine Brunt, 9. Anya Shrubsole, 10. Sophie Ecclestone, 11. Kate Cross

India: 1. Smriti Mandhana, 2. Jemimah Rodrigues/Priya Punia, 3. Punam Raut, 4. Mithali Raj (c), 5. Harmanpreet Kaur, 6. Deepti Sharma, 7. Taniya Bhatia (wk), 8. Jhulan Goswami, 9. Shikha Pandey, 10. Poonam Yadav/Ekta Bisht, 11. Arundhati Reddy/Pooja Vastrakar

Bristol County Ground Pitch Report and Weather

Criticism has been targeted at the decision to play this Test on a used pitch. Specifically, it will be played on the same surface as Gloucestershire’s T20 Blast match against Sussex last Friday. So, expect the track to be on the slower side which can bring the spinners into the game later on.

However, after day one, rain is expected to have a say. There is a high chance of rain on Thursday and Saturday.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England Women vs India Women Key Players | Bristol Pitch Report
ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England Women vs India Women Key Players | Bristol Pitch Report
ENG-W vs IND-W Test Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

A lot will depend on which team can shake off the rustiness as quickly as possible. Weather pending, this result could come down to runs on the board when batting first, and then playing from in front.

PSL 2021 Match 24: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PSL 2021 Match 24: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Match 24: 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 24th match of PSL 2021 is a significant one. Two sides who are looking to cement their place in the top four will do battle in the Abu Dhabi lights, where a battle of nerves will make for interesting viewing.

Karachi Kings, the defending champions, have endured an inconsistent season to date with three wins and four losses. This includes two losses in two games since the PSL restart, with their latest being a harrowing defeat yesterday to Islamabad United. After posting what looked to be a winning score of 190/4, Colin Munro and Iftikhar Ahmed then took the Kings’ bowlers apart to win by eight wickets and more than an over to spare. So, with Multan Sultans on the brink of the top four, the Kings need to win this match.

Their opponents, Peshawar Zalmi, can all-but-confirm their passage to the playoffs with victory here. They currently sit in third place and can open up a buffer of four points between they and the Kings and Sultan, so they will be out to improve on recent form where they have lost two of three matches in the Abu Dhabi leg of PSL 2021. In this important game, will it be Zalmi who hold their nerve?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Peshawar Zalmi:

  • Kamran Akmal has the most runs in PES-KAR matches, with a good record to boot. In 13 innings against Karachi, Akmal has notched up 476 runs at an average of 36.62 and SR of 159.20. This includes a century.
  • Shoaib Malik will be looking to bounce back after consecutive failures in his last two games (0, 2). Malik has a modest record against his former franchise, with 169 runs in seven innings at an average of 28.17 and SR of 129.01.
  • David Miller is in some fine touch. The South African left-hander has hit scores of 21 (23), 73 (46) and 22 (14) since the PSL restart. This will be his first ever match against Karachi Kings.
  • Sherfane Rutherford is coming off a half-century (56 off 40 balls) in his last game against Multan Sultans. Also, he scored 46 off 32 balls against the Kings in the Pakistan leg of PSL 2021.
  • Wahab Riaz has taken 12 wickets in 11 matches against Karachi Kings. Also, he has 11 wickets to his name in seven innings in PSL 2021.

Karachi Kings:

  • Babar Azam is in irresistible touch. The classy batsman has hit scores of 85* and 81 since the PSL restart to shoot up to the number one runscorer in PSL 2021 (7 inns, 424 runs, avg. 106.00, SR 139.93).
  • Also, Babar has a superb record against Zalmi. In 11 innings against them, he has amassed 444 runs at an average of 49.33 and SR of 130.59.
  • Can Sharjeel Khan rediscover the form we saw in the Pakistan leg of PSL 2021? He will be looking to improve on his overall record vs Zalmi, which reads: 7 inns, 177 runs, avg. 25.29, SR 166.98.
  • Martin Guptill has made scores of 11 and 6 in his first two knocks in PSL cricket. Is this his day to fire? Against Zalmi’s up-and-down attack, it might very well be his day.
  • Najibullah Zadran smashed 71* (42) in his last outing, vs Islamabad United.
  • Mohammad Amir has taken the most wickets in PES-KAR matches (16 in 13 outings). He will be key against the capable Zalmi top four.
  • Abbas Afridi took 2/27 vs Zalmi earlier this season.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 13, Peshawar Zalmi 8, Karachi Kings 5.
  • Earlier this season, Karachi chased down Zalmi’s 188 with relative ease.
  • Imad Wasim has taken just three wickets in 10 innings against Zalmi.

Possible Playing 11

Peshawar Zalmi: 1. Haider Ali, 2. Kamran Akmal (wk), 3. Shoaib Malik, 4. David Miller, 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Sherfane Rutherford, 7. Fabian Allen, 8. Wahab Riaz (c), 9. Umaid Asif, 10. Mohammad Imran, 11. Mohammad Irfan

Karachi Kings: 1. Sharjeel Khan, 2. Babar Azam, 3. Martin Guptill, 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Thisara Perera, 6. Chadwick Walton (wk), 7. Imad Wasim (c), 8. Abbas Afridi, 9. Waqas Maqsood, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Arshad Iqbal

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in the eight matches at Abu Dhabi is 165.88. The team batting first has won five of those matches, but the chasing teams had a day out yesterday, with the Sultans chasing 167 with ease and Islamabad producing an amazing run chase of 191 against the Kings.

Conditions will be hot and steamy, even under lights. Who will keep their cool?

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Match 24: 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
PSL 2021 Match 24: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Match 24: 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
PSL 2021 Match 24: PES vs KAR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Crucial game. Peshawar have a good record vs Karachi overall, but the Kings’ top order and their bowlers will be eyeing out a big performance to resurrect their campaign. Kings to win in a tight one.

World Test Championship combined XI: Who makes the cut?

Debashish Sarangi
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World Test Championship combined XI: Who makes the cut?

World Test Championship combined XI: Who makes the cut? | Looking at the best 11 players from the World Test Championship period

The much-awaited Final of the first ever World Test Championship (WTC) is going to be played on 18th of this month at Southampton. The league stage of the tournament started in a grand fashion with the 2019 Ashes, and finished with the Test series between India and England. There were 59 Tests played and we witnessed some extraordinary performances by numerous players in this cycle spanning two years.

In this article, I am going to create my WTC XI with eleven such players who I think were phenomenal in the first WTC cycle. Here we go.

1. Rohit Sharma

The Indian opener was phenomenal in the WTC cycle as he amassed 1030 runs in 17 innings with the help of 4 hundreds and 2 fifties at a fabulous average of 64.37. Rohit started the WTC campaign with a bang against South Africa at home in which he smashed 529 runs including a double ton at an unbelievable average of 132.25.

In the BGT 2020-21, he played two good knocks of 52 and 44 in the two Tests he played in Sydney and Brisbane respectively. In the home series against England, he finished with 345 runs including a magnificent knock of 161 in Chennai at a superb average of 57.50. The maturity in him as a Test opener was quite visible throughout the WTC cycle.  

2. Dimuth Karunaratne

World Test Championship combined XI: Who makes the cut? | Looking at the best 11 players from the World Test Championship period
World Test Championship combined XI: Dimuth Karunaratne

Just like Rohit Sharma, Dimuth Karunaratne started his WTC campaign in an emphatic manner by scoring 247 runs including one hundred at a superb average of 61.75 against New Zealand at home. Then, he hit a gorgeous hundred at Johannesburg against South Africa and further scored 428 runs involving a hundred and a double hundred against the touring Bangladesh side. Karunaratne had 8 scores of 50 or more than that in the league stage of WTC and emerged as the best Sri Lankan batsman as well as the second highest run getter as an opener in this cycle with 999 runs at a brilliant average of 55.50.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

World Test Championship combined XI: Who makes the cut? | Looking at the best 11 players from the World Test Championship period
World Test Championship combined XI: Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne was the best batsman of the league stage of WTC as he accumulated a mammoth 1675 runs at an astounding average of 72.82. He crossed 50 in 14 out of the 23 innings in which he batted, which clearly signifies his terrific consistency. He started his WTC journey as a concussion substitute for Steven Smith in the Ashes 2019 and he has been incredible since then. He has had a glorious phase of two years in this WTC cycle that truly has established him as a generational batting talent in world cricket.

4. Steve Smith

World Test Championship combined XI: Steve Smith

There shouldn’t be any doubt regarding the number 4 of this XI. Steven Smith scripted one of the greatest comebacks in the history of cricket by playing a breathtaking knock of 144 in the first match of the 2019 Ashes (and WTC) at Edgbaston. He was unstoppable throughout the Ashes as he scored a huge 774 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 110.57.

Although he hasn’t been at his very best since then, his overall numbers in the WTC league stage are really tough to be ignored. He has scored 1341 runs at a splendid average of 63.85 with 4 hundreds and 7 fifties in the WTC cycle and hence is an automatic pick in this XI.

5. Kane Williamson (c)

World Test Championship combined XI: Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson, the Kiwi skipper, had a fabulous run in the WTC as he piled up 817 runs at a tremendous average of 58.35 with his highest score being a marvellous 251 against the West Indies at Hamilton on a challenging surface. He persisted with his glorious form and smashed 388 runs with another brilliant double hundred at Christchurch against Pakistan. He was the best batsman from New Zealand in WTC and the way he led his side after the harsh defeats in Australia was commendable. He played an instrumental role in New Zealand’s fightback to reach the final after the early debacle.

6. Ben Stokes

World Test Championship combined XI: Ben Stokes

If I list the players having a great impact as an allrounder, the name of Ben Stokes is right up there. Arguably the finest allrounder of this generation, Stokes is the fourth highest run scorer of this WTC cycle with 1334 runs at a really healthy average of 46 with 4 hundreds and 6 fifties.

He had a brilliant Ashes series to start with, in which he scored 441 runs at a superb average of 55.13. We certainly can’t forget his heroic knock of 135* at Headingley. Further, he had a really good tour of South Africa in which he scored 318 runs including a gorgeous knock of 120 at Port Elizabeth. Then, he went on to score another 363 runs against West Indies to start the English summer in a grand style last year. Talking about his bowling, Stokes picked 34 wickets at a really good SR of 47.9 and proved to be the “man with a golden arm” for England by providing crucial breakthroughs.

7. Rishabh Pant (wk)

World Test Championship combined XI: Rishabh Pant

To be brutally honest, it was a really difficult task for me to pick one wk-batsman between Rishabh Pant and Mohammad Rizwan as both have performed really well in the WTC league stage. I decided to pick Pant because of the impact he brings down the order.

He is someone who can take the game away from the opposition within no time. In the league stage of the WTC, Pant scored 662 runs at a really impressive average of 41.37 with one hundred and 4 fifties. He had an exceptional tour of Australia, where he smashed 274 runs at a terrific average of 68.50. His counter-attacking knock of 97 at the SCG and a match-winning knock of 89* at the Gabba are still fresh in the mind of every one of us.

He also had a great home series against England as he scored 270 runs at an average of 54 and an astounding SR of 84.11. The wickets in both these series were challenging and the oppositions had world-class bowling attacks. He went to bat on crunch situations on most occasions and emerged victorious.

8. R Ashwin

World Test Championship combined XI: R Ashwin

The finest spinner of this generation, R Ashwin is the highest wicket taker for India in the WTC cycle. Ashwin picked 67 wickets from 13 tests in this period with 4 fifers at an average of 20.88 and a brilliant SR of 46.9. He was outstanding in the home series against South Africa, Bangladesh and England. He played a very important role for India in the BGT as he bamboozled the Australian batsmen including Steven Smith on multiple occasions. Although his spell of 4 for 55 at Adelaide went in vain, his spell of 3 for 35 in the Boxing Day Test proved to be a match-winning one. He is one of the smartest operators of the cricket ball and anybody would love to have a spinner like him in the squad.

9. Kyle Jamieson

World Test Championship combined XI: Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson made his debut in the WTC and has just 7 tests to his name so far. However, the reason to include him in this XI is his sheer dominance with the ball in the WTC. Jamieson played a pivotal role in the unbeaten run of the Kiwis at home as he picked 36 wickets from just 6 matches at an unbelievable average of 13.27 and a terrific SR of 33.3. He had a fabulous start to his career in the home series against India and never looked back thereafter. He has established himself as a potent weapon and was a key factor for New Zealand in reaching the final.

10. Pat Cummins

World Test Championship combined XI: Pat Cummins

The most complete fast bowler of this generation in Tests, Cummins was the highest wicket taker of the league stage of this WTC. Cummins picked up 70 wickets in just 14 Tests at an outstanding average of 21.02 and a very good SR of 47.6.

He was magnificent in both of the most thrilling Test series Australia played in this cycle, i.e. the Ashes and the BGT as he finished as the highest wicket taker in both of them. In the Ashes, Cummins took 29 wickets at an average of below 20, whereas in the BGT he grabbed the “man of the series” award for his outstanding performance despite Australia losing the series 2-1. Thus, Cummins was undoubtedly the best bowler in the WTC cycle and hence walks into this XI as an automatic choice.

11. Stuart Broad

ENG vs PAK 1st Test Preview Dream11
World Test Championship combined XI: Stuart Broad

Known as the partner in crime of James Anderson, the experienced Stuart Broad was England’s best seamer in the WTC cycle with 69 scalps from 17 games at an amazing average of 20.08. His bowling SR of 43.4 shows the ease with which he picked wickets in the WTC cycle.

Broad was magnificent in the Ashes and finished the series as the second best bowler after Cummins with 23 dismissals to his name. He was brilliant in South Africa as he took 14 wickets at an average of just 19.43. He had a fantastic summer at home in 2020 against West Indies and Pakistan, where he picked a total of 29 wickets from 5 Tests at a superb average of just 12.79. His brilliance with the ball in the WTC cycle is well evident from these facts and hence he walks into my WTC XI.

There were so many players to choose from and I believe I have made the right choices while picking my WTC XI. Did I miss anyone? Have your say!

Written by Debashish Sarangi. Follow Debashish on Twitter today.    

PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Today | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

PSL 2021 is a tale of two different stories for these two teams. Lahore Qalandars, with the in-form Rashid Khan, are seeking their first PSL Title after finishing runner’s up in last year’s edition. And as they sit in second place, they have a chance of achieving this feat, but will want a quick response after a remarkable defeat in their last outing.

After restricting Islamabad to 20/5 in 6.3 overs, Lahore then went on to concede 152/7 and lost 10/69 to fall short by 28 runs. None of their batsmen from three down reached double figures, as their seamers led the way with the ball.

At the other end is Quetta Gladiators, who have had a season to forget. With just one win to their name, the Gladiators have suffered heavy defeat after heavy defeat, with the latest being a 61-run drubbing at the hands of Peshawar Zalmi after their 10-wicket drubbing against Islamabad United the day before. Their net run rate of -1.865 effectively puts them out of playoffs contention, even if they win their last three games (as unlikely as that seems).

However, can they cause Lahore some problems here? For that to happen, they will need Andre Russell and Faf du Plessis available after both suffered concussions in recent games.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Lahore Qalandars:

  • Fakhar Zaman has the most runs in LQ-QG matches. The left-hander has 275 runs to his name at an average of 34.38 and excellent strike rate of 150.27. Fakhar dominated Quetta earlier in the season, thumping 82* off 52 balls in an easy run-chase for Lahore.
  • Also, Fakhar has the third-most runs in PSL 2021 (7 inns, 243 runs, avg. 40.50, SR 129.94).
  • Mohammad Hafeez completely dominated Quetta earlier this season, slamming 73* off 33 balls. Overall, Hafeez has struck 385 runs vs the Gladiators at an average of 35.00 and SR of 124.60.
  • Hafeez is also having a strong PSL 2021 campaign. In seven matches, Hafeez has struck 220 runs at an average of 44.00 and SR of 154.92.
  • Sohail Akhtar has made two 30+ scores in three games since the PSL 2021 restart (34, 7 and 40).
  • Tim David has been in good touch with the bat. Before his score of 3 last game, he scored 23* (15) and 64* (36) in his previous two games.
  • Watch out for Rashid Khan. He went wicketless in his last game (0/36), but in the game before, he took 5/20 to swing the game in Lahore’s favour. Also, Rashid has 22 wickets in 13 T20s at this ground.
  • James Faulkner has been excellent for Lahore. He has taken eight wickets in his three games in PSL 2021 (3/32, 2/23 and 3/19).
  • Haris Rauf took 3/38 against Quetta earlier in PSL 2021. Rauf is a genuine wicket-taker, with nine in six matches this season. Shaheen Shah Afridi has an impressive haul of 12 wickets in seven matches in PSL 2021.

Quetta Gladiators:

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed has a solid record vs Lahore. In 10 innings against them, Sarfaraz has hit 257 runs at an average of 32.13 and SR of 134.56.
  • Sarfaraz also has the most runs for Quetta in PSL 2021. He has struck 223 runs at an average of 37.16 and SR of 142.03. The next-most for Quetta is Azam Khan way behind on 124 runs at an average of just 17.71.
  • Usman Khan is enjoying a decent PSL 2021 campaign so far. In his three games, he has struck 123 runs at an average of 41.00, including a score of 81.
  • Qalandars will be hoping Andre Russell is available for this one and that he improves on his record vs Lahore. Against them, he has scored just 24 runs in three innings with the solitary wicket to his name.
  • They will also be hoping Faf du Plessis is available. In a single knock vs Lahore, du Plessis struck 31 off 25 balls.
  • Mohammad Hasnain has the most wickets for Quetta this season (seven in seven matches). He and Zahid Mahmood need to lead the way if Quetta are to improve on their bowling woes.

Also read:

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 11, Lahore Qalandars 6, Quetta Gladiators 5.
  • Lahore Qalandars (179/1) thrashed Quetta Gladiators (178/6) earlier in PSL 2021.
  • Interestingly, Lahore have won five matches and lost just two this season. However, they still have a negative net run rate of -0.078.

Possible Playing 11

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

Andre Russell was struck on the helmet two games ago and missed the match against Peshawar. It remains to be seen if he is available today. Faf du Plessis also picked up a concussion after an ugly collision with Mohammad Hasnain. It also remains to be seen if he is available today.

Quetta Gladiators: 1. Saim Ayub, 2. Usman Khan, 3. Jake Weatherald, 4. Sarfaraz Ahmed, 5. Azam Khan, 6. Andre Russell/Cameron Delport, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Khurram Shahzad, 9. Mohammad Hasnain, 10. Zahid Mahmood, 11. Zahir Khan

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score in the eight matches of the Abu Dhabi leg of PSL 2021 is 165.88. The team batting first has won five of those matches, but the chasing teams had a day out yesterday, with the Sultans chasing 167 with ease and Islamabad producing an amazing run chase of 191 against the Kings.

Weather conditions will be hot, as always at this time of year in Abu Dhabi.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Today | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Today | Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 23: LAH vs QUE Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Anything other than a Lahore win will be a surprise, especially if Russell and du Plessis are unavailable.

Twitter reactions to brilliant 141* by Quinton de Kock

Charbel Coorey
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0
Twitter reactions to brilliant 141* by Quinton de Kock

Twitter reactions to brilliant 141* by Quinton de Kock | Twitter reactions to fantastic knock of 141* by Quinton de Kock in 1st Test vs West Indies

No captaincy, no worries for Quinton de Kock. The class of South Africa’s keeper-batsman shone through on the second day of the first Test against West Indies, seemingly batting on a different surface to everyone else. And, most importantly for South Africa, he looked a completely different player with the burden of captaincy off his shoulders.

de Kock’s sixth Test hundred – only AB de Villiers has more as keeper-batsman for South Africa – is certainly a sweet one. Coming in at a tricky stage late on day one, de Kock steered South Africa from 119/4 to a position of dominance, even while needing to bat with the tail.

And he was certainly dominant. He pounced on anything loose, and created scoring opportunities even off good deliveries from the capable West Indies attack. His strike rate of 82.94 on a tricky surface is proof of his quality, and all associated with the Proteas will be thrilled he is back in the runs.

Quinton de Kock was certainly thrilled, smiling from ear to ear as his teammates shouted with joy from the dugout when he reached his century. He then went on to make 141*, which is now his highest Test score. And now, South Africa can look forward to taking a 1-0 series lead after leaving West Indies trailing by 143 with just six wickets remaining.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions:

Also read:

Also read:

PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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0
PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

It’s nearly must-win territory for Quetta Gladiators. The restart to their PSL 2021 campaign was horrendous, suffering a record-breaking defeat to Islamabad United, courtesy of Colin Munro’s eye-catching and remarkable 36-ball 90 not-out. It was the biggest margin of victory in terms of balls remaining (60) in PSL history, and Islamabad’s 97 in the first six overs is the highest powerplay score in PSL history, too.

How do Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men bounce back the next day after such a disastrous outing? Their batting didn’t inspire, with only Jake Weatherald and Azam Khan providing any sort of meaningful resistance in a team consisting of Faf du Plessis and Andre Russell. So, while the bowlers will be looking to bounce back quickly, more will be required of the batsmen, who huffed and puffed their way to 133 in 20 overs yesterday.

Peshawar Zalmi will also be looking for a recovery. They were on the end of a Rashid Khan storm two days ago, as the star Afghan legspinner took 5/20 to derail Zalmi’s chase of 171. Shoaib Malik’s excellent form continued, but to concede 170 after restricting the Qalanders to 25/4 in 7.3 overs will be an area of improvement for Zalmi in their quest to stay solid inside the PSL’s top four.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Peshawar Zalmi:

  • Kamran Akmal has the most runs in PES-QUE matches (400, avg. 23.53). He scored 3 (8) vs Quetta in the Pakistan leg of PSL 2021, so he will be looking for a big performance today.
  • Haider Ali was player of the match against Quetta earlier this season (50 off 29 balls). Overall, he has scored 114 runs in three outings vs QG at an average of 38.00 and impressive strike rate of 140.79.
  • Shoaib Malik is in fine touch. Like a fine wine, he continues to get better with age. He is coming off 73 (48) last game vs Lahore, after a 33-ball 59 in a warm-up match before the tournament restart. Also, he has a good record against Quetta Gladiators, with 340 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.78 and strike rate of 139.92.
  • Wahab Riaz has taken nine wickets in five matches in PSL 2021. Also, he loves bowling against QG, with a superb tally of 31 wickets in 16 matches against them.
  • Fabian Allen will be key with both bat and ball for PZ. He took 2/36 in his last game but was dismissed for a duck. Can he bounce back?

Quetta Gladiators:

  • Sarfaraz Ahmed to deliver in a time of need? The skipper scored 81 off 40 balls vs PZ earlier in PSL 2021. Overall, he has scored 347 runs in 14 innings against them at an average of 26.69 and strike rate of 142.21.
  • Faf du Plessis has been in good touch in T20 cricket this year. And now, Quetta need him to perform. His only innings against PZ was earlier in PSL 2021, where he scored a 26-ball 37.
  • Jake Weatherald showed the most resistance for Quetta yesterday. He is coming off 43 of 35 balls, and will be looking to build on that.
  • Azam Khan scored a 26-ball 47 against PZ earlier in PSL 2021. He and Andre Russell will be key in the middle order. Russell has a poor batting record against Peshawar, with just 25 runs in four innings at an average of 8.33.
  • Zahid Mahmood and Mohammad Hasnain have taken the most wickets for Quetta this season (6). They need to lead the way as the Gladiators have struggled with the ball this season.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 17, PZ 8, QG 8, NR 1.
  • Peshawar Zalmi won a thriller against Quetta Gladiators earlier in PSL 2021. QG scored 198/7, which was chased down in stunning fashion in 19.3 overs by PZ.
  • The Gladiators currently sit bottom of the league. A defeat here will put them too far behind given their already-bad net run rate of -1.662.

Possible Playing 11

Peshawar Zalmi: 1. Kamran Akmal (wk), 2. Haider Ali, 3. Shoaib Malik, 4. David Miller, 5. Rovman Powell, 6. Sherfane Rutherford, 7. Fabian Allen, 8. Wahab Riaz (c), 9. Umaid Asif, 10. Mohammad Imran, 11. Mohammad Irfan

Quetta Gladiators: 1. Usman Khan, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Jake Weatherald, 4. Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), 5. Azam Khan, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Khurram Shahzad, 10. Mohammad Hasnain, 11. Zahid Mahmood

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report and Weather

The average first innings score on this ground in PSL 2021 is 155.5 in four matches. Interestingly, the two scores of 170+ have been winning totals, with totals of 133 and 143 have been chased easily. Anything in the region of 160 will be a competitive score.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | QUE vs PES Dream11 Prediction Today | Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
PSL 2021 Match 19: PES vs QUE Dream11 Prediction

Calls for Shakib ban after actions in DPL

Charbel Coorey
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Calls for Shakib ban after actions in DPL

Shakib comes in for criticism after actions in Dhaka Premier League | Shakib Al Hasan criticised by fans after lashing out at stumps in DPL

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, undoubtedly Bangladesh’s greatest ever cricketer, has come under criticism for his latest indiscretion. Playing for Mohammedan Sporting Club against Abhani Limited in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), Shakib lashed out twice at the stumps in a single game, one after an LBW decision didn’t go in his favour and another when the umpires called on for the covers as rain began to fall.

Shakib was then seen having a war of words with Abhani coach Khaled Mahmud, who is also a BCB Director. Mahmud actually then had to be pulled away in a shouting match against the Mohammedan camp, which will surely cast some doubt as to the future relationship between Mahmud and Shakib.

The all-rounder then took to social media to apologise for his actions. “Dear fans and followers, I am extremely sorry for losing my temper and ruining the match for everyone and especially those who are watching from home,” the statement read.

“An experienced player like me should not have reacted that way but sometimes against all odds it happens unfortunately. I apologise to the teams, management, tournament officials and organizing committee for this human error. Hopefully, I won’t be repeating this again in the future. Thanks and love you all.”

The worrying thing is that this is not Shakib’s first indiscretion, and the words “it happens” and “hopefully” has even cast doubt into some fans as to whether the apology itself is genuine. Also, there are calls for a long suspension/ban.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions to what happened in the DPL:

Also read:

So, what happens from here? There are allegations that there is fixing in the league, which prompted Shakib to act in such a way. However, such behaviour certainly warrants a lengthy suspension, and it will be interesting to see how the BCB responds.

India’s WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team

Tarkesh Jha
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India’s WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team

India’s WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team | Looking at the 3 best finds for the Indian team throughout their WTC journey

The World Test Championship (WTC) has been one remarkable journey for the Indian cricket team. Right from leading the charts in the initial phase, to encountering a major stumbling block in the middle and then finishing it off in style, they managed to qualify for the showpiece game against New Zealand in some style and swagger.

In this wild trip, they have managed to unearth some precious gems; players who might not feature for them in the final vs the Kiwis but could be vital cogs in the setup for the times to come. So, let us elaborate on these individuals, whom we would like to refer to as the biggest finds for the Indian Test team in the past couple of years.

Hanuma Vihari

India's WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team | Looking at the 3 best finds for the Indian team throughout their WTC journey
India’s WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team – Hanuma Vihari

India’s perpetual search for a reliable middle-order bat led them to rely on the Hyderbad-based Hanuma Vihari during the team’s tour to the West Indies in 2019. Vihari had already made his debut in England a year prior to that and played a gritty knock at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in late 2018. However, he started getting a regular run only from that series in Caribbean onward.

Vihari did well to strike a century in that series itself and earned himself a consistent run thereafter. Since then, he has at times been in and out of the XI depending on the combination that the skipper decides to go with. If there’s the need of any extra batsman, Vihari fills that slot seamlessly at number six.

His highly impactful, gritty and valourous performance in the crucial draw vs Australia in Sydney late last year, where he played inspite of an injury, is enough to show the tremendous character and attitude that the batsman possesses. He might or might not play the WTC finale but will continue to behold some serious importance in the Indian team’s scheme of things in the coming times. 

Mohammed Siraj

It is said that the Indian domestic circuit hones and prepares players for the tumultuous time ahead in international cricket like nothing else. Well, Mohammed Siraj’s story is a true testament to that fact. The pacer was roped in to the squad as a potential replacement to Ishant Sharma in the tour to Australia. Even then, many were pinning on Navdeep Saini to get the nod over Siraj.

By the end of the series, Siraj was spearheading the Indian attack, and he was doing it in some style. The pacer’s absolutely comfortable adaption to the conditions in Australia, despite battling a terrible personal loss, is a story for the ages. He has scalped 16 wickets in five Test matches so far, but Siraj’s performances and overall impact speak for much more than that.

He donned the responsibility of leading the Indian bowling attack at India’s most crucial juncture in the WTC journey, and for that he deserves all the applause in the world. Again, his place in India’s playing XI for the WTC finale is uncertain, but Siraj is set to play a key role in India’s journey in Test cricket from hereon.

Washington Sundar

India's WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team | Looking at the 3 best finds for the Indian team throughout their WTC journey
India’s WTC journey: 3 biggest finds for the Indian team – Washington Sundar was excellent.

Washington Sundar’s debut for India in the whites was purely by chance, but people who manage to make the most of any given opportunity undoubtedly stare at a successful career ahead. After four Tests, the off-spinning all-rounder is perhaps looking forward to a more defined role as a batsman in the side in the future.

The fact that Sundar is pretty handy with the willow was never in question even before he made his way to international cricket.

However, the fact that he can display his skills at the most toughest of situations, in the most demanding of situations, against arguably the best bowling attack in their own backyard, that’s what came as a surprise for many as he put on a fantastic show in the first innings of that game vs the Aussies in Brisbane.

Sundar maintains an average of 66.25 in six innings with three half-centuries to his name in Test cricket so far. In this Indian team, players tend to capitalize on even the slightest of openings available to them. It is undoubtedly a testament to the terrific quality that is flowing through the ranks currently.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter today.

Wisden name possible India XI for World Test Championship Final

Charbel Coorey
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Wisden name possible India XI for World Test Championship Final

Wisden name possible India XI for World Test Championship Final | Wisden list their possible India XI for the WTC Final against New Zealand

A decade ago on their 2011 tour of England, India started the series ranked number one in Test cricket as they are today. However, they looked quite toothless in the bowling department. Fast forward to 2021, India are number one again, but this time have a big call to make regarding their pace attack.

With Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja both likely to be in the XI at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, India have to try fit the capable Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj and Ishant Sharma into three spots. Wisden Cricket, in naming their possible XI ahead of the Final, have made the big call that Ishant Sharma could be left out.

Wisden’s possible India XI for the World Test Championship Final

1. Rohit Sharma

2. Shubman Gill

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

4. Virat Kohli (c)

5. Ajinkya Rahane

6. Rishabh Pant (wk)

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Ravichandran Ashwin

9. Mohammed Shami

10. Mohammed Siraj

11. Jasprit Bumrah

India’s top six decides itself. Ajinkya Rahane was India’s leading run-scorer in the World Test Championship, with 1,095 runs at an average of 43.80. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant were outstanding in India’s superb triumph in Australia at the start of the year. With Ashwin and Jadeja both skilled spinners, as well as very capable batsmen, it gives the Indian side greater balance.

Conditions are expected to be cool in Southampton for the WTC Final, but some breezy conditions will assist in drying out the surface the spinners to have an effect later on in the Test. However, fans disagreed at the notion that Ishant could be left out of the side, given the fact he has been on three tours of England in the past and has been a force in red-ball cricket especially since 2017/18.

Also read: Can Kohli overcome Southee? 3 key player battles to watch in the WTC Final

Does your possible India XI match that of Wisden Cricket? Or would you have four fast bowlers in the lineup?

Have your say!

Also read: Can Kohli overcome Southee? 3 key player battles to watch in the WTC Final

Twitter reactions as South Africa pace brigade roll West Indies for 97

Charbel Coorey
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Twitter reactions as South Africa pace brigade roll West Indies for 97

Twitter reactions as South Africa pace brigade roll West Indies for 97 | West Indies 97 all out: Twitter reactions as Nortje and Ngidi rip through West Indies in 1st Test

In what looks to be a competitive Test series started in the most uncompetitive fashion. South Africa, via the strength of their talented pace attack, ripped through West Indies on a record-breaking first day at St. Lucia.

Lungi Ngidi, who was singled out by South Africa fan Dan Osmond on The CricBlog Podcast as a key pacer for this series, took his second career five-wicket haul. Anrich Nortje, who continues his meteoric rise, blew away the top and middle order to set things up and take his own four-wicket haul. Kagiso Rabada, who was arguably the key Protea from a bowling point of view, took a backseat as his two other fast bowling partners wreacked havoc.

Never before have the West Indies been bowled out for under 100 in the first innings of a home Test. 97 is their lowest ever score vs South Africa, beating the 102 against the same opposition back in 2010. Plus, only Jason Holder crossed 20. Carnage.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions to carnage on day one of the first Test:

West Indies then took four wickets of their own to stay alive in the first Test. However, it still is a long way back, and need a near-perfect day two to have a chance of achieving an amazing turnaround.

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