Babar Azam takes over Test captaincy for Pakistan | Babar Azam replaces Azhar Ali to become Pakistan’s new Test captain
Babar Azam has been appointed as the new captain of Pakistan in Test cricket. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani confirmed this to the media on November 10.
Babar will take over the responsibility in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship games against New Zealand, which will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from December 26-30 and January 3-7 respectively.
Azhar Ali was the captain of only the Test team and Azam was managing the limited over format until now. The 26-year-old cricketer has helped the team win five of the seven T20Is under his captaincy. “Babar Azam was identified at a very young age as a future leader and as part of his progression and development, he was appointed white-ball captain last year,” Mani said. “With his consistent performance and leadership skills, he has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the additional responsibilities of a captain.
Things started to boil up, after Pakistan had a terrible Australia tour under Ali’s captaincy where even he struggled for his form, which was later on followed by tours by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. “As we are looking into the future, it is appropriate that we appoint him the captain now so that he continues to grow stronger with every match. I wish Babar all the best and remain optimistic that he will help Pakistan cricket make an upward movement across all formats not only through his performance but also with his positive attitude and result-oriented approach”, Mani said.
According to Cricbuzz reports, Babar said he was honoured to be appointed as the new captain for Test. “I am ready and prepared to take up the additional responsibility and the fact which gives me additional confidence is that I can do the job is the experience that is available to me in the changing room in the shape of the players and support staff. I want to thank Azhar Ali for the way he captained the team in the last season, which was a difficult one, but I know that he will leave no stone unturned in giving his very best to the team”, the captain said.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
5th IPL Title: Twitter reacts as MI further confirm greatness | Twitter reactions to Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL Title
When making predictions for such a competitive league, the two doubts over Mumbai Indians were their struggles in even years, as well as a potential lack of depth in their spin department for a tournament in the UAE.
But, those doubts went out the window as the great Mumbai Indians won their fifth IPL Title, taking them two ahead of Chennai Super Kings, who have three Titles.
Their pace attack was irresistible throughout, led by the two B’s – Boult & Bumrah. Their batting was the epitome of what a T20 batting lineup should be: a mix of power and class at the top, followed by depth and brute strength down the order.
Mumbai Indians’ 2020 season was one of dominance. Only once did they lose heavily, which was the last league game of the season – a game that meant nothing to Rohit Sharma’s men. And, whenever they won, they won handsomely. This includes the IPL Final, where their bowling in the powerplay and death overs, as well as their supreme batting, meant they were too good for the Delhi Capitals.
Here are some of the many reactions on Twitter to the IPL 2020 Final, where MI became the second team to win back-to-back IPL Titles and further confirmed their greatness.
Also read:Check out how CricBlog’s IPL 2020 Predictions panned out
Let the celebrations begin
Cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, one of MI’s greatest, led the celebrations online. Fans, both MI and rival, also congratulated the franchise.
Congratulations, MI. Well-deserved! Quite easily the finest T20 side in the globe. Yes, a less enthusiastic appreciation tweet since it's becoming repetitive now, haha. 5 titles in 8 years is nobbut insane. Well done, @MahelaJay & @ImRo45!
The Delhi Capitals have taken big strides over the past two seasons. Even though they went through a difficult period in the backend of the season, they got their act together to reach the Final. To reach 156/7 after reeling at 25/3 is a positive to build on for future campaigns. The efforts of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant under pressure were particularly encouraging.
Appreciate this young Captain who brought his team to the IPL final. The way Shreyas Iyer has captained the entire season and batted so well scored 500+ runs in this #IPL2020 , he is Fantastic. Outstanding @ShreyasIyer15.!! #IPLfinalpic.twitter.com/rEx1fifmQP
Congrats to the @BCCI@SGanguly99 and all the @IPL staff and players on making this season another huge success ! A massive thanks to the players for the sacrifices they have made. Congrats to the @mipaltan on the victory & well done to the @DelhiCapitals on a great season too ! pic.twitter.com/CauLkXx1V2
Rishabh Pant came in at 5-3 in wc sf 2019 and showed that stomach to fight with 32 and today again in a final albeit of IPL has come in at 22-3 and played a mature knock. He has got real spark this guy, do not write him off just yet.
Great knock from Rohit Sharma and more silverware for the MI captain
Also read:Check out how CricBlog’s IPL 2020 Predictions panned out
Rohit Sharma has led MI to all their five IPL Titles, which takes his overall tally to six. His innings was one of high class, putting on a show in what could have been a tricky run chase.
There goes the mighty pull! ROHIT SHARMA IS BACK TO BUSINESS FOLKS! #MIvsDC
Trent Boult’s opening burst was high class, which set the tone. His 3/30, as well as the efforts of Bumrah, Coulter-Nile and Jayant Jadhav, kept DC to an under-par score.
Very well bowled Nathan Coulter-nile..????? despite bumrah not picking wkts, we restricted them below 160, which is remarkable.. Trent Boult take a bow! Wkts in the pp and bigggg wkt of Hetmyer later..157 is gettable..Let's chase it boys..????? #MIvsDC
From 2008 to 2012, Mumbai Indians were without an IPL Title. Out of the next eight years, MI have been triumphant five times, which is testament to their processes and consistency. A superb performance in the IPL 2020 Final.
Bangladesh cricketer Mominul Haque tests positive for Covid-19 | Bangladesh Test skipper Mominul tests positive for coronavirus
Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque has tested positive for COVID-19, confirmed the national cricket board.
In a statement, the board informed that Haque’s test report came on Monday, after which he quarantined himself. “I only came to know yesterday that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I had fever for the last two days. Even I am running temperature today. But otherwise, there aren’t any other symptoms,” Haque said. His participation in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup later this month is doubtful.
Haque was subjected to Covid-19 test after senior player Mahmudullah Riyad contracting the virus which forced him to miss the Pakistan Super League play-offs, says PTI report.
Bangladesh cricket board chief physician Dr Debashish Chowdhury confirmed the news to a local news website ‘Sarabangla’. Mominul is coronavirus positive with mild symptoms, Chowdhury said to the news channel.
His contribution to the national team is now on hold unless he tested negative and gets fit enough for the game.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
I have deleted many social media apps and hardly read anything about Test selection: Will Pucovski | Will Pucovski says he is staying focused
Will Pucovski is in the news for his marvellous back-to-back double centuries in the Sheffield Shield matches which has led to speculation about his inclusion in Australia’s Test squad to face India.
The Victoria batsman has hit 255* and 202 in the last 10 days but he seems to keep his head down when it comes to acknowledging all the plaudits coming his way. Recently while talking to the media about his potential International honours, he said that he is staying away from most of the social media platforms to stay away from the chatters happening online about his powerpack performance.
“To be honest, I’ve deleted every cricket app and most social media off my phone… I haven’t really read anything about it, it’s something that’s completely out of my control so all I can do is present myself every day and hopefully do well”, he said as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo.com
After hitting 202 in the match against Western Australia, where he also opens for his team, there are reports that suggest Pucovski might get to open with David Warner for Australia against India. “You don’t get the chance to make 200 very often. So when you’re in that kind of position, there’s that inner burning competitiveness where you just go, ‘Gee, it would be pretty cool to get two doubles on the trot’,” he said.
Among many other record that the 22-year-old cricketer has made, one is of becoming the first Shield batsman after Dene Hills (1997-98) to make consecutive double-hundreds, thus making it three in a career that is just 22 games old. But he also admits that being on field for this long gives immense fatigue too. He said that there were stages during his innings that he would defocus from the game as the tiredness would kick in.
“You do get that build-up of fatigue over a week or two. There was probably a stage yesterday where I felt myself losing it a bit, but managed to switch back into gear which felt really good. [And so did] just knowing that I can switch back on and get back into that zone. It’s [about] getting into my batting bubble and routines and for the first time in a couple of weeks, I felt myself just leaving that a little bit. But it was only for a very short period. It’s one of those things where I’ve developed the process now that I know how to get myself back into that space. I’ve been really happy with how I’ve been backing my instinct and just playing off intuition. The more I can do that, more regularly the results will hopefully come”, he added.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
IPL 2020 Final: MI vs DC Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | MI vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report
After 59 matches filled with endless drama, speculation and conversation, it comes down to this. We’ll either see one team pick up their fifth IPL Title or one achieve their first ever triumph, as 40 good overs on the big day is all that matters.
There is an argument to suggest that Mumbai Indians have been even better in 2020 than in their Title-winning season of 2019. Their wins have been as impressive as they have been comprehensive, which includes a thumping 57-run win against today’s opponents in last week’s Qualifier 1. The batting, filled with contributors right the way down the order, complements their magnificent bowling attack, led by the magnificent Jasprit Bumrah. Now, in an even year, MI have the opportunity to pull ahead of the chasing pack and further confirm their greatness.
Their sheer relentless and machine-like consistency is a benchmark for all other franchises to follow. One team looking to reach those heights in future years is Delhi Capitals, who have been so up-and-down in recent times. However, what has happened previously doesn’t matter now, as what happens in the 40 overs on the day is most important. The move to have Marcus Stoinis as opener and Shimron Hetmyer in earlier worked wonders for the Capitals against SRH in Qualifier 2, and the top order will no doubt be key as the Capitals were reduced to 0/3 in their last game vs MI. Plus, to have Kagiso Rabada back in the wickets is encouraging, as the brilliant pacer has to lead the way against an irresistible MI batting lineup.
IPL 2020 Final: MI vs DC Preview Dream11:Bumrah and Quinton de Kock have been excellent.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Ishan Kishan has had a superb season, with the fourth-most runs of any player (483 runs, avg. 53.66, SR 144.17). This includes scores of 28 (15), 72* (47) and 55* (30) against DC.
Quinton de Kock, who has the same number of runs as Kishan (483, avg. 37.15, SR 139.59), will also be key in thwarting DC’s powerplay efforts. Like Kishan, de Kock has also been in the runs vs DC in IPL 2020: 53 (36), 26 (28) and 40 (25).
de Kock’s battle with R Ashwin will be key. Ashwin has dismissed QdK four times in six innings, and took 3/29 vs MI in Qualifier 1.
When Shikhar Dhawan performs, DC perform. If he doesn’t, DC find themselves in big trouble. The left-hander is 68 runs away from claiming the 2020 Orange Cap. More importantly, in DC’s last two wins, he has struck 54 and 78. In DC’s last four losses, Dhawan has made 6, 0, 0, 0. Also, Dhawan still has a fine career record vs MI: 23 inns, 733 runs, avg. 40.72, SR 128.60.
So, how will he respond to being castled by a simply magnificent Jasprit Bumrah yorker in Qualifier 1? The star fast bowler has been irresistible in recent times, taking 15 wickets in his last six matches, including 3/14 and 4/14 against DC.
Marcus Stoinis is back in his preferred position of opener. He struck 65 (46) against MI last week, and is coming off a player-of-the-match performance in Qualifier 2 vs SRH (38 and 3/26). He and Shimron Hetmyer (42* off 22 balls vs SRH) will be key in giving DC the impetus they need to challenge MI.
What a year Suryakumar Yadav has had. The classy right-hander, who is deserving of a spot in India’s T20I squad, has struck four half-centuries in IPL 2020, part of 461 runs at an average of 41.90. Two of these half-centuries have come against DC: 53 (32), 12* (11) and 51 (38).
Rohit Sharma has the most runs in DC-MI matches (565, avg. 31.39, SR 130.49). He is coming off a golden duck against them in Qualifier 1, so will today be his day?
Hardik Pandya was outstanding in Qualifier 1, with his 37* off 14 balls propelling MI to 200. The threat he has with Kieron Pollard (SR 190.44 in IPL 2020) is a key differentiator for MI.
Kagiso Rabada will be crucial for DC. The Protea seamer is now back as the Purple Cap holder (29 wickets), but Bumrah is close behind on 27. Also, Rabada has gone wicketless in each of his last two outings vs MI: 0/27 and 0/42.
Trent Boult has had an amazing partnership with Bumrah. The left-arm seamer has 22 wickets in IPL 2020, including five in his last two vs DC (3/21 and 2/9).
Can Anrich Nortje deliver the goods today, particularly at the death where he has been expensive in recent games? The pace bowler is one of eight bowlers to have 20 or more wickets in IPL 2020.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 27, MI 15, DC 12.
MI have beaten DC on all three occasions in IPL 2020, all by comfortable margins (five wickets, nine wickets, 57 runs).
Kieron Pollard has been magnificent in IPL Finals for MI. The superstar was player-of-the-match in 2013 (60 off 32 balls), smashed 36 off 18 balls in 2015 and struck a vital 41* off 25 balls in 2019.
Krunal Pandya was player of the match in the IPL 2017 Final (47 off 38 balls). Also, Krunal has an excellent all-round record vs DC: 10 matches, 248 runs, avg. 35.43, SR 175.89, nine wickets, avg. 18.78, econ. 6.22.
Marcus Stoinis has a solid record against pace in IPL (avg. 32.00, SR 147.55). But, his record vs spin dips (avg. 26.08, SR 123.71), which could prompt MI to use Krunal or Rahul Chahar in the powerplay.
Rishabh Pant has been very quiet in IPL 2020 (SR 109.12). But, he has a solid record vs MI (9 inns, 243 runs, avg. 30.38, SR 149.08), and DC will be hoping he can show that form today.
This is Delhi’s first-ever appearance in an IPL Final.
Possible Playing 11
Trent Boult had a slight groin niggle in Qualifier 1, which forced an early end to his spell. According to Rohit, he has been bowling well in the nets and looks good to play in the Final.
The team batting first has won 15 of 25 matches at Dubai. However, chasing teams have had more joy in recent times, winning six of the last 10 games. But, what the playoffs has shown is that if you score in the region of 190-200, it is a mighty difficult chase under pressure, even with the dew.
So, the captain may be tempted to bat first and put pressure on the opposition. The team batting first has won four of the last five IPL Finals.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
IPL 2020 Final: MI vs DC Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2020 Final: MI vs DC Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
It all comes down to this. Which team will hold their nerve? Delhi’s batting improved significantly against SRH, but tackling Mumbai’s bowling is a whole different challenge.
Based on my pre-tournament prediction, Mumbai Indians will go on to win IPL 2020 thanks to their superior batting and bowling depth.
Virat Kohli to leave Australia after 1st Test to attend birth of first child | BCCI grants India captain Virat Kohli leave to be with wife who is due to give birth
Virat Kohli, the Indian captain and one of the world’s finest batsmen, will leave Australia after the first Test. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Kohli has been granted paternity leave as his wife, Anushkha Sharma, is due to give birth to their first child in January.
Kohli had originally informed the BCCI of his plans to return to India, before the BCCI confirmed the details.
“At the selection committee meeting held on October 26th, 2020, Mr Virat Kohli had informed the BCCI about his plans to return to India after the first Test in Adelaide. The BCCI has granted paternity leave to the Indian captain. He will return after the first Test against Australia in Adelaide,” read the statement on the BCCI website.
Kohli will participate in Adelaide, which will be a day/night Test that kicks off the four-match blockbuster series. India will be hoping that Kohli leaves a mark on the series at a ground where he has enjoyed success at in the past. Much will now rest on Cheteshwar Pujara, who was superb in Australia two years ago, as well as the experienced and arguably under-appreciated Ajinkya Rahane.
It was an eventful tour when Kohli was last in Australia.
With the news that Kohli will depart after the first Test, India have added Rohit Sharma to the Test squad. Rohit’s fitness has been subject to back-and-forth between Sourav Ganguly and Mumbai Indians, after Rohit played against Sunrisers Hyderabad last week, merely hours after the BCCI President said that Rohit is at risk of re-injuring his hamstring. Rohit has since confirmed his hamstring is “absolutely fine”, but he has been rested from the ODIs and T20Is.
“The BCCI Medical Team has been monitoring Rohit Sharma’s fitness and has briefed All-India Senior Selection Committee on the same. In consultation with Mr Sharma, it has been decided to rest him for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia to regain full fitness and he has been included in India’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” read the statement on the BCCI website.
In other news regarding India’s Test squad, Ishant Sharma’s fitness is also being monitored. “The senior Indian fast bowler has been undergoing his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Once he fully recovers and gains sufficient match fitness, he will be added to India’s Test squad,” confirmed the BCCI.
Will Pucovski scores 2nd double; banging on the door of Test selection | Talented Australian batsman Will Pucovski in magnificent form
Will Pucovski has amazed the Australian cricket fans with his second-straight double century, this time against Western Australia in Adelaide. Resuming unbeaten on 183 on day two of Victoria’s clash against Western Australia in Adelaide, Pucovski converted it into double century – 202 runs, 40 minutes into play.
Converting his sixth First Class century into third double century, the 22-year old player has dominated this season by becoming the first player after Tasmanian Dene Hills in 1997-98 to complete successive double centuries in the Shield. The 22-year-old player joins an elite club which includes names such as Ponsford, Bradman, Morris and Jones, who struck consecutive Shield double tons for Victoria in 1991.
Last week, he had scored 255 against South Australia becoming first player after Dean Jones to score most runs between Sheffield Shield dismissals.
Fewest #SheffieldShield innings to make four scores of 180 or above:
27 – WILL PUCOVKSI 30 – Alan Kippax 32 – Bill Ponsford 35 – Don Bradman 53 – Lindsay Hassett 54 – Warren Bardsley 63 – Matthew Elliott@wwos
Pucovski was picked in the Australian Test squad for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in 2019. But, later on, due to his mental health concerns, he was released from the squad.
“I feel really comfortable within myself now and more so than I did last year and more so than the year before that. There’s obviously a lot of different things that have been going on that I’ve wanted to get under control and in that sense, I feel like I’ve done that from a holistic perspective. In that sense, I feel like I’m really ready because I put that much work in I guess to make sure that I am in a good space”, the player said last week to the media.
On fourth day, Victoria gave a target of 414 to WA and on day two they trail by 273 runs as SE Marsh and C Green are at the pitch at 66 and 53 runs respectively.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, former Victorian batsman Brad Hodge labelled Pucovski a once in a generation talent. “You know what it’s like when you come across a sportsman that’s just got every tool you need to be a superstar, and Will’s it. He’s a once in a generation (player) where he can play 100 Test matches, and given the circumstances around his health — hopefully, that’s fine — now it’s as good a time as ever to get him in the Test side. Going back a year and a half ago, he was pretty close to being selected in the Test side but just had to fight through those personal issues. The temperament of the young kid is outstanding so physically, mentally, and skillfully he’s in a pretty good place”, he said.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
Mumbai Indians All-Time Great XI | Which players make Mumbai India’s all-time great XI?
Mumbai Indians confirmed their place in the final of this year’s IPL after thrashing Delhi Capitals in a dominant 57-run showing in Qualifier 1. The reigning champions are on course of lifting their fifth IPL title. They are the most successful IPL team with 116 wins, four draws, and 80 losses. Going into the Final, we ask ourselves which players would make the ultimate Mumbai Indians XI.
Openers
When Mumbai Indians is mentioned, the first name that comes into mind is that of Sachin Tendulkar. He is hailed as one of the greatest batsmen ever to grace the field. He was captain of the side during the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. He also became the first Indian to win the prestigious Orange Cap when he steered this side into the final of the 2010 IPL tournament. Sachin retired after guiding MI to their first IPL trophy in 2013.
Another great player that would make it to the ultimate XI is Lendl Simmons. The batsman was signed in April 2014, with MI having lost four consecutive games. He managed to turn their fortunes around and make it to the playoffs after a memorable win against Rajasthan Royals.
Middle-order
Mumbai Indians All-Time Great XI: Rohit has been superb for MI as a leader over the years.
One of the players who would be expected to excel in dealing with middle overs in an ideal MI XI is Rohit Sharma. His 3,728 runs averaging 31.86 in a game at a strike rate of 130.62 is the highest in the history of IPL. As vice-captain, he has been involved in the four IPL titles that MI have won. Partnering him would be Ambati Rayudu, who holds the record for the third-highest run-scorer for the Mumbai Indians.
All-rounders
Mumbai Indians All-Time Great XI: Kieron Pollard is one of the all-time T20 greats.
Kieron Pollard has, on many occasions, single handedly changed the course of matches in favour of MI. One of his greatest matches was the 2013 final where he scored 60 runs unbeaten in just 32 balls. His exploits in this game earned MI its maiden IPL title. Hardik Pandya is another all-rounder who would make it to the greatest MI XI with his strike rate of 154.74. Another all-rounder who makes it to the list is Krunal Pandya, brother to Hardik. His most instrumental season was in 2017 where his 47 innings helped secure the title for the MI.
Bowlers
Mumbai Indians All-Time Great XI: Lasith Malinga was such an asset for MI.
Harbhajan Singh is the first name to come up when talking about the greatest bowlers to have worn the MI shirt. The Punjab cricketer is the highest wicket-taker for the MI franchise. He also has an impressive strike rate of 142.42. Mitchell Johnson, an Australian, would also be one of the names that would make it to the ultimate MI XI. Lasith Malinga is the highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 170 wickets and would most probably lead the attack. The final MI XI spot would go to Jasprit Bumrah, who has been the most consistent bowler with 82 wickets.
Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Starc has signed a new contract with Sydney Sixers for this year’s Big Bash League. The news came as surprises as most of the Australian Test players were expected to miss out from BBL this year due to the risk of burnout by living in constant bubble life.
Starc was part of the Sixers when they won the first BBL in 2011-12, “I started at the Sixers at BBL01 and it’s nice to continue that journey at a club I’ve still been around with my wife Alyssa involved with the Sixers”, he said in a statement.
“I’ve been watching from afar, the Big Bash, so it’s nice to be back involved this year and seeing the guys run around it’s a great product. It’s a great time of the year for cricket in Australia and the Big Bash just shows that level of cricket and I guess that excitement that everyone wants to watch. I was watching Steve and Josh get back involved last year, and still being around and involved with the club I saw a little bit of an opportunity to jump back in. I’m just really looking forward to being back with some of my really close mates that play for NSW and the Sixers. There’s some great people at the Sixers behind the scenes too”, Starc added.
✍️ SIGNING NEWS! Mitchell Starc is back in magenta for @BBL|10!
England wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow has also signed in the BBL, linking up with Melbourne Stars and will be available for the games post-Christmas, as England is all set for South Africa tour. Making his debut in the league, the 31-year old cricketer is beyond thrilled to join hands with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
“The list is looking good and I can’t wait to get involved alongside Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa who I’ve been playing against during the IPL. I know Melbourne has been through a tough time over the winter with COVID so I hope the Stars can bring some of the fun back over summer and put a smile on people’s faces,” he said in reports by IANS.
Melbourne Stars head coach David Hussey acknowledged the fact that Bairstow’s batting and help with the gloves will act as a major benefit for the Stars. “I’m glad that Jonny has decided to make his BBL debut with us at the Melbourne Stars. He’s been playing at the top level with England for almost a decade now and brings a real competitive fire to matches. His experience and versatility will be a valuable addition to our batting line-up, and we’ve got several ‘keeping options in the squad as well”, Hussey said.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
IPL 2020 Qualifier 2: DC vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report
If this match follows the form guide, then it is a no contest.
Delhi Capitals, who promised plenty at the halfway stage of IPL 2020, have fallen away badly, losing five of their last six matches. In those five losses, four have been heavy margins, with the latest being a 57-run drubbing at the hands of Mumbai Indians. But, DC, thanks to finishing second, get another shot at reaching the Final, and they must make it count.
However, it won’t be easy. Sunrisers Hyderabad are in magnificent form, with four wins on the trot. Led by the bowlers and Kane Williamson, SRH held their nerve in the Eliminator against RCB, and will be buyoyed by such a result. Also, SRH have played four do-or-die matches in a row – experience that can hold them in great stead heading into this one. So, despite injuries to key players, can David Warner’s men continue their great form and book a date in the IPL 2020 Final?
IPL 2020 Qualifier 2: DC vs SRH Preview Dream11: David Warner will be key.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
David Warner smashed 66 off 34 balls against DC two weeks ago. He has a fine overall record against them, with 440 runs at an average of 44.00 and SR 131.34. Crucial player.
Warner will be even more important if Wriddhiman Saha is out with injury. Also, Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson (half-century vs RCB) will be key. Williamson has a magnificent record for SRH vs DC: 9 inns, 338 runs, avg. 56.33, SR 133.60.
Arguably the biggest difference to SRH has been Jason Holder. The brilliant all-rounder has taken 13 wickets in his six matches so far in IPL 2020. He is one to watch against DC’s struggling top order.
So, with DC struggling with the bat, Shikhar Dhawan has a big responsibility to score well. Dhawan averages just 14 in five matches for DC against SRH, so Shreyas Iyer’s men will be hoping he turns this around.
Can Rishabh Pant deliver in a time of need? The left-hander has a strike rate of just 109.61 in IPL 2020, but has a good record against SRH: 11 inns, 392 runs, avg. 43.56, SR 148.48.
Shreyas Iyer also had 300+ runs vs SRH (310 runs, avg. 31). DC needs more from their captain, even though he has 433 runs in IPL 2020 (avg. 30.92, SR 123.36).
Marcus Stoinis is coming off a fine knock of 65 off 46 balls vs MI.
How good has Sandeep Sharma been in recent times? He has taken eight wickets in his last five games, which includes 2/27 vs DC two weeks ago.
Rashid Khan tormented DC last time out. The Afghan star took a remarkable 3/7, part of 19 wickets in 15 games in IPL 2020 (econ. 5.30).
Kagiso Rabada (25 wickets in IPL 2020) has gone wicketless in three of his last four games. Can he influence this game and overtake Jasprit Bumrah to become the Purple Cap holder? His South African pace partner, Anrich Nortje (20 wickets in IPL 2020), will also be key.
R Ashwin is coming off three wickets vs MI.
T Natarajan has 16 wickets in 15 games in IPL 2020, and will be key at the death.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 17, DC 6, SRH 11.
SRH have won both matches against DC in IPL 2020. The most recent meeting was a hiding, where SRH won by 88 runs after they smashed 219/2 with the bat.
Will DC persist with Prithvi Shaw? He has scored just 49 runs in his last eight innings at an average of 6.1.
Since 2019, Rashid Khan has taken 10 wickets in five games vs DC at an economy rate of just 3.8.
DC have lost six of their last seven playoffs matches. However, their win came against SRH last season.
It was a slow pitch on offer for both SRH and RCB in the Eliminator. More of the same can be expected here, with the captain who wins the toss to select chasing. Teams batting second have won eight of the last nine games in Abu Dhabi.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
IPL 2020 Qualifier 2: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
IPL 2020 Qualifier 2: DC vs SRH Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
On form, SRH will beat DC. However, this is the IPL and anything can happen. The key for DC will be to make inroads into SRH’s top order and then bat well themselves. If DC bat as poorly as they have been, then SRH will win.
