Twitter reacts to record-breaking Virat Kohli reaching 12k ODI runs | Twitter reactions from fans and players to Kohli reaching 12,000 ODI runs
Indian Captain Virat Kohli touched a new milestone as he made the fastest 12,000 runs in ODIs, achieved in the India-Australia series. Kohli reached the mark in the third ODI match, where India is playing for pride after losing the first two matches, in a total of 242 innings. He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record by an incredible 58 innings.
Post pandemic, India is playing it’s first international series and is currently on a five-match losing streak in ODIs after losing games against New Zealand in February and now two games in Australia. Though Kohli is riding high on a personal record-breaking match, his captaincy has been a matter of debate after back to back losses.
However, those issues have been put to the side at the moment to praise Kohli on such an incredible achievement. Kohli has joined five other players in reaching the mark, and netizens are celebrating, including legends applauding the 32-year-old player on his remarkable feat.
12000 RUNS FOR VIRAT KOHLI IN ODI CRICKET FASTEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF CRICKET TO ACHEIVE THIS FEAT AND ONLY THE SECOND INDIAN In 61 lesser Innings than Sachin Tendulkar, Yes you read this Correct '61' ?? GREATEST OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/klX3Xg7AQ0
Virat Kohli completed 12,000 runs in ODI format, fastest ever – The freak – near to 60 average & strike rate over 90 – Consistency and greatness mixes together.
Virat Kohli is the fastest to reach 12,000 ODI runs and he achieved that in 61 lesser innings than Sachin Tendulkar. What a great of the game, proper dominator.@imVkohli G.O.A.T pic.twitter.com/UVl1jMtUZa
Another day, another batting record for King #Kohli ?? He becomes the fastest to reach 12000 runs in ODI cricket, in just his 242nd innings. Previous record holder was Sachin who took 300 innings to reach 12000 ODI runs#AUSvsIND#ViratKohli
"Virat Kohli Absolute genius. He's (Virat Kohli) very special player. He Comes out to bat everyone's Happy and appulse. And when see shots like that flow and middle of the bat. And his Shots just effortless and flying to the sky. He's just Special player."
Virat Kohli received some applause from Steve Smith at backward point as soon as his 12,000 ODI run milestone was announced on the big screen at the Manuka Oval #AUSvIND
At 32 years of age, and with a number of years still in front of him, many believe Kohli can reach Sachin Tendulkar’s overall record of 18,426 ODI runs. Given the way he’s going and the incredible consistency of the man, nothing is out of the picture.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Ian Chappell strongly against ‘switch-hitting’ tactics | Former Australia captain Ian Chappell strongly against switch-hit in cricket
Ian Chappell has opposed switch-hitting done by the Aussie batsman in the ongoing Australia-India ODI series. The former Australian captain condemned the “amazing skillful” tactics of players like Glenn Maxwell, calling it unfair.
“How can one side of the game, ie. the bowlers, they have to tell the umpire how they’re going to bowl. And yet the batsman, he lines up as a right-hander – I’m the fielding captain, I place the field for the right-hander – and before the ball’s been delivered, the batsman becomes a left-hander,” Chappell told nine.com.au.
Australia has won two games and secured their ODI win in the three-match series. Both the matches were a high scoring chase for India. Chappell asked the Indian team to revolt against this practice to the on-field umpire.
“I just can’t believe the players don’t arc-up about it. If I’m captain, I’m going to take the ball myself and I’m going to tell the umpire I’m bowling right-arm over [the wicket], and then I’m going to run in and bowl around. Obviously, the umpire‘s going to complain and I’m going to say, ’Well, you stop him (the batsman) doing something I think is totally unfair and I’ll stop doing something unfair’. If the administrators aren’t smart enough to change it, then my attitude always was, ‘Well, I’ll take the law into my own hands’”, he said.
In the recent past, Chappell has been very vocal about cricketing activities and usually rants about things that he doesn’t approve of. Earlier this year, Chappell suggested that the LBW laws be changed so LBWs can be given no matter where the ball pitches or hits the batsman. In this matter of concern, he also suggested a solution that could make the game fair for bowlers as well.
“It’s very simple … All you’ve got to say is that if the batsman changes the order of his hands or his feet [as the bowler runs in], then it’s an illegal shot. (But) if the batsman’s right-handed and wants to play switch-hit [in advance of the bowler running in], any bowler worth his salt will say, ‘Go for your life, mate, I’ll take my chances’. But when he completely becomes the opposite-handed batsman to what he faces up as, then it’s not fair. If he’s good enough to do it by excellent footwork or whatever other means he can devise, I don’t have a problem with it. But when it’s blatantly unfair, it annoys the hell out of me”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 3rd ODI Key Players | Manuka Oval Canberra Pitch Report
The second ODI was almost a carbon copy of the first. India, as has been the case in ODIs in 2020, struggled for penetration in the powerplay overs. As a result, Aaron Finch and David Warner (who is now out of the series) set up a great platform. And, in the ultimate dose of deja vu, Steve Smith scored his second-straight 62-ball century. And fans were in awe of such a genius.
By the time India started their run chase, there was just too much to do. A required run rate of nearly eight an over from the get-go is mighty difficult, and Australia’s batting dominance is highlighted most by the fact that India have scored 308 and 338 this series, only to lose by a combined margin of 117 runs. So, the onus is on India’s bowling and fielding to improve significantly to avoid their first bilateral ODI series whitewash to Australia.
For the Aussies, it is about producing more of the same with the bat, despite David Warner’s injury. Aaron Finch’s form has been terrific, and with Steve Smith in such a mood, Australia can hope for another ideal situation where Glenn Maxwell comes in just at the right time to wreak havoc. Mitchell Starc’s form, like Jasprit Bumrah’s for India, is a concern, so a good performance by Starc and an Aussie win will seal a perfect series for the home side.
AUS vs IND 3rd ODI Preview Dream11: Virat Kohli has had success in Australia before.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Two matches, two 62-ball hundreds. 1,116 ODI runs at an average of 65.64 and SR 105.88 against this opponent. Steve Smith simply loves playing against India.
Also, Smith has scored three half-centuries in three ODIs at Manuka Oval (total of 196 runs, avg. 98.00, SR 122.50).
Aaron Finch has hit a century and half-century this series (second-most runs with 174, avg. 87). Also, Finch enjoys batting in Canberra, with two centuries in four matches (overall average of 68.25).
Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli are two of India’s linchpins. In India’s only ODI in Canberra to date, both Dhawan and Kohli struck centuries, back in 2016.
Dhawan’s last few scores in ODIs vs Australia: 117 (109), 74 (91), 96 (90), 74 (86) and 30 (23).
Marnus Labuschagne has put his hand up to replace Warner as opener. Whether he opens or bats four, one can back Labuschagne to continue his fine form. In fact, Labuschagne has made four 50+ scores in 11 ODIs, with an overall average of 42.36 and SR 92.09.
Hardik Pandya has been one of the big positives for India in a disappointing series so far. The hard-hitting right-hander is their leading run-scorer (118) and showed them the template to bowl effectively at the SCG (1/24 in four overs).
Another great positive for Australia has been the form of Glenn Maxwell. It is still barely believable that he didn’t hit a six in the IPL 2020, especially given he has slammed 108 runs at a strike rate of 225 so far this series.
Adam Zampa has taken 26 wickets in his last 12 ODIs. Overall, he has an impressive 26 wickets in 15 ODIs against India, including six in two matches this series. His economy rate of under six in a high-scoring series suggests he is hitting the right lengths consistently.
Josh Hazlewood has taken five wickets in two matches this series. Also, he has dismissed Virat Kohli twice, both caught in the mid-wicket region.
No bowler has taken more wickets in ODIs than Mohammed Shami’s 54 since the start of 2019. Can he and the struggling Jasprit Bumrah deliver powerplay wickets?
Mitchell Starc, like Bumrah, has been under par in ODIs in 2020. However, Starc enjoys playing at this ground, with seven wickets in three ODIs at Manuka Oval.
In the only ODI between Australia and India so far at Canberra, India were 277/1 chasing 349. With just 72 required in 75 balls, and Kohli and Dhawan each past 100, India then lost 9/46 to lose the match.
Aaron Finch scored a run-a-ball 107 in that same ODI. Steve Smith smashed 51 off 29 balls, and Glenn Maxwell had a field day too with 41 off 20 balls.
The great Virat Kohli needs 23 runs to reach 12,000 in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar is currently the quickest to the mark at 300 innings. Kohli has currently played 241.
In 2019, Mitchell Starc took 27 ODI wickets at an average of 18.59. In 2020, he has taken 12 wickets at 54.25. Jasprit Bumrah is also struggling compared to last year, with three wickets at an average of 146.33 in 2020 compared to 25 wickets at 24.6 in 2019.
Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 1/160 in his 19 overs so far this series. Navdeep Saini hasn’t fared better, with 1/153 in his 17. With India choosing five bowlers (excluding Hardik), these figures are damning.
Possible Playing 11
David Warner is out with a groin strain, which has put him in doubt for the first Test starting on December 17. Either Matthew Wade or D’Arcy Short are likely to replace him at opener. Another option is promoting Marnus Labuschagne to opener and bringing in Cameron Green, but Finch spoke about left and right hand opening combinations.
Pat Cummins, who bowled nicely in the second ODI, has been rested for the remaining white-ball games. So, Sean Abbott, who has been excellent in Sheffield Shield cricket this season, is likely to come in.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Matthew Wade/D’Arcy Short, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Moises Henriques, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Glenn Maxwell, 8. Sean Abbott, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
India have bigger headaches. The form of Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini prompted Virat Kohli to turn to Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t been bowling in recent times due to his return from a back injury. So, India could look to bring in Kuldeep Yadav and Shardul Thakur/T Natarajan.
Historically, Canberra is a flat pitch. In fact, of all grounds to host at least five ODIs since 2000, Manuka Oval has the highest run rate (6.36). The average first innings score in the last five ODIs on this ground is a massive 355.2, with the team batting first going on to win all five matches. Australia have scored 348/8 and 378/5 in their last two ODIs on this ground (vs India and New Zealand in 2016).
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Match Prediction
Batting first could prove key in this match. Australia is playing much better cricket at the moment, so India will be keen to put runs on the board and defend. If Australia bat first, they will be hard to stop.
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11 Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs ENG 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs England 3rd T20I Key Players | Cape Town Pitch Report
As the series returns to Newlands in beautiful Cape Town, can South Africa return to winning ways? The Proteas, who have fought hard in the two matches so far in this series, have ultimately been undone by England’s excellent batting depth.
This time, the Proteas will be after a better batting display, after regular wickets in the middle overs hurt their progress at Paarl. George Linde and Rassie van der Dussen’s late efforts ensured South Africa had something respectable to bowl at, but more will be expected from their top order.
For England, it’s been Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan who have steered the side out of sticky situations so far in the opening two games. Jason Roy’s lack of form is an area of concern, as it gets South Africa into the game early, so if he can find form here, it makes England all the more dangerous. Also, can the likes of Jos Buttler find their form along with a polished England bowling display?
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11: Can Dawid Malan produce the goods again?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Dawid Malan played a knock full of composure on a slow track at Paarl (55 off 40 balls). The number one T20I batsman now has nine 50+ scores in 18 T20Is – a superb record he will look to build on today.
Jonny Bairstow smashed 86* off 48 balls to guide England home in the first T20I, which was played on this ground (Newlands). The hard-hitting England right-hander possesses an excellent T20I record vs South Africa, despite a low score last game (337 runs, avg. 48.14, SR 156.01).
Can Quinton de Kock, currently South Africa’s leading T20I run-scorer vs England (272, avg. 38.85, SR 171.06), influence this game? The Proteas skipper has made two scores of 30 this series. Can he make another start and go on with it?
Faf du Plessis has the most runs of any current player in T20Is at Cape Town (235 runs, avg. 29.37, SR 129.19). He scored 58 (40) on this ground in the opening T20I.
It seems as though Jos Buttler is due to fire. Will today be his day? The dynamic keeper-batsman has struck scores of 7 and 22 this series, but is one of five players to score 300+ runs in SA-ENG T20Is (323 runs, avg. 29.36, SR 154.54).
Rassie van der Dussen is South Africa’s second-highest run-scorer this series (62), behind du Plessis. van der Dussen will be looking for an improved strike rate (currently 108.77), given he is spending time in the middle (total of 57 balls).
Ben Stokes scored an important 37 (27) at Cape Town earlier this series.
Lungi Ngidi has taken 12 wickets in five T20I matches against England this year. However, his economy rate of 12.75 was mighty costly in the last match at Paarl.
Chris Jordan has the most wickets in ENG-SA T20Is (14 in 12 matches). Sam Curran, who was superb recently for CSK in IPL 2020, took 3/28 on this ground a few days ago.
Jofra Archer was MVP in the recent IPL (20 wickets in 15 matches, econ. 6.55). He was excellent in the last T20I (1/18), so the question today will be whether he can take multiple wickets.
Similar applies to Kagiso Rabada, who has just the one wicket to his name in two matches this series. The Proteas need the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2020 (30 wickets in 17 matches) to deliver today.
Adil Rashid and Tabraiz Shamsi bowled beautifully at Paarl (five wickets between them), but can they transfer that form over to Newlands?
George Linde took 2/20 on this ground vs England earlier this series.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 21, South Africa 9, England 10, N/R 1, 1 abandoned.
England have won the last four T20Is against South Africa, all in 2020.
England have now won seven of their past eight T20 series. South Africa, on the other hand, have not won any of their last four series.
Eoin Morgan showed he can influence the game at number six. His 26* (17) was key in the second T20I. Morgan remains the current highest run-scorer in SA-ENG T20Is (385 runs, avg. 32.08, SR 147.50).
Jason Roy is struggling for form. He had a poor summer in ODIs, with scores of 24, 0, 1, 3, 21 and 0 against Ireland and Australia, followed by a two-ball duck in the first T20I and 14 (19) in the second T20I.
Possible Playing 11
Unfortunately for South Africa, Temba Bavuma has not fired as hoped so far this series, after a promising show vs England earlier this year (avg. 40+ in the three-match T20I series). So, Janneman Malan could come in. Also, Lungi Ngidi has been in the wickets, but his economy rate is a concern.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Temba Bavuma/Janneman Malan, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Faf du Plessis, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. Heinrich Klaasen/Jon-Jon Smuts, 7. George Linde, 8. Lungi Ngidi/Lutho Sipamla, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Eoin Morgan said he will resist the urge to experiment. However, someone like Moeen Ali could be handy on what will be a used Cape Town pitch.
England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7, Moeen Ali/Chris Jordan, 8, Sam Curran, 9, Jofra Archer, 10, Adil Rashid, 11, Mark Wood
Newlands Cape Town Pitch and Weather Report
A cool day is forecast in Cape Town (20 degrees celsius), with a chance of some showers during the day. The pitch will be the same one as the first T20I, where England chased down South Africa’s score of 179 with four balls remaining.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SA vs ENG 3rd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
South Africa have been close in the opening two T20Is, which should give them hope that they can get over the line here. However, England’s depth holds them in great stead, and should deliver another win.
Dawid Malan strikes superb 55 as England wins T20I series | World number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan seals series for England
England won the three-match T20I series by winning the first two games against South Africa. Dawid Malan, who is currently the top-ranked ICC T20I batsman, took the team beyond the finishing line in style. England had to chase 147 runs set by their hosts South Africa. Malan hit a crucial 55 runs in 40 balls with seven boundaries in his innings.
Captain Eoin Morgan and Malan compiled a partnership of 51 runs. Malan was awarded the Man of the Match award for his fine innings. “It was either the pitch or me, I struggled for timing early on. Changed when we had to put the foot down, but I found my intent in the end. Made my first-class debut here, nice to come home and win a game for England. We’ve got so many match-winners, over the last four-five years, players are used to getting over the line on the big stage”, he said in the post-match presentation.
Talking about his first rank in ICC cricket, Malan said that he tries to not think about that as it doesn’t guarantee runs or ensures selection in the team. “Everyone feeds off each other in our batting line-up. I’ll look back fondly when I’m done. Morgs changed the momentum, we dovetailed and it was nice to get a partnership going”, he said.
? Malan the man as ??????? seal series win over South Africa
Despite a tense finish in Paarl, England held on for victory to seal the series 2-0 with a game to play.
England lost three quick wickets as Shamsi claimed wickets of three hard-hitter – Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes giving his team a fair start in the game. But Malan has his plans straight and stuck by his team until Ngidi took his wicket.
England and South Africa will meet again at Newlands for their third T20I.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Jasprit Bumrah is a champion & will come back – KL Rahul | India vice-captain KL Rahul says Jasprit Bumrah will bounce back after tough few matches
Indian vice-captain KL Rahul admitted that even though Jasprit Bumrah’s performance has been questionable, there is no doubt that he is a fiery player. In the post-match presentation, the vice-captain said, “Look, we all know Jasprit is quite fiery and he is very competitive on the field. And he has very high expectations of himself”.
India lost the second ODI against Australia on Sunday by 51 runs as Virat Kohli’s team had to chase 390. India’s bowling has been a matter of concern after the series loss, as top players like Shami and Bumrah have been failing to pick up wickets in the first 10 overs of the game. Talking about Bumrah’s performance, Rahul said that it’s about time a champion player like him, will come back and deliver wickets.
India had faced a series defeat against New Zealand last year too and it was Bumrah’s bowling that raised concerns as failed to pick any wicket in the bilateral series. In the series, he bowled 30 overs, gave away 167 runs at an economy of 5.56, and picked up zero wickets.
“New Zealand was a long long time ago. I am sure he sets the bar very high he means a lot to this team and to this set-up and we know the value of Jasprit. It is about time a champion player like that will come back and deliver and get wickets for us. You also have to understand that in New Zealand and Australia, the wickets are so good to bat on. You will see top bowlers not getting wickets [once in a while]. So that is acceptable,” Rahul said.
Supporting his captain’s thoughts about the opposition, Rahul too felt that the opposition played better cricket. “The mood in the camp has been, and is, still very positive. It is home conditions for them. We have played 50-over cricket after a long, long time so yeah still a long way to go on the tour. But we are doing a lot of things right. Just need to learn how to bowl better on such beautiful batting surfaces. That is learning. Not a lot we have done wrong. So we need to get better with our skills and execution and need to figure out what we can do on such wickets”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
AUS vs IND White-Ball: David Warner out, Pat Cummins rested | David Warner ruled out of white-ball matches, and Pat Cummins has been rested
Australia sealed the ODI series with back-to-back wins against India at Sydney Cricket Ground.
But during the second match, David Warner picked up what looked a nasty groin strain, and has been ruled out for the remaining ODI and three T20Is. D’Arcy joins the squad as a replacement. Also, Pat Cummins have been rested for the next two matches due to a high workload in recent times, given he was in the England and IPL bubbles before this series. He will return for the Tests.
Most 100-run partnerships against India in ODIs:
? Gordon Greenidge & Desmond Haynes ➜ 6 ?? Aaron Finch & David Warner ➜ 5* ? ?? Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara ➜ 5
“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test series. Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer. The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs”, said coach Justin Langer.
During India’s chase of 390 runs at SCG, Shikhar Dhawan hit a ball towards mid-off where Warner tried to save and drove for the ball. It took him a couple of minutes to gain his senses to stand back and went straight for the scanning.
Some bad news for Australia fans ?
David Warner has limped off the field after appearing to have hurt his groin while fielding in the second innings.#AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/8whmf2nEDD
India lost the game by 51 runs and it again highlighted the loopholes in the team’s bowling department. In the last couple of games, the bowlers have not picked a single wicket in the first 10 overs giving a completed packaged start for the opposition. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, two-star bowlers gave out 73 and 79 runs respectively and Saini and Agarwal’s economy was a perfect 10.
There is a lot of expectation when it comes to Bumrah’s bowling but the pacer has been struggling to perform in the current series Down Under. Though his IPL stats depict a different story, in International cricket he has taken only four-wicket in the last nine matches. Steve Smith was simply superb, but India need to deliver more.
India- Australia will play their third ODI on 2nd December.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Twitter Reactions to Steve Smith’s incredible century | Twitter reactions to one of the finest ODI hundreds in recent times by Steve Smith | Steve Smith’s superb century: Twitter reactions
The crowd, players, commentators and all on social media were in awe of the genius that is Steve Smith, after he produced one of the finest ODI hundreds in recent times. Two days after striking the third-fastest ODI century by an Australian, Smith repeated the dose on Sunday, executing the kind of ball placement and striking that every single cricketer on this planet aspires to.
When you think of 360-degree batting, you think of reverse sweeps, scoop shots and all that’s come with the rise of T20 cricket. But, this one was different. This was a 360-degree knock filled with traditional cricketing shots. Cover drives. Irresistible flicks of middle stump. Carving deliveries past point. Sixes down the ground and over mid-wicket. Perfection.
There was barely a mistimed shot, let alone a false shot. As one fan put it, he barely took a risk, and found himself on 96 off 59 balls. India simply had no answers, no matter where they put the ball and fielders. And the series was slipping away for India as Smith tightened his grip.
Check out the Twitter reactions from a knock that will be remembered for sometime, as Smith won player of the match for the second match running in Australia’s series win over India.
Not a Single Risky looking shot and this guy is on 96 off 59 Balls.
We are not losing to a team called "Australia".. We are losing to a man named "Steve Smith".. This is batting of highest quality.. Am running out of adjectives to describe his Batting.. Take a bow.. ??❤️?? #AUSvIND
The ODI series, which has been won by Australia, moves to Canberra for the third ODI on Wednesday. However, while this series is over, both sides will be motivated to get a win in the third game, as ODI Super League points are up for grabs.
And, we may be in for another Steve Smith epic. He is just in that kind of form.
SA vs ENG 2nd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11 Possible 11 Pitch Report | SA vs ENG 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | South Africa vs England 2nd T20I Key Players | Paarl Pitch Report
England’s remarkable batting depth was always going to count for plenty, wasn’t it? Their bowling was under-par at times, and their top three contributed just 26 in the first T20I. Skipper Eoin Morgan labelled it as a “pretty average performance”, but England still won by five wickets.
Jonny Bairstow’s incredible show of power-hitting took England over the line at Cape Town, in what looked a tricky run chase courtesy of early wickets. Such a result has been the cornerstone of England’s white-ball rise over the past five years, as their batting depth ensures that they are never out of the contest. What they will be after, though, is an improved bowling display, as the impressive Sam Curran held things together well with 3/28.
Defeat in the opening T20I was another missed opportunity for South Africa. The form of Faf du Plessis and excellent debut of George Linde were positives, but their inability to close out both their batting and bowling innings with great execution remains an area for improvement. So, after losing T20I series to England and Australia earlier this year, can they keep this series alive without the presence of their great home support?
SA vs ENG 2nd T20I 2020 Preview Dream11: Quinton de Kock to influence this game?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Jonny Bairstow’s last two T20I knocks against South Africa: 64 (34) and 86* (48). Overall, he has struck 334 runs in eight T20I innings vs the Proteas, at an average and strike rate of 55.66 and 159.80.
Faf du Plessis continued his good form from the IPL with 58 (40) in the first T20I, which was his first T20I fifty vs England in six games. His innings was filled with plenty of gorgeous strokeplay.
Eoin Morgan still has the most runs of any England player in SA-ENG T20Is (359, avg. 29.21, SR 147.13). However, can the England captain influence the game batting further down the order?
The South Africa captain, Quinton de Kock, has a crucial role to play. His strokeplay against Jofra Archer at Paarl was superb, and the Proteas will need to de Kock to build on a start.
de Kock has the most runs among current South Africa players against England: 6 T20Is, 242 runs, avg. 40.33, SR 171.63.
If picked, can Temba Bavuma show the kind of form he showed in early 2020? He was out in the first over in the opening T20I, after averaging 40.75 in the previous series against England earlier this year.
Is this the game that Jos Buttler fires? He was superb in the T20Is against Australia a few months ago (44 and 77*).
The number T20I batsman, Dawan Malan, has eight 50+ scores in 17 T20Is (avg. 46.73, SR 144.53). But, he hasn’t scored a 50 in his last three T20Is. Will this be his day?
Sam Curran’s rise has continued, after taking an excellent 3/28 in the opening T20I. His regular wickets kept South Africa in check. Also, Curran was Chennai Super Kings’ shining light in IPL 2020 (186 runs, 13 wickets).
George Linde (2/20) had an excellent T20I debut. The Paarl pitch could potentially suit his bowling once again.
Lungi Ngidi has taken 10 wickets in four matches vs England. Can he and Kagiso Rabada, who recently took 30 wickets in 17 matches in the IPL, lead the way for the Proteas?
Chris Jordan has the most wickets in SA-ENG T20Is (13 in 11 matches). Jofra Archer will be after an improved display in the second T20I, after winning MVP in the recent IPL (20 wickets in 14 games, econ. 6.55).
Since 2018-19, Tabraiz Shamsi has the most wickets on this ground (14) in the Mzansi Super League.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 20, South Africa 9, England 9, N/R 1, 1 abandoned.
England have won the last three matches against South Africa, all in 2020.
England have won six of their past seven T20 series. The only one they didn’t win was a 1-1 draw vs Pakistan earlier this year. In contrast, South Africa have not won a T20 series since March 2019.
Jason Roy is struggling for form. He had a poor summer in ODIs, with scores of 24, 0, 1, 3, 21 and 0 against Ireland and Australia, followed by a two-ball duck in the first T20I.
Heinrich Klaasen struck a century on this ground in an ODI vs Australia earlier this year. Can he transfer that form to a T20I?
This will be the first ever T20I at Boland Park, Paarl.
Possible Playing 11
Beuran Hendricks’ nightmare outing in the first T20I could pave the way for Anrich Nortje to play in this match. Also, South Africa could bring Reeza Hendricks or Janneman Malan in to open the batting.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks/Janneman Malan, 3. Temba Bavuma, 4. Faf du Plessis, 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. Heinrich Klaasen/Jon-Jon Smuts, 7. George Linde, 8. Lungi Ngidi, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Tom Curran had an expensive outing in the first T20I. Mark Wood could replace him.
England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Dawid Malan, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Eoin Morgan (c), 7. Sam Curran, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Adil Rashid, 10. Jofra Archer, 11. Mark Wood/Tom Curran
Boland Park Paarl Pitch and Weather Report
A good, easy-paced batting track is expected in this match. The average score batting first in all T20s on this ground since the start of the 2018-19 Mzansi Super League is 166. But, the team batting second has won nine of the 13 games in this period.
Also, a hot day is forecast, with temperatures expected to exceed the 30-degree mark.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
SA vs ENG 2nd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SA vs ENG 2nd T20I 2020 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
Massive game for South Africa. To win, they will need to be on for the full 40 overs, as they don’t possess the depth England has. Due to this depth of batting and sheer number of quality players, England look good to seal this series.
AUS vs IND 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs IND 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs India 2nd ODI Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
International cricket back with a bang? Check. Fireworks? Check. Sea of gold and blue in a rare sporting crowd in 2020? Check. India again losing the first match of a bilateral ODI series In SENA? Check. Australia’s top order, particularly Smith, brilliant once again? Check.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. But, India will be after a big change in performance in Sunday’s second ODI, after a horrendous fielding display left too much for their batsmen to do on Friday. Australia were poor in the field, too, which suggested that the teams were fighting off rust, but with the temperatures forecast to cross 40 degrees in Sydney, the heat is on India, both literally and figuratively, to turn things around.
It’s not like India haven’t been here before. In fact, the team that has gone on to take a series lead has lost the last three ODI series between Australia and India, which should give Virat Kohli’s team hope. India came back from 1-0 to win 2-1 in Australia in 2019, and did the same at home earlier in 2020. However, the peculiar absence of Rohit Sharma, which has even confused Kohli, as well as India’s five-bowler conundrum, are issues they need to overcome, fast.
For Australia, their good ODI form continues after victory over World Champions England two months ago. A quality top order that includes Warner, Finch and Smith is always good enough to take advantage of poor bowling and fielding, and they did just that. Running between the wickets was a key feature, but with a heatwave across Sydney on the weekend, every ounce of fitness and discipline will be required to take out this series.
This applies to the bowlers, too. Mitchell Starc was significantly off-colour, with Josh Hazlewood picking up the slack with a game-changing opening spell. Adam Zampa continued his magnificent form, so if Australia can deliver better with the new ball, the platform will be set to target an Indian middle order that looks over its shoulder and sees a long tail.
AUS vs IND 2nd ODI Preview Dream11: Can Kohli overcome his SCG woes?
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Steve Smith just loves playing India. His century in the first ODI was his fourth against the Indians out of 10 career centuries overall. Overall, Smith averages a remarkable 63.25 in 16 ODI innings against India (1,012 runs, SR 102.22).
India will need to break the Aaron Finch-David Warner partnership as early as possible. The excellent opening combination combined for a 156-run opening stand in the first ODI, with Finch then going on to make his fourth hundred in 29 innings vs India (overall avg. 47.32).
Warner is 93 runs away from 1,000 ODI runs against India. He has scored his runs at an average of 50.38 against them.
Shikhar Dhawan will be key at the top. He has been superb against Australia in recent times. His last four scores against them read: 117 (109), 74 (91), 96 (90) and 74 (86).
Virat Kohli has a magnificent record against Australia (1,931 runs, avg. 53.63). However, the Indian skipper has not enjoyed playing at the SCG to date, with just 57 runs in six innings on this ground (avg. 11.40). Can he overcome this poor record?
Glenn Maxwell in such batting form makes Australia an even more dangerous unit. He is coming off 45 (19) in the first ODI after a poor IPL campaign.
Watch out for Hardik Pandya. Even though he is only playing as a batsman, Hardik can still influence a match. He scored an excellent 90 (76) in the opening ODI, after 281 runs at an average and strike rate of 35.12 and 178.98 in IPL 2020.
Can Jasprit Bumrah rise from his ODI slumber? India’s leading seamer has taken just two wickets in seven ODIs in 2020 at an average of 180. More is expected of Mitchell Starc, too, with the left-arm pacer taking 12 wickets in 10 ODIs this year at an average of 47.
How well is Adam Zampa going? The leg-spinner now has 24 wickets in his last 11 ODIs, as well as 24 wickets in 14 matches against India. He is coming off 4/54 in the first ODI, and has dismissed Virat Kohli five times.
Josh Hazlewood was Australia’s star up front, finishing with 3/55 on Friday. The seamer has taken seven wickets in his last four ODIs (against England and India).
No bowler has taken more wickets than Mohammed Shami’s 53 since the start of 2019. He was the only Indian bowler to go for less than six an over in the first ODI, and took three wickets as well.
Stats and Facts
Steve Smith loves batting at the SCG (avg. 57.30 in 13 knocks), as does David Warner (avg. 58.00 in 15 knocks).
Steve Smith’s century was the third-fastest ever by an Australian in ODIs.
Both Jasprit Bumrah (36.84) and Mitchell Starc (34.70) average above 30 with the ball in Australia-India ODIs.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini went for a combined 2/172 in their 20 overs on Friday.
The team batting first has won the last six ODIs at the SCG.
The team that has won the first ODI in the last three Australia-India series has gone on to lose the series.
Possible Playing 11
Marcus Stoinis left the field in the first ODI with a side injury. He had scans on Friday night, but given that the second ODI is soon after the first, it is likely he will miss out.
So, Australia have the option of handing an international debut to the talented Cameron Green. However, Justin Langer previously said that Green will only play if he can bowl some overs. Given that Green has just come back to the bowling crease after stress fractures in his back last season, it remains to be seen if Australia play him on a day where temperatures will exceed 40 degrees. Moises Henriques and Sean Abbott are the other two pace-bowling all-rounder options.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Moises Henriques/Sean Abbott/Cameron Green, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
The big question for India is whether they stick with the same XI. Hardik Pandya’s terrific performance as a specialist batsman means he has to be in the side, but someone like Shardul Thakur could be brought in for extra batting cover in the lower order. India also have the option of bringing in yorker specialist T Natarajan for more stability at the death.
Also, eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, after a worrying dismissal against the short ball in the opening ODI.
The toss could prove crucial in this one, for three reasons. First, the team batting first has won the last six ODIs at the SCG. Second, the same pitch will be used as Friday, which will slow up further as the day progresses. Third, the very hot conditions will bake the pitch further throughout the day, which could mean spin and cutters into the pitch will be the key strategy.
The forecast is for a very, very hot day, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees celsius. A score in the region of 310-320 can be a difficult one to chase.
Historically, India have shown ability to bounce back after a first-up defeat. However, their team balance (or lack of) requires every one of their experienced players to deliver, which can bring on pressure. India will get better, but so will Australia, in a game where batting first and notching a score in the region of 300 will be key.
