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KL Rahul recalls controversial ‘short run’ as factor

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KL Rahul recalls controversial ‘short run’ in KXIP’s unsuccessful run | Kings XI Punjab miss out on playoffs and recall key moments in their season

Kings XI Punjab gave a tough fight in the last few matches in IPL 2020, but eventually ended on a harsh note. In last night’s match, Chennai Super Kings won the game by 9 wickets and pushed KL Rahul’s team out of playoffs contention. Rahul pointed out that the controversial short run call against the Delhi Capitals match has eventually come back to bite them very hard.

In Punjab’s first match this season, Nitin Menon was umpiring the 19th over and Chris Jordan and Mayank Agarwal were on the pitch. Replays suggest that Jordan’s bat has gone past the crease by Menon gave it a short run call, which lead to a Super Over which the Capitals won. Rahul also mentioned the controversial umpiring in reference to how the KXIP lost some of the easy wins that has lead the team to drop out of the running.

Kings XI CEO Satish Menon had then said that, there is no room for human errors like these in a world-class tournament like the IPL. “This one could cost us a playoff berth”, he said to PTI.

“A lot could have [been different],” KL Rahul told the host broadcaster after the match against the Super Kings. “It was disappointing. If you look back, there were times where we had a lot of games in our pockets, (but) we couldn’t get over the line and finish. Then we only have ourselves to blame. Starting with the first game, the short run, looking back at it, it’s come back to bite us very hard. It’s life – we all make mistakes, we’ve made a few mistakes this season as a team, we need to accept it, learn from it and come back.”

The Kings XI had lost six of the first seven matches and it was their win against Bangalore that sparked new momentum in the team and they went on to win five games in a row becoming a strong contender for the playoffs. “We didn’t have results going our way in the first half. The team still felt we were playing good cricket, we were patchy at times, the bowling and batting didn’t come together in the first half, but the second half we started doing that really well. Really proud that we gave ourselves an opportunity to come in the top four and unfortunate that today and yesterday’s game didn’t go our way but there’s a lot of things to proud of as a team, so hopefully come back stronger next year and forget this year”, Rahul said.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

10 days ago, these two teams looked all-but-certain to make the playoffs. In fact, the talk was which team would make the top two, with the possibility of even both having the insurance of playing in Qualifier 1.

Fast forward a week-and-a-half, and the picture looks a lot more grim. The winner will still play in Qualifier 1 against a red-hot MI side, but the loser could be knocked out of the tournament, which seemed unthinkable just a short while ago.

Delhi Capitals have hit a wall at the worst possible time. They have lost their past four matches, with their last three losses all thrashings. In fact, their net run rate has gone down by 0.933 in the past three matches, which has them walking on a tightrope given KKR’s big win over RR last evening.

Their opponents, Royal Challengers Bangalore, are on their own slide, having lost each of their past three matches. Things have certainly felt more positive for RCB this season, so missing out on a playoffs spot would be damaging and devastating for all associated with the franchise, particularly the fans. So, in a crunch game – the kind RCB have struggled in over the years – can they hold their nerve to seal a top-four berth?

IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs DC Dream11 Team Combination | DC vs RCB Prediction | DC vs RCB who will win | DC vs RCB which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 – Dhawan will be key for DC.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • Delhi’s batting has gone completely off the boil in recent matches. Shikhar Dhawan’s run of three low scores in a row has exposed DC’s batting, after four consecutive 50+ scores (including two centuries) by the left-hander.
  • So, can Dhawan lead the way today? He make a 50+ score every four innings against RCB (5 in 19 knocks), and Shreyas Iyer’s men need him to do so today.
  • On the opposing side, it is AB de Villiers who is key for RCB. In RCB wins, ABD has scored 246 runs at an average of 123 and SR of 203.31. In RCB losses, this comes down to 117 runs at an average of 19.50.
  • So, Virat Kohli and ABD have a crucial role to play in a crunch game against a favourable opponent. The RCB skipper loves playing Delhi, with 892 runs against them at a superb average of 63.71 (SR 138.72). de Villiers has struck 439 runs in 12 inns for RCB against DC, at an average of 54.88 and SR 163.81.
  • It was Axar Patel who won player of the match vs RCB earlier in IPL 2020 (2/18). The left-arm spinner could be a trump card against Kohli and ABD, as they strike at just 109 and 110 respectively this season against balls turning away.
  • Marcus Stoinis hasn’t recaptured the form he had earlier in the season. But, today would be the perfect day to do so, as he plays a team he enjoyed success against earlier this season (53* off 26 balls).
  • Rishabh Pant has struck at just 112 runs per 100 balls in IPL 2020. Can he release the shackles today? His 311 career runs vs RCB come at an excellent average of 38.88 and strike rate of 155.50.
  • Devdutt Padikkal has struck 311 runs in his last 10 innings in IPL 2020. He and Josh Philippe (33 and 32 in last two games) will be key in setting a platform for RCB’s two big guns.
  • Kagiso Rabada has gone wicketless in two straight games after taking at least one wicket in 25 consecutive IPL matches. He took 4/24 vs RCB earlier this year, and DC desperately needs him to deliver today.
  • His South African pace partner, Anrich Nortje, took 2/22 vs RCB earlier this season, part of 16 wickets in 12 games in IPL 2020.
  • Can Yuzvendra Chahal and Chris Morris break the back of DC’s batting effort? Chahal has the most wickets in DC-RCB matches (14 in 12 games), and has the most wickets of any spinner in IPL 2020 (20 in 13 games). Morris has taken 11 wickets in eight games in 2020, but just two in his last four. Crucial time to step up.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 25, RCB 15, DC 9, N/R 1.
  • DC (196/4) smashed RCB (137/9) by 59 runs earlier this season. Prithvi Shaw scored a swushbuckling 43 off 22 balls that match. However, he has scored just 40 runs in his next six knocks.
  • DC’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, is striking at just 123.95 in IPL 2020. He has scored a very respectable 414 runs (avg. 34.50), but one feels he has another gear in him.
  • The battle between Chahal and Iyer could be key. Iyer has scored 73 runs vs legspin in IPL 2020 at a strike rate of 107 this season, with four dismissals.
  • Whoever wins this match will play MI in Qualifier 1. The loser will need to ensure they don’t lose by too many to qualify in the event that SRH win.

Possible Playing 11

Delhi Capitals: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Axar Patel, 8. R Ashwin, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Pravin Dubey

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Devdutt Padikkal, 2. Josh Philippe (wk), 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Chris Morris, 7. Gurkeerat Singh, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Navdeep Saini, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Abu Dhabi Pitch and Weather Report

The chasing team has won five of the past six matches at Abu Dhabi, as the dew has played a key role. However, as KKR showed last night, a good score batting first can heap pressure on the opposition. So, the team that bats first should remain focused and full of belief.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs DC Dream11 Team Combination | DC vs RCB Prediction | DC vs RCB who will win | DC vs RCB which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | DC vs RCB Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs DC Dream11 Team Combination | DC vs RCB Prediction | DC vs RCB who will win | DC vs RCB which players to pick for Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 55: DC vs RCB Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Both teams are out of form, which makes this one difficult to predict as it is also a crunch game. RCB have been a little better than DC have in recent games, and have a strong head-to-head record against them, which makes them a good chance of winning this.

However, this game, despite the dominance of chasing teams, could actually be decided by whether the team batting first can notch up a score in the region of 170 to put plenty of pressure on their opponent.

Pucovski & Harris produce highest-ever Shield partnership

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Will Pucovski and Marcus Harris broke a 30-year-old record of scoring the highest ever partnership in Sheffield Shield history. They have beaten Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh’s 464 in 1990. Pucovski and Harris combined for an incredible partnership of 486 runs against South Australia, wherein they made 255 and 239 respectively.

“I don’t have much control over whether they pick me or not, but I’m definitely very keen,” Pucovski said earlier in the week of his Test dreams for this summer as per Fox Sports reports. “It’s been a dream of mine since I can remember. From that perspective, I’m definitely very keen to hopefully put my best foot forward. But it’s out of my control, so I’ll just be focusing on what I can control”, said.

The Waugh brothers had smashed the unbeaten score against Western Australia. Victoria has declared on 3 for 569 after Harris got out at 239. Harris who was dropped midway during the Ashes 2019, knows how important the Test matches are for his career. He has also scored 258 runs against India in 2019-19 during the last visit down under.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Suryakumar Yadav snub from Indian squad stirs buzz

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Suryakumar Yadav snub from Indian squad stirs buzz | Fans and pundits criticise Suryakumar Yadav’s snub from the Indian T20I squad

Suryakumar Yadav, the Mumbai-based batsman, returned to Mumbai Indians in the 11th IPL edition, and has shown a glimpse of his talent by scoring 374 runs in IPL 2020 with three half-centuries. The right-handed batsman is writing his destiny this year too with back-to-back classic innings and match-winning performances. Recently, when BCCI announced its squad for the India-Australia series, fans were puzzled to see Yadav’s name missing.

This was especially the case after his splendid knock against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where the team in blue was chasing 165. Yadav smashed an unbeaten 79 in 45 balls to lead the team to finishing line. After being the highest run scorer for MI in 2018 and 2019, the decision to snub him for the T20I series against the Aussies didn’t settle well.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull praised the batsman, “It’s almost like what more I have to do. What you have to do is continually put your name in the selectors’ minds. There might be some on the bus or the plane ahead of you. But if you continue to bang that door, at some stage, they have to open that door, and let you in,” Doull said on Cricbuzz.

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Suryakumar Yadav was the second-highest scorer for Mumbai with 360 runs at an average of 51. Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar also criticized the Mumbai star’s omission. “I’m astounded at the omission of Surya, who is currently one of the most talented batsmen in the country, from the teams selected for the Australian tour,” Vengsarkar told the Times of India.

“As far as sheer potential is concerned, I can compare Surya with the best in the Indian team. He has scored runs consistently. I don’t know what else he has to do to merit a place in the Indian team. A batsman is at his peak from the age of 26 to 34, and I feel Surya (30) is at the peak of his career. If form and fitness are not the criteria, then what is it? Can anybody explain? With Rohit (Sharma) out of the team due to (a hamstring) injury, Surya should have been there to strengthen the middle order. BCCI president Ganguly should question the motive behind dropping Surya,” the former India chief selector remarked.

Doull also said that his domestic cricket is also proof of his ability. “He has been doing it in domestic cricket, he has been doing it in IPL for last three years. He just continues to impress. The way he plays spin, the way he takes the quicks on, whether it’s a short ball or full. I like his composure. When he is chasing, he just wants to get the job done. That’s all you can ever ask of any batsman. He cannot be far away from an international cap,” he further said.

Sachin Tendulkar and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh also lauded him. “Important win for @mipaltan. Fantastic innings by @surya_14kumar. Calm and composed as ever. Way to go!,” Tendulkar said. “Class inn yet again @surya_14kumar hope selectors are watching him play.. well played @mipaltan @IPL,” Harbhajan tweeted.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

IPL 2020 Match 54: KKR vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 54: KKR vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

A playoffs match before the playoffs. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, both of whom have had up-and-down seasons, are in desperation mode as they fight for a spot in the final tour

14 points will be enough for qualification this season, but the poor net run rates of these two sides makes it all a difficult proposition. Both these teams, in addition to winning this game, need SRH to lose against MI and KXIP against CSK. If KXIP win, then they will need the DC-RCB match tomorrow to be one-sided so the loser suffers a huge hit on net run rate.

So, it’s all to play for. RR have hit form, with Ben Stokes firing brilliantly over the past week. Also, with Jofra Archer in amazing form, and Sanju Samson rediscovering his early season form, RR can hold hope that they can win this. On the other end of the spectrum, KKR, after a superb win vs DC last weekend, have lost their last two and their net run rate of -0.467 could very well cost them.

A win is the absolute minimum these teams need, but a big win would be ideal. So, who will hold their nerve under the Dubai lights?

IPL 2020 Match 54: KKR vs RR Preview Dream11: Shubman Gill to lead the way for KKR?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • What a turnaround for Ben Stokes. Before his last two games, Stokes was striking at just 110 in the powerplay in IPL 2020. In his last two games, he has struck at 195 in this period, providing RR with a great start. If he fires again, watch out.
  • Sanju Samson has found some right form (36, 54* and 48 in his past three knocks), as he continues to push his case for a start in India’s T20I XI. However, can he improve his sub-par record vs KKR? (9 inns, 204 runs, avg. 22.67, SR 116.57)
  • Steve Smith has also been working hard to get back into form after a lean middle period of the season. Smith has struck 57, 26*, 19, 11 and 31* in his last five games. Can he build on a start today?
  • Signs could be pointing to a 30+ score for Smith today. He averages 31.29 vs KKR in his career, and RR need him to deliver in this crucial game.
  • KKR’s batting has been incredibly up-and-down in IPL 2020. So, a key man in holding it together is Shubman Gill, who needs to build on his starts (eight double-figure scores in last 10 knocks). Gill scored 47 (34) vs RR earlier this season.
  • His opening partner, Nitish Rana, has made two scores of 80+ in his past three knocks. However, there is a worrying pattern in recent matches: 0, 81, 0 and 87. Will today be a low score or can he deliver the goods?
  • Time for Eoin Morgan to bat higher up the order. The KKR captain has good numbers in IPL 2020 (13 inns, 350 runs, avg. 35.00, SR 131.08), but one feels KKR haven’t been able to benefit from his undouted ability. Morgan struck an unbeaten 34* vs RR earlier this season, but only got to face 23 balls.
  • Sunil Narine is crucial to KKR’s hopes. His 136 runs against RR come at a strike rate of 160 (avg. 19, though) and has the most wickets in KKR-RR matches (10 in 12 matches).
  • Jos Buttler, the T20 finisher. Buttler has struck 70* (48) and 22* (11) in his last two knocks when RR have been chasing.
  • How good has Jofra Archer been in IPL 2020? The fast bowler has taken 19 wickets in 13 matches this season, and 14 of them have been top-order batsmen. He took 2/18 vs KKR earlier this season.
  • Can Lockie Ferguson bounce back after a bad game against CSK? The Kiwi speedster is key to KKR’s hopes as he can make breakthroughs in the middle overs.
  • No finger spinner has more wickets than Varun Chakravarthy’s 15 in IPL 2020. Varun took 2/25 vs RR earlier this season.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 22, KKR, 11, RR 10, 1 abandoned.
  • The chasing team dominates this fixture. When KKR bat second against RR, they have won nine of 11 matches. When RR bat second against KKR, they have won eight of 10.
  • KKR ripped through RR’s top order earlier this season to win by 37 runs. Shivam Mavi was man of the match.
  • Narine is crucial for KKR. He has good head-to-head records against many of RR’s batters: Stokes (17 balls, 17 runs, one dismissal), Samson (45 balls, 39 runs, three dismissals), Steve Smith (42 balls, 47 runs, two dismissals), Jos Buttler (41 balls, 43 runs, two dismissals).
  • Shreyas Gopal to bowl in the powerplay? He has eight wickets in IPL at this stage (avg. 13, econ. 7).

Possible Playing 11

Kolkata Knight Riders: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Nitish Rana, 3. Rahul Tripathi, 4. Sunil Narine, 5. Eoin Morgan (c), 6. Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7. Rinku Singh/Prasidh Krishna, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Lockie Ferguson, 10. Kamlesh Nagarkoti, 11. Varun Chakravarthy

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Ben Stokes, 2. Robin Uthappa, 3. Sanju Samson (wk), 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Jos Buttler, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Varun Aaron/Ankit Rajpoot, 11. Kartik Tyagi

Dubai Pitch and Weather Report

The chasing team has won seven of the last nine games at Dubai. Dew is expected to be a key factor once again. Also, when you consider the two teams love chasing against each other, one can expect the captain who wins the toss to select to bowl first.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 54: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 54: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Rajasthan is in the better form, but this one could come down to which team chases. So, the team batting first will need to put up 170-180 to feel in the game, given the dew around.

Thanks for reading!

IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

It is quite the scenario for Kings XI Punjab. If they win today, they will move up to second on the IPL 2020 Table, courtesy of DC’s and RCB’s comprehensive defeats yesterday. If they lose, they will be knocked out due to SRH’s superior net run rate.

It is a situation that is indicative of the kind of tournament IPL 2020 has been. Things, such as DC and RCB’s qualification, may have looked certain, but then the unexpected occurs. Now, KXIP can take a really massive step to qualifying as Shreyas Iyer’s and Virat Kohli’s teams go head-to-head tomorrow.

Chennai Super Kings have been playing spoilsport since their elimination. They have put a dent in both RCB’s and KKR’s playoff hopes, and could do the same to KXIP today. The rise of Ruturaj Gaikwad, finishing ability of Ravindra Jadeja and all-round skill of Sam Curran makes this match one to look forward to for CSK fans, even though they are out of the running.

So, can KXIP, who have qualified for the playoffs just twice in 13 years, hold their nerve in this crunch clash? Calm and composure is the need of the hour after struggling with the dew vs RR last time out – an issue they won’t be facing in today’s day game.

IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | KXIP vs CSK Best Dream11 Prediction | CSK vs KXIP Key Players to pick in Dream11 today | KXIP vs CSK Dream11 Tips and tricks | CSK vs KXIP who will win | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11: Can KL Rahul produce today?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • KL Rahul’s strike rate was in question once again last game. The Orange Cap holder (641 runs) is crucial to KXIP’s hopes today. He has an excellent record for KXIP against CSK: 5 inns, 233 runs, avg. 46.60, SR 138.69.
  • Chris Gayle is also crucial. The “Universe Boss” became the first player to hit 1,000 sixes in T20 cricket, and is coming off a superb 99 off 63 balls vs RR. Can he perform better today than his career record vs CSK? (13 inns, 373 runs, avg. 31.08, SR 129.97)
  • Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a breath of fresh air for CSK. He is coming off 65* and 72 in his past two games, which were both player-of-the-match performances.
  • His opening partner could be either Faf du Plessis or Shane Watson. du Plessis might get the nod, given the good record he possesses against some of KXIP’s bowlers (57 off 29 balls vs Shami and 43 off 28 balls vs Maxwell). However, like du Plessis (87* off 53) Watson also performed brilliantly against KXIP earlier this season (83* off 53).
  • MS Dhoni has struggled with the bat in IPL 2020. But, could he fire in the very last CSK match? He possesses a great record for CSK vs KXIP (525 runs, avg. 58.33, SR 155.33).
  • Both Mayank Agarwal (398 runs in IPL 2020, avg. 39.80) and Mandeep Singh are under injury clouds. Whoever plays needs to set a platform against CSK’s powerplay bowlers to enable Rahul and Gayle to play with freedom.
  • Nicholas Pooran has hit the second-most sixes in IPL 2020 (25). Not only that, Pooran’s overall numbers are excellent: 13 inns, 351 runs, avg. 39.00, SR 173.76.
  • Ravindra Jadeja has been remarkable with the bat in recent weeks. He has smashed 159 runs in his last seven knocks (two dismissals, SR 189).
  • His all-round partner, Sam Curran, has been CSK’s shining light this season (186 runs and 13 wickets). Can he fire today?
  • Mohammed Shami has the equal second-most wickets in IPL 2020 (20 scalps). He has two wickets in three matches for KXIP vs CSK so far – can he build on this? His seam partner, Chris Jordan, could benefit from now dew today (six wickets in last three games).
  • Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin will be key in a day game where the teams could be faced with a slowish pitch in Abu Dhabi. They have taken 22 wickets between them this season.
  • Can Deepak Chahar break KXIP’s important top order? He needs to improve on his record of two wickets in five games for CSK vs KXIP.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Played 23, CSK 14, KXIP 9.
  • CSK smashed KXIP by 10 wickets earlier in IPL 2020, chasing 179 with ease. Shane Watson (83*) and Faf du Plessis (87*) starred. But, it is likely only one of them will play this time.
  • Sam Curran could become the fourth CSK player to score 200 runs and take 10+ runs in a single season, after Albie Morkel (2008), Dwayne Bravo (2012) and Ravindra Jadeja (2013).
  • Both teams have struggled at Abu Dhabi this season. KXIP have not won a game there, while CSK have won just one of three.
  • If KXIP win, they will move to second. If they lose, they will miss the playoffs.

Possible Playing 11

Chennai Super Kings: 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 2. Shane Watson/Faf du Plessis, 3. Ambati Rayudu, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. N Jagadeesan, 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Sam Curran, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Karn Sharma, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Kings XI Punjab: 1. Mayank Agarwal/Mandeep Singh, 2. KL Rahul (c & wk), 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Nicholas Pooran, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Deepak Hooda, 7. Chris Jordan, 8. M Ashwin, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Ravi Bishnoi, 11. Arshdeep Singh

Abu Dhabi Pitch and Weather Report

Chasing teams have really been dominating in recent times. The chasing team has won four of the past five matches at Abu Dhabi. The average first innings score in these matches is 164.4, including KKR’s 194 last week (which was the only time a team batting first has won in the past five games here). Dew won’t be a factor today as this is a day game.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | KXIP vs CSK Best Dream11 Prediction | CSK vs KXIP Key Players to pick in Dream11 today | KXIP vs CSK Dream11 Tips and tricks | CSK vs KXIP who will win | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction Today | Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | KXIP vs CSK Best Dream11 Prediction | CSK vs KXIP Key Players to pick in Dream11 today | KXIP vs CSK Dream11 Tips and tricks | CSK vs KXIP who will win | CSK vs KXIP Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 53: CSK vs KXIP Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

If KXIP can get into CSK’s middle order as early as possible, they are a great chance of winning. Plus, they need their top three to ease the nerves and get the team off to a strong start. KXIP are the favourites, but this could come down to if the team bowling first can restrict the opponent effectively.

WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Drummoyne Oval Pitch Report

Seven out of the first 12 matches in the Rebel Women’s Big Bash have been abandoned due to rain as the weather has been an annoyance in the biggest league in Women’s cricket. The Hurricanes take on the Melbourne Stars in what promises to be an exciting encounter and both the teams will hope that rain doesn’t play a spoilsport on Sunday.

The Melbourne Stars havent been a part of a completed match in WBBL 06 and have shared points in all the games so far. While the Hobart Hurricanes lost their first game against the Strikers, the following two matches have been abandoned due to rain.

The last three matches between the sides have been won by the Hurricanes.

WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Drummoyne Oval Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11: Nicola Carey will be key for HH

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Melbourne Stars

  • Natalie Sciver’s all round skills will enhance the chances of Stars in the league and has taken 30 wickets while also scoring 900 runs in the WBBL. Sciver took a wicket against Thunder before persistent rain abandoned the match
  • Meg Lanning scored a half-century in the first match for the Stars.
  • Mignon du Preez hit a 30+ score in her first match of WBBL06.

Hobart Hurricanes

  • Protea Tyron has a strike rate of 178 while playing for the Hurricanes.
  • Nicola Carey scored an unbeaten 60 in the last match between the two sides.
  • Rachel Priest scored looked in good touch for a brief in the last match against Heat before rain interrupted the match.

Stats and Facts

  • Hurricanes have won the last three and four out of the last five encounters between the two sides
  • Melbourne Stars have never won batting first against the Hurricanes.
  • Hayley Matthews is the leading run-scorer in the matches between the two sides.

Possible Playing 11

Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Rachel Priest (wk), 2. Naomi Stalenberg, 3. Hayley Matthews, 4. Nicola Carey, 5. Chloe Tryon, 6. Corinne Hall (c), 7. Sasha Moloney, 8. Erica Kershaw, 9. Amy Smith, 10. Brooke Hepburn, 11. Belinda Vakarewaa

Melbourne Stars: 1. Meg Lanning (c), 2. Elyse Villani, 3. Mignon du Preez, 4. Natalie Sciver, 5. Annabel Sutherland, 6. Erin Osborne, 7. Tess Flintoff, 8. Nicole Faltum (wk), 9. Sophie Day, 10. Holly Ferling, 11. Katherine Brunt

Drummoyne Oval Pitch and Weather Report

Drummoyne Oval is situated in a lovely part of Sydney, but rain is unfortunately forecast once again. This track is usually on the slower side, so a score of 140-150 (if the weather persists) can be a competitive one.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Drummoyne Oval Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Drummoyne Oval Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 16: HH-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Both the teams have been off the field for most of the time due to rain, but going into the encounter Melbourne Stars will start as favourites given their strong depth.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report

Rain continued to be an annoyance in Women’s Big Bash League as two out of the four matches on Saturday got washed out, after five out of eight last week. On Sunday, the Sydney Sixers take on the Melbourne Renegades in one of the matches.

The Ellyse Perry-led side last took the field last week against the Strikers where they defeated them by nine wickets. Their match on Saturday was abandoned due to persistent rain.

Renegades had a rough day against the Scorchers as they were defeated by 18 runs by Duckworth-Lewis and Stern method. They managed to post 105 runs on the board. Perth Scorchers scored 65 runs inside 10 overs but then rain interrupted the match.

The last time these two teams met, the Renegades edged them out in a last over win but Sixers have won four out of the last five encounters.

WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11: Healy to dominate?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Melbourne Renegades

  • Courtney Webb– The last time these two teams played Webb won the player of the match award for her unbeaten 34 of 31 balls which steered the Renegades over the line.
  • Carly Leeson took a couple of wickets against the Stars.
  • Amy Satterthwaite has scored 693 runs and taken 14 wickets for the Renegades.

Sydney Sixers

  1. Marrizane Kapp is the leading wicket-taker of the Sixers against the Stars. She will be the key player against the experienced top 4 of Lanning, Sciver, du Preez and Villani.
  2. Lisa Griffith picked 2 wickets in her first over for the Sixers, which derailed the Strikers’ innings.
  3. Alyssa Healy was the man of the match in the previous game, as she hit a 16-ball 27 which included 3 boundaries and a maximum.
  4. Three of the Sixers top four of Allysa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Ashleign Gardner are also the top three run-getters in the Sixers vs Renegades matches with 443, 323 and 198 runs respectively.

Stats and Facts

  • Sixers have won four out of the last five matches between the two teams, but the Renegades won the last encounter.
  • Melbourne Renegades have suffered a defeat and two no results so far in WBBL 06. Sydney Sixers have a win and two no results.

Possible Playing 11

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Lizelle Lee, 2. Sophie Molineux, 3. Erin Fazackerley, 4. Amy Satterthwaite (c), 5. Courtney Webb, 6. Georgia Wareham, 7. Josephine Dooley (wk), 8. Maitlan Brown, 9. Carly Leeson, 10. Molly Strano, 11. Courtney Neale

Sydney Sixers: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Erin Burns, 3. Ashleigh Gardener, 4. Ellyse Perry (c), 5. Dane van Niekerk, 6. Marizanne Kapp, 7. Lisa Griffith, 8. Lauren Cheatle, 9. Jodie Hicks, 10. Stella Campbell, 11. Sarah Aley

Sydney Showground Pitch and Weather Report

Heather Knight led Sydney Thunder to a convincing win on this ground yesterday, thanks to her 83 off 39 balls. Thunder scored 190 on what looked a good surface for batting.

However, there is unfortunately more rain forecast throughout the day on Sunday, which is likely to impact this game.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 15: SS-W vs MR-W Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Sixers were convincing in their victory over the Strikers and that’s the only team they have got an opportunity to play. As mentioned earlier, the Renegades are yet to be a part of a completed match and their last two matches have been abandoned without a ball being bowled. On paper, the Sydney-based side have a better chance.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report

With one team having won 52 of 57 completed ODIs against the other, the first ODI was refreshingly competitive. Zimbabwe, led by an honest bowling display and the superb Brendan Taylor, made a cautious and rusty Pakistan work hard for their victory last time out.

So, the key question for the Zimbabweans is whether they can build on such a performance. In addition to Taylor, the efforts of Blessing Muzarabani and the impressive Wesley Madhevere were encouraging, and provides hope to their fans that what’s to come looks more positive than what’s been in the past few years. Ultimately, though, their lack of depth in the lower order proved key, so top order contributions will be vital.

However, to level the series, Zimbabwe will need to overcome the excellent Shaheen Shah Afridi. The young left-arm pacer was Babar Azam’s go-to man, with Wahab Riaz providing excellent support. But, Pakistan will want an improved batting display, after what was a bit of an underwhelming display in the opening ODI. So, with a game under their belt in this series, will Pakistan hit top form in the second ODI?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • That man Shaheen Shah Afridi was at it again. With his 5/49 in the first ODI, the left-armer has now taken a remarkable 25 wickets in his past seven ODIs, dating back to Pakistan’s tour of England last year.
  • The eventual man of the match, Brendan Taylor, said that Shaheen deserved the award. However, Taylor was deserving, after giving his side a chance of victory thanks to his brilliant 112.
  • Taylor successfully built on an already good record against Pakistan. Now, he has 684 runs against them in 17 ODIs at an average of 42.75.
  • Imam-ul-Haq, who possesses an average of over 50 in ODIs, was looking the goods in the first ODI before a terrible run-out ended his innings. He has 453 runs in six matches against Zimbabwe, at an average of 75.50.
  • It was a rare failure for Babar Azam last time out, so watch out for the Pakistani captain today. He recently struck 86*, 86, 64*, 0 and 39 in the National T20 Cup, all at Rawalpindi.
  • How about Wesley Madhevere’s pull shots? Zimbabwe have an excellent up-and-coming batsman in their ranks, who is coming off 55 in the first ODI. His dismissal was key for Pakistan after a 119-run stand with Brendan Taylor.
  • Haris Sohail (71) held things together well for Pakistan in the first ODI. Imad Wasim (34* off 26) finished off the innings well. Interestingly, Imad has an excellent ODI batting record, and could be key again: 40 inns, 986 runs, avg. 42.86, SR 110.29.
  • Can Craig Ervine build on his 41 last game? He and Sean Williams (400 runs vs Pakistan, avg. 28) will be key in the middle.
  • Wahab Riaz (4/41 last game) now has 20 wickets in 10 matches vs Zimbabwe.
  • Blessing Muzarabani (2/39) bowled well on his return to the national team. Can he back it up with another good display here?
PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Best Dream11 Prediction
PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11: Can Brendan Taylor produce the goods again?

Stats and Facts

  • Pakistan have won 53 of 58 completed ODIs against Zimbabwe.
  • Zimbabwe have lost nine straight ODIs dating back to their 4-0 series win vs UAE in April 2019.
  • Zimbabwe have not won an ODI vs Pakistan in Pakistan since 1999. Could this be their time?

Possible Playing 11

Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Abid Ali/Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Haris Sohail, 5. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 6. Iftikhar Ahmed/Shadab Khan, 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Haris Rauf/Mohammad Hasnain, 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11. Wahab Riaz

Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Chari, 2. Chamu Chibhabha (c), 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Ervine, 6. Wesley Madhevere, 7. Sikandar Raza, 8. Carl Mumba/Elton Chigumbura/Ryan Burl, 9. Tendai Chisoro, 10. Richard Ngarava, 11. Blessing Muzarabani

Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather Report

A different pitch is expected to be used for this match. However, it could play similarly to the first, where batsmen and bowlers are in the game due to a small covering of grass. The earlier start could provide some movement for the quicks.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Best Dream11 Prediction
PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Best Dream11 Prediction
PAK vs ZIM 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Pakistan have it in them to go up another gear. The key for Zimbabwe would be to stay in the game and have the belief they can get over the finish line. While they will try hard, Pakistan should win.

Thanks for reading!

IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report

Just like the heat is on Delhi Capitals as the UAE weather cools down, the same applies to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Yet another game in an incredible IPL 2020 is a high-stakes one, with the winner here taking a giant leap towards the playoffs. In fact, RCB will secure their top-four spot with a win here, while SRH will overtake KXIP, KKR and RR to sit in fourth should they win this one, thanks to their superior net run rate.

So, can Wriddhiman Saha, who justified his team’s decision to leave on Jonny Bairstow, perform brilliantly once again to keep SRH alive? Or will it be RCB who bounce back from their own consecutive defeats? The pressure will be on at Sharjah, but it will be the team that plays with the greater freedom and calm that will prevail in this one.

IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | BLR vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | SRH vs RCB Who will win | RCB vs SRH Players to pick for Dream11 | RCB vs SRH Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11: AB de Villiers is key to RCB’s hopes.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • David Warner’s swashbuckling 66 off 34 balls last game vs DC indicated that it is now time to throw caution to the wind, especially given he has the insurance of Kane Williamson in the middle order.
  • Warner loves playing against RCB. He has smashed 568 runs against them in 10 innings at an average of 71.00 and SR 169.05. However, RCB’s bowling is much improved in 2020, so it promises to be an excellent battle.
  • Virat Kohli has the second-most runs in RCB-SRH matches (518), which come at an excellent average of 43.17, even though he has crossed 40 just once in his last seven knocks vs SRH. The RCB captain has had a strong tournament (424 runs, avg. 53.00), especially when you consider he scored just 14 runs in his first three innings.
  • But, arguably RCB’s most important player is AB de Villiers. When the South African superstar performs well in IPL 2020, RCB often win. When he doesn’t, they often lose. This is reflected in the numbers. In RCB wins, ABD has scored 246 runs at an average of 123 and SR of 203.31. In RCB losses, this comes down to 93 runs at an average of 18.60.
  • de Villiers has a strong record for RCB vs SRH: 13 inns, 440 runs, avg. 36.67, SR 167.30.
  • Manish Pandey has shown good form in recent matches (83*, 15 and 44* in his last three knocks). But, can he improve on a sub-par record vs RCB? (13 inns, 247 runs, avg. 22.45, SR 117.06)
  • Josh Philippe replaced Aaron Finch last game for RCB, and he looked good vs the mighty MI (33 off 24 balls). His opening partner, Devdutt Padikkal, who hit 56 (42) on IPL debut vs SRH earlier this season, is coming off 74 off 45 balls vs MI.
  • Chris Morris has had his two most expensive matches in his last two outings. However, he has still taken at least one wicket in five of his seven matches this season. Plus he could be key with his batting, as well as fielding in high-traffic areas down the ground.
  • Yuzvendra Chahal (18 wickets in IPL 2020) has the second-most wickets in RCB-SRH matches (13 in 12 matches). He was man of the match against SRH earlier this season.
  • Chahal’s battle with Rashid Khan is worth the watch. The Afghan star has been outstanding this season (17 wickets in 12 matches), and is coming off a remarkable 3/7 vs DC.
  • Sandeep Sharma has taken four wickets in his past two games, and has five wickets in four games vs RCB. His seam partner, T Natarajan has 13 wickets in 12 games in IPL 2020, and returned to the wickets circle with 2/26 last game vs DC.
  • Can Mohammad Siraj (3/8, 0/29 and 2/28 in his last three games) make inroads into the SRH top order?
  • Jason Holder has taken six wickets in three games in IPL 2020.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 16, RCB 7, SRH 8, 1 abandoned.
  • RCB (163/5) beat SRH (153) earlier this season. SRH were travelling nicely at 121/2, before a bad collapse resulted in defeat. So, SRH will need to be wary of that issue here today.
  • Rashid Khan vs AB de Villiers will be key a battle. Rashid has dismissed ABD twice in 16 balls in IPL cricket, conceding just 17 runs in the process.
  • David Warner’s strike rate is 167.03 in his last four games, compared to 121.88 in his first eight games. Danger man. So, RCB could look to employ the economical Washington Sundar to try keep Warner quiet.
  • If SRH lose this game, they are out of the tournament.

Possible Playing 11

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1. Josh Philippe, 2. Devdutt Padikkal, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers (wk), 5. Gurkeerat Singh Mann, 6. Shivam Dube/Moeen Ali, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Isuru Udana/Navdeep Saini, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1. David Warner (c), 2. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3. Manish Pandey, 4. Kane Williamson, 5. Vijay Shankar, 6. Abdul Samad, 7. Jason Holder, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Shahbaz Nadeem, 10. T Natarajan, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Sharjah Pitch and Weather Report

Scores have become lower at Sharjah as the season has progressed, and the chasing team has benefitted. The chasing team has won the past five matches on this ground, with dew playing a key role. Dew is expected once again, so chasing could prove key again.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | BLR vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | SRH vs RCB Who will win | RCB vs SRH Players to pick for Dream11 | RCB vs SRH Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Players | Sharjah Pitch Report | BLR vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | RCB vs SRH Best Dream11 Prediction | SRH vs RCB Who will win | RCB vs SRH Players to pick for Dream11 | RCB vs SRH Dream11 team combination
IPL 2020 Match 52: RCB vs SRH Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Even though SRH have had most of their success when setting a score, this one could come down to chasing well. The team that bats first needs 170-180 to feel safe with dew around. RCB start as favourites, but this one has the makings of a tight match.

Thanks for reading!