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IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report

The weather is cooling down in the UAE, but the heat is growing on Delhi Capitals. In a captivating playoffs race, where only CSK have made a new piece of history, DC is at risk of missing the playoffs, merely two weeks after a top four spot looked all-but-set.

So, the key for Shreyas Iyer’s men is no panic. While their all-round game has gone off the boil in the last two games, they have the chance to make things right here. One win out of their last two games will guarantee a playoffs berth, and just like how a penultimate over in a run-chase is crucial, DC’s penultimate league stage game is vital to ensure there isn’t too much pressure on them in their final game against RCB during the week.

The great Mumbai Indians have confirmed their passage into the playoffs, which highlights just how good they have been in IPL 2020. Even better, a top two spot is all-but-confirmed thanks to their magnificent net run rate. However, a franchise that prides itself on consistency and high-performance will be out to continue the momentum, as any dip in form is never ideal so close to the playoffs. Here, they have the chance to heap further worry on their opponents, which can provide another warning shot to the other franchises that they will be very hard to beat once again.

IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report | MI vs DC Best Dream11 Prediction | DC vs MI Players to pick in Dream11 | DC vs MI who will win | DC vs MI Dream11 Team combination | DC vs MI how to pick Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11: Bumrah and QdK to deliver?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • Quinton de Kock is coming off two low scores (6 and 18) after an incredible run of form (67, 23, 53, 78*, 53 and 46*). de Kock struck a half-century against DC earlier this season – can he do it again?
  • Shikhar Dhawan struck four 50+ scores in a row, including two centuries, before a couple of low scores highlighted just how much DC have relied on him in recent times. Dhawan will be key against MI – a side he averages a very good 45.81 in 21 games against.
  • Do DC bring Prithvi Shaw back or persist with the out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane? Rahane has scored just 51 runs in five innings this season, but DC could persist with him given his good career record vs MI: 18 inns, 591 runs, avg. 36.94, SR 124.68.
  • Did India miss a trick by not picking Suryakumar Yadav in their T20I squad? Perhaps. The MI number three is enjoying a superb season, with 362 runs in 11 innings at an average of 40.22 and SR of 155.36. This includes a 32-ball 53 against DC earlier in IPL 2020.
  • If Rohit Sharma is still out, can Ishan Kishan produce the goods like Rohit usually does vs DC? Rohit has the most runs in MI-DC matches (565), but Kishan has proven to be a handy replacement at the top so far (scores of 68*, 37 and 25 in last three innings).
  • Shreyas Iyer sits among the top 10 highest run-scorers in IPL 2020 (389, avg. 35.36). However, one feels the DC skipper hasn’t quite hit his best form. He struck 42 (33) vs MI earlier this season, so can he continue to improve his overall record against them? (10 inns, 224 runs, avg. 24.89, SR 120.43).
  • Rishabh Pant has also been working hard to find his best form, but it hasn’t come yet. The dimunitive left-hander is striking at just 115 so far in his nine matches. But, his record vs MI is good – can he deliver today? (7 inns, 219 runs, avg. 36.50, SR 168.46).
  • The Hardik Pandya & Kieron Pollard factors separate MI from other teams. Just six days ago, Hardik smashed 52 off his last 12 balls vs the Royals. Pollard is striking at 200 in IPL 2020, and has been dismissed just twice.
  • Interestingly, though, it is Krunal Pandya who has the superior batting record vs DC out of the Pandya brothers. Krunal has hit 235 runs vs DC in eight matches at an average of 39.17 and SR 179.39. Hardik, on the other hand, has hit just 121 in 10 knocks at an average of 15.13.
  • Also, Krunal took 2/26 vs DC earlier this season.
  • Strap yourselves in for the battle between two of IPL 2020’s leading wicket-takers. Kagiso Rabada still leads with 23, despite going wicketless last match (first time in 25 IPL matches). Rabada took 2/28 vs MI earlier this season. Jasprit Bumrah is not far behind on 20, with the Indian seamer coming off 3/14 vs RCB, part of eight wickets in his last four games.
  • Anrich Nortje has taken seven wickets in his past four games, part of 15 wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2020.
  • Trent Boult (17 wickets) is also enjoying an excellent tournament. He will be key against DC’s out-of-form top order.
  • Rahul Chahar will be key in this day game on what could be a slowish Dubai pitch. Can he outplay R Ashwin and Axar Patel?

Stats and Facts

  • Matches 25, DC 12, MI 13.
  • Mumbai Indians chased down Delhi Capital’s 162/4 with two balls to spare earlier in IPL 2020.
  • Ishan Kishan strikes at 140+ vs both spinners and pacers in IPL 2020. Only four other players are in the same boat.
  • R Ashwin has dismissed Quinton de Kock three times in four meetings. So, DC could look at opening the bowling with him.
  • If DC lose this match, they will sit just two points ahead of KKR and KXIP with a game remaining. Also, their net run rate is dropping rapidly (now sitting at +0.03). If SRH then beats RCB later today, DC will be sitting just two points ahead of SRH with an inferior net run rate.

Possible Playing 11

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

Mumbai Indians: 1. Ishan Kishan, 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Suryakumar Yadav, 4. Saurabh Tiwary, 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Kieron Pollard (c), 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. James Pattinson, 9. Rahul Chahar, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Dubai Pitch and Weather Report

The last two games at Dubai have had high scores. Four days ago, SRH smashed 219/2 vs DC, before CSK chased down 173 vs KKR. However, players have struggled to time the ball more in day games at Dubai, which was the case last weekend as RCB laboured their way to 145 vs CSK.

The chasing team has won six of the last eight matches at Dubai, but setting a score could be the way to go today given dew won’t be a factor. Also, DC have had their chasing difficulties in IPL 2020, winning just one out of the four games they have been asked to chase.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report | MI vs DC Best Dream11 Prediction | DC vs MI Players to pick in Dream11 | DC vs MI who will win | DC vs MI Dream11 Team combination | DC vs MI how to pick Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction Today | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Key Players | Dubai Pitch Report | MI vs DC Best Dream11 Prediction | DC vs MI Players to pick in Dream11 | DC vs MI who will win | DC vs MI Dream11 Team combination | DC vs MI how to pick Dream11
IPL 2020 Match 51: DC vs MI Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

If there is ever a game that DC will produce the goods, it is this one. Their form has wavered off, but they have the talent to rediscover it here. Perhaps their best chance is setting a score then defending it. But, either way, their top order has to produce more than they did in the past two games.

Thanks for reading!

WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Sarthak Karkhanis
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0
WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report

After what has been a lukewarm start to the sixth edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, the biggest women’s T20 league in the world returns this weekend. The weather gods have not been kind so far with 5 out of the 8 matches getting washed out due to persistent rain.

On Saturday, two-time champions Sydney Sixers take on the Melbourne Stars. In WBBL 05, both the encounters between the two teams were won by the Sixers in convincing fashion.

However, this season has been frustrating for both the teams like it has been for the other teams as the rain gods have had their say more often than not. The Sixers were victorious in their previous game against the Strikers, as they chased a total of 47 with a couple of balls to spare after the match was reduced to six overs. Healy and Perry’s first wicket partnership meant that they were always in a comfortable position in the chase.

Earlier, Kapp’s triple strike resulted in Sixers restricting the Strikers to a total of 67 in nine overs, before further rain reduced the innings to six overs.

On the other hand, the Stars reduced the Thunder side to 13/2 inside 4 overs but the match was abandoned due to rain. In the first match, Lannings’ fifty powered the Stars to a total of 132/4 in 17 overs, but weather again played spoilsport. The tournament has been frustrating for the Stars.

WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11: Can Meg Lanning go big today?

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 has returned to the Stars from the Perth Scorchers. She has scored over 2000 runs in the history of this tournament and will be a key as they aim to reach their first semi-final. She scored a half century in the first match of the tournament.
  • Mignon du Preez hit a 30+ score in her first match of WBBL06.
  • Annabel Sutherland, who recently batted at three for Australia in an ODI vs New Zealand, will have a role to play with both bat and ball.

Sydney Sixers:

  • 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. She picked 3/14 in the last match against the Strikers.
  • Lisa Griffith picked two wickets in her first over for the Sixers, which derailed the Strikers’ innings.
  • Alyssa Healy was the man of the match in the previous game, as she hit a 16-ball 27 which included three boundaries and a maximum.
  • Ellyse Perry returned to cricket last weekend, and looked relatively solid for her 14* in a short period of time. She is the leading run-scorer in the matches between the two sides with 397 runs to her name. Can she influence this game?

Stats and Facts

  • In the last match between the two sides, Healy and Perry scored 199 for the Sixers and they completed the innings without losing a single wicket. Healy scored an unbeaten 106, while Perry scored 87 runs. It was the highest partnership ever in WBBL’s history.
  • Melbourne Stars have never won batting first against the Sixers. While chasing though the Stars have won six times. The Perry-led side have a couple of times each while chasing and setting a total.

Possible Playing 11

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

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

Early morning rain increased worries of another rain-affected WBBL day in Sydney. There is a chance of rain throughout the day in Sydney, but hopefully the worst has passed. In terms of the Sydney Showground track, it is usually a 130-140 track batting first, given its slowish nature.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SS-W vs MS-W Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 12: SS-W vs MS-W Preview Dream11

Match Prediction

After a frustrating start for the Melbourne Stars, they will be more than eager to play a full match sans any rain interruptions against the Sydney Sixers. On paper it looks, the Sixers will be the ones who are more likely to end up on the right side, but both teams will hope that rain stays away.

Steve Smith opts out of BBL; cites the bubble as reason

Charbel Coorey
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Steve Smith opts out of BBL; cites the bubble as reason

Steve Smith opts out of BBL; cites the bubble as reason | Steve Smith says he is “absolutely no chance” of playing in the 2020/21 Big Bash League due to risk of burnout

In 2020, cricket has seen many changes, right from empty stadiums to lonely quarantine periods. The lockdown that was imposed due to the Covid-19 outbreak brought the whole world to a standstill. Steve Smith, who is the captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020, expressed the challenges that have been imposed on a player in today’s time.

Smith has opted himself out of the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League this year due to the growing concerns of living under bio-secure bubbles for prolonged period of time. While talking to News Corp from his Dubai bubble, Smith, when asked if he would participate in the BBL, said “I’ll be honest with you – absolutely no chance.”

“It’s still early days with the bubbles. We don’t know how long it’s going to last for. There’s an uncertainty there. It’s just going to be about having open conversations with coaches, general managers, whoever, to ensure that people are keeping their head space in a reasonable place,” Smith said.

India and Australia is all set to face each other in three formats. Therefore, other Aussie players are also likely to opt out of the BBL. “When guys are starting to find things a bit tough mentally from just living in the bubble, being able to get out – even if it might just be a few days of being normal might be a real help. Those conversations need to be had.”, he said.

In the IPL this year, the players are living in their bubble and testing themselves on regular basis to maintain the health of the teams. Smith flew directly from England where he was part of limited overs series. Post IPL, Australia hosts India and the first match happens to be on November 27, which gives him only a 14-day gap that also includes strict quarantine imposed by the Australian authorities.

Andrew McDonald, the RR coach, understands what Smith is saying.

“The big fear is the sustainability of it all, also the burnout factor,” he said.

“The mental demands on the players have just gone up in terms of what they’re dealing with. Any time you lose autonomy as a human being, which is pretty much what bubble life is – it shrinks down your options. I think that can create some real fatigue which can also transition into that physical aspect as well.

“People judge what’s happened on wins and losses and I don’t think it’s about that. It’s about how we get players through in a healthy state around their welfare.”

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Sarthak Karkhanis
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WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ST vs AS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report

It will be Matchday 3 of the Women’s Big Bash League, as all the eight teams will take the field on Saturday. The Adelaide Strikers will take on the Sydney Thunder in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

The WBBL so far hasn’t really gathered momentum as five out of the eight matches so far have been abandoned due to rain. Adelaide Strikers are the only team who have played two completed matches, with one win and one loss.

After winning the first match against the Hobart Hurricanes in a convincing fashion, the Sydney Sixers got the better of the Strikers as they won by 9 wickets, after the target was reduced according to the Duckworth-Lewis Stern (DLS) method.

On the other hand, the Sydney Thunder side has just taken the field for a grand total of four overs in this tournament and have unfortunately shared points in both the matches. Having roped in Sammy Jo-Johnson and Tammy Beaumont from the defending champions Brisbane Heat, along with Heather Knight from the Sydney Sixers, the Thunder will be eager to display their skills and will hope that the rain will stay away tomorrow.

Adelaide Strikers were victorious in the matches between the two teams last season, but overall the record between the two sides is even with four wins for the Thunder and five for the Strikers.

WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ST vs AS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST vs MS Preview Dream11 – Heather Knight has had a great 2020.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Sydney Thunder

  • Sammy Jo-Johnson picked 18 wickets in 16 matches last season for the Brisbane Heat and was a vital cog in the title win. Hannah Darlington was the Thunder’s leading wicket-taker in 2019 with 16 at 21.31.
  • Heather Knight will be plying her trade for Sydney Thunder after four seasons with Hobart Hurricanes. Her role as an opener will be crucial for Thunder. Knight has been superb in T20Is this year: 13 inns, 486 runs, avg. 40.50, SR 135.75.
  • Rachel Haynes: Haynes has been one of the finest batters in the history of the league and it will be expected to be no different this season. With over 1500 runs for the Thunder, she is the 10th highest run getter in WBBL.
  • Phoebe Litchfield, the 17-year-old, scored 187 runs in 11 matches last season, including a half century against Brisbane Heat. She will be key as she is a great talent, and enjoyed good form for New South Wales earlier in 2020.

Adelaide Strikers

  • Darice Brown- She has an economy rate of 3.2 so far in the tournament. She will be crucial against the Thunder top 4 of Rachel Haynes, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight and Phoebe Litchfield.
  • Laura Wolvardaat- The big hitting Protea batter scored a half century in the first game and will be a player to watch out for.
  • Bridget Patterson- In the previous game against the Thunder, Patterson scored a 14-ball 28 and was the lone warrior. 

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head- Adelaide Strikers 5 wins, Sydney Thunder 4 wins
  • The last time these two teams met, the match ended in a tie but Strikers got the better of the Thunder in the super over.

Sydney Showground Pitch and Weather Report

Unfortunately quite a bit of rain is forecast for Saturday. After rain ruined WBBL action last week, another washout would be a major blow. But, there is hope of less rain in the afternoon. In terms of the pitch, the Sydney Showground track is usually on the slower side, with a score in the region of 130-140 often very competitive.

Possible Playing 11

Sydney Thunder: 1. Rachael Haynes (c), 2. Tammy Beaumont (wk), 3. Heather Knight, 4. Phoebe Litchfield, 5. Suzie Bates, 6. Tahlia Wilson, 7. Hannah Darlington, 8. Sammy-Jo Johnson, 9. Lauren Smith, 10. Samantha Bates, 11. Shabnim Ismail

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Tahlia McGrath, 2. Stafanie Taylor, 3. Laura Wolvaardt, 4. Bridget Patterson, 5. Katie Mack, 6. Amanda-Jade Wellington, 7. Madeline Penna, 8. Tegan McPharlin, 9. Sarah Coyte, 10. Megan Schutt (c), 11. Darcie Brown

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ST vs AS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST vs MS Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST-W vs AS-W Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ST vs AS Dream11 Prediction Today | Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Sydney Showground Pitch Report
WBBL 2020 Match 9: ST vs MS Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Adelaide Strikers have been fairly decent in the couple of matches so far, while the Sydney Thunder side are yet to play a complete game. The Adelaide Strikers will go in as the favourites ahead of this encounter.

Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.

Bangladesh’s Toby Radford aims to rebuild better Test players

Charbel Coorey
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Bangladesh’s Toby Radford aims to rebuild better Test players

Bangladesh High Performance Unit head coach Toby Radford aims to rebuild better Test players | Toby Radford wants Bangladesh to do well away from home

Bangladesh has appointed High-Performance Unit head coach Toby Radford to work towards further developing Test cricket of the nation. The year-old agreement, that began in August after the resignation of Simon Helmut, is focusing on bringing young players on board to play red-call cricket more often.

“If you look at the best players in world cricket like Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes and Steve Smith, they are all good in all formats,” says Ranford. “They are all good Test players. They have a good basic technique, and once you have that, you can then develop the funky T20 stuff. I am working on them having a good, solid technique first. Let’s get the chassis of the car built before we get the alloys. I’d like to see Bangladesh be really competitive in Tests, but not just in Bangladesh,” he reported to Cricbuzz.

The former West Indies assistant and batting coach saw the team collapse in one of the Test matches during their last West Indies tour in just two days. The pace of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and the rest of the fast bowlers blew away Bangladesh’s top-order. Then we saw a very different Bangladesh side with the white-ball formats. They won both the ODIs and T20Is. “I have told the board that I want to create a group of players that can really stand up in Test cricket. They can be technically tight, face 90 miles an hour and bat for five hours. They can bowl in long spells”, the newly appointed coach said.

The head coach has also pointed out that the country’s young player plays a lot of T20 matches compared to long-form cricket. “But I don’t want to create just T20 players, but top-end Test cricketers who can then play T20 and 50-over cricket,” said the coach. “In my view, Test players are the best players in world cricket. I don’t mind these young players in the tournament but I want them to have a really good game that holds up in red-ball, five-day game anywhere in the world”, he added.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Covid-19 has made me tough says Ruturaj Gaikwad

Charbel Coorey
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0
Covid-19 has made me tough says Ruturaj Gaikwad

Covid-19 has made me tough says Ruturaj Gaikwad | Ruturaj Gaikwad has made quite the impression, and he puts it down to strength from difficulty

Although Chennai Super Kings is out of the playoffs race, the last few games has given way to a new and interesting cricketer – Ruturaj Gaikwad. After his second match-winning 50 in as many games, team captain MS Dhoni said he’s one of the most talented players going around. When the CSK squad landed in UAE around 11 of them had tested positive for Covid-19 one of them was Gaikwad.

While others took 12 days to recover, he took around 20 days to test negative which was the main factor why he got less chances to feature in the first half of the tournament. “Rituraj has shown the talent that we had seen in the net sessions, but unfortunately he came in, got positive with Covid-19 and you usually get well in 12 days but it took him 20 days and we didn’t have much time to look at him. At the end of the day, he will really remember this season because he was able to showcase the talent he has. He is among the most talented youngsters going around, especially the way he batted last few games”, Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

Even Gaikwad admitted that dealing with Covid-19 was difficult. “I’ve backed myself because both innings I got out when the situations were a little tough. I knew if I get the opportunity to open and get my time, I would do well. So the confidence was there. Covid has made me tough. Our captain always says to face any situation with a smile. It was difficult but I tried to do it. It made me stay in the present”, he said.

He was awarded the Man of the Match last night for his excellent innings against Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020

Tarkesh Jha
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Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020 | Analyzing the performance of the U19 Indian players in IPL 2020

The Indian U-19 team succumbed in the World Cup Final against Bangladesh earlier this year. Despite not finishing at the top, the colts managed to carve a name for them by putting up some promising performances on display.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) allowed uncapped players to be auctioned off ahead of a season in 2015. This put the domestic players in the same bracket as their international counterparts and vastly increased the value of U-19 cricketers. Teams started stressing upon them as investments for the longer run, the best examples of which would be Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. Both of them were picked by the Delhi-based franchise in 2015 and 2016 for INR 2.6 crores and INR 1.9 crores respectively. They continue to be valuable assets for their teams even now.

Though the duo was retained for a hefty amount ahead of the 2018 campaign, the fact that they were snapped up when they were relatively unknown holds the key over here. Similarly, multiple India U-19 players from the World Cup squad of this year were chosen by different IPL teams. As the league stage of the tournament nears its end, Cricblog assesses the performances of these cricketers in the article.

Note: All statistics accurate before the KXIP vs RR match on October 30, 2020.

Priyam Garg:

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020 | Analyzing the performance of the U19 Indian players in IPL 2020
Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020: Garg has tried hard down the order.

Sunrisers Hyderabad bought the captain of the U-19 side, Priyam Garg, at INR 1.9 crores. Lacking proven domestic performers in the middle-order, Garg has been handed out 11 caps so far by the 2016 IPL champions.

He has scored 109 runs at a strike rate of 128.23. The batsman’s most crucial knock was against the Chennai Super Kings in the first encounter between the two sides. Garg scored an unbeaten 51 runs in 25 deliveries, as he took on the bowlers smartly and cleared the ropes at will.

The player has been missing some consistency in his approach though, something that has contributed to the mediocre numbers that he has racked up. However, the first season in the IPL is never a convenient one for anyone. Garg’s playing style and understanding of the game along with his ability to improvise his shots according to the demands of the situation holds him in good stead ahead of the forthcoming challenges.

Yashasvi Jaiswal:

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020 | Analyzing the performance of the U19 Indian players in IPL 2020
Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020: A moment that fans loved.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was one of the top performers of the U-19 squad as the southpaw made heads turn with his impeccable technique. Having created quite a reputation, Jaiswal was picked by Rajasthan Royals for INR 2.4 crores.

He started the very first game of the season for the franchise but has been unable to rediscover his touch, hence missing out from the IPL thereafter. In three innings, he has notched 40 runs with the highest score of 34 runs in 36 deliveries in a chase of 185 against the Delhi Capitals. Jaiswal’s talent is unquestionable, and so is his knack of playing a long knock. However, he might just need some more time to hone his skills and prepare for the challenges that the IPL presents.

It would be interesting to see if the Royals persist with the lad as and when the next mega-auction arrives. It has been a rough season for the 19-year-old but he possesses the skillset to bounce back firmly in the coming seasons.

Ravi Bishnoi:

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020 | Analyzing the performance of the U19 Indian players in IPL 2020
Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020: Ravi Bishnoi has been excellent

Ravi Bishnoi billed INR 2 crores in the auction, and it seems like Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble took special interest in developing the prodigy. Bishnoi had notched 17 wickets in six games in the World Cup, a feat that surely attracted the IPL outfits towards him. The leg-spinner has played all of Kings XI Punjab’s matches this season so far (12).

He has picked up 12 wickets at a good economy rate of 7.20. Bishnoi has come out as a smart bowler, using his variations and maintaining a tight line to restrain the batsmen from taking him on. He is unafraid to toss the ball up on occasions too, and has bowled at a length that does not often allow the batters to get under the ball and smack it out of the park.

Maybe, Punjab can start giving him more overs at the start or the death gradually that will allow Bishnoi to take more wickets and put his skills to a greater test. More or less, his place can be deemed to be fixed in the KXIP setup for the future.

Kartik Tyagi:

Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020 | Analyzing the performance of the U19 Indian players in IPL 2020
Assessing the performance of India U19 players in IPL 2020: Kartik Tyagi has showed good signs

Kartik Tyagi has played eight games for RR so far and excited quite a few observers with his innate pace and bowling style. Tyagi has a fairly long run-up, but it is his tall frame and an action that stresses on putting more pace on the ball that separates him from others.

More importantly, Tyagi bowls a hard, back-of-short length deliveries conveniently and manages to trick the batsmen with that little bit of extra bounce in the end. He can also bowl at the block hole when required, thus making him an ideal candidate to rely on in all stages of the innings.

The pacer has picked seven scalps so far. His economy rate of 9.41 might appear to be on the higher side, it is rather a compulsion for the opposition to take him on at some point as they usually have Jofra Archer to deal with on the other end. Tyagi’s numbers might look underwhelming currently, but he shown enough flair to be earmarked as one of the top fast bowlers to keep an eye on in the future.

Note: Akash Singh, another player from the U-19 WC squad to be picked by RR, hasn’t played a game so far this season.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter today.

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL

Tarkesh Jha
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Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?

The Indian Premier League season comprises of closely packed games that offers very little breathers to several franchises. Players tend to live on the suitcase often and that takes a toll on their physical health. Furthermore, the season is fitted in between strenuous international assignments and all these factors combine with the testing summers in different parts of India.

Hence, injuries aren’t uncommon and most certainly, teams keep an eye on probable players who could be signed up once the campaign has already commenced. They can opt for individuals who went unsold in the auction ahead of that season. Many cricketers find it difficult to immediately adapt to a tournament as demanding as the IPL. However, some injury replacements have managed to make heads turn with their ability to seamlessly get into the groove of things. In this article, Cricblog puts some light on five such players.

5: Dwayne Smith – Mumbai Indians (2012)

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?
Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL: Dwayne Smith offered great value for MI.

It was 2012 and Mumbai Indians had gradually begun assembling a formidable squad. The first Title had eluded them but they had international stars of the likes of Mitchell Johnson in their ranks. However, the Aussie pacer had to be ruled out of the tournament in late April for failing to recover from a surgery on his big toe.

West Indian dasher Dwayne Smith was called up as a replacement for the metropolis club. In his very first game, he chased down 14 runs off the last three deliveries by hitting Ben Hilfenhaus straight over the pacer’s head to win a cracker of a contest against the Chennai Super Kings. Smith opened the innings regularly for Mumbai Indians from thereon and scored 620 runs in 22 innings for them in the IPL.

He had an average of 31, strike rate of 129.44 and notched five half-centuries too. The swashbuckler powered the franchise to their second Champions League T20 trophy in 2013 and was named as the player of the series for his brilliant performances. Overall, he turned out to be a beneficial quick-fix investment for the team.

4: David Miller – Kings XI Punjab (2011)

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?
Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL: David Miller spent a lot of time at KXIP.

Not many might arguably remember that David Miller’s journey with the Kings XI Punjab began in 2011. Though unpicked in the auctions, Punjab signed the Protea batsman as a replacement for Dimitri Mascarenhas. The English all-rounder had not recuperated from a surgery to his fix his Achilles heel injury. Miller made his way to the Kings XI camp but could find only six games come his way in his first two seasons for the franchise.

He sprung into limelight in 2013, as the southpaw scored a century in 37 deliveries against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an unbelievable chase. He was earmarked as ‘Killer Miller’ from then onward, and became an absolute mainstay for the franchise. Miller even led the team for some period during his eight-year long stay at Kings XI Punjab. Though the player’s performances dipped considerably as time progressed, he continues to remain one of the most defining players to have turned up for the Preity Zinta co-owned outfit.

3: Imran Tahir – Rising Pune Supergiant (2017)

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?
Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL: Tahir was excellent for Rising Pune Supergiant

Imran Tahir’s solitary season with Rising Pune Supergiant is significant as it perhaps paved the way for his immensely successful ongoing stint with CSK. Mitchell Marsh had to opt out of IPL 2017 due to a shoulder injury and the Pune-based franchise signed Tahir in the Aussie’s place.

The leg-spinner scalped 18 wickets in 12 encounters as the team finished runners-up in the season. He impressed one and all with his uncanny ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle-overs. Stephen Fleming was the head coach of the side and MS Dhoni had led them in 2016.

Naturally, CSK roped in Tahir during the mega-auction of 2018 as they returned to the tournament. Tahir’s prominence further grew under the leadership of Fleming and Dhoni and has picked up 32 wickets in 25 games for the three-time IPL champions so far. It is certainly one of the best replacement signings secured by any franchise in the history of the IPL.

2: Hashim Amla – Kings XI Punjab (2016)

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?
Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL: Hashim Amla provided value to KXIP in 2016.

Shaun Marsh, one of the most iconic players of KXIP, had to be ruled out of the IPL in 2016 due to a back injury. The franchise brought in ace opener Hashim Amla as Marsh’s replacement. Amla is not known for his exploits in the shortest format of the game. However, the batsman graced the league with his class in 2017 in his first full-season with the team.

Amla notched 420 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 145.83. He scored two centuries and half-centuries each and emerged as one of the most unlikely top-performers of the competition. Surprisingly, the player has found no takers thereafter in the league.

Many overseas players tend to hold on to their spots based on sheer reputation built due to a couple of commendable innings. However, the consistency with which franchises have ignored a player of Amla’s stature especially with the numbers that he racked up in 2017 is rather intriguing.

1: Chris Gayle – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2011)

Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL | Which players have proven to be the best injury replacements in the history of the IPL?
Top 5 Injury Replacements in the History of the IPL: Chris Gayle became an RCB legend.

Chris Gayle joining the RCB due to a side strain that prevented Dirk Nannes from participating in IPL 2011 will go down as one of the significant moments for the league in the years to come. Gayle had endured slightly underwhelming few seasons with KKR prior to 2011.

However, he went on to attain a cult status in Bengaluru for his spellbinding performances for the franchise for seven-long years from then onward. The West Indian star scored 3163 runs for RCB in the IPL, taking them to two IPL finals and entertaining the fans at the Chinnaswamy with his fantastic six-hitting ability.

For years, he shouldered the responsibility to take RCB home and bagged 19 half-centuries and five centuries in the process. Though the franchise remembers him vividly for his unsurpassable contributions to the team, it wouldn’t have happened had Nannes not been ruled out due to injury in IPL-4.

Written by Tarkesh Jha. Follow Tarkesh on Twitter today

Also read:

IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KXIP vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

Another day in IPL 2020, another huge match.

What a turnaround from Kings XI Punjab. They are now well and truly frontrunners for a playoffs spot, given KKR’s loss last evening plus the fact that KL Rahul’s men are the most in-form side currently. They are riding the wave of five straight wins, and if they can keep their cool today, they will take a giant step towards the playoffs.

That giant step includes knocking out their opponents today, should they beat them. So, the equation for Rajasthan Royals is simple: win and go level with KXIP, or lose and tournament over. They are coming off a Ben Stokes-inspired victory over Mumbai Indians over the weekend, and Stokes, as well as the entire RR unit, must work together to keep their playoff hopes alive. Given their net run rate of -0.505, a big win is ideal, but the focus should be to do what they can to win this one.

IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KXIP vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | KXIP vs RR Best Dream11 Prediction | RR vs KXIP Players to pick for Dream11 | KXIP vs RR Team combination for Dream11 | KXIP vs RR who will win
IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11: Can Stokes deliver again?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • If Mayank Agarwal returns today, he will be returning against the team he scored a century against earlier in IPL 2020 (at Sharjah). He smashed 106 in 50 balls.
  • His opening partner, KL Rahul, continues to lead the Orange Cap race (595, avg. 59.50, SR 132.22). This includes 69 vs RR earlier this season – an opponent he loves playing against when in KXIP colours: 5 inns, 304 runs, avg. 101.33, SR 132.75.
  • The Royals persisted with Ben Stokes at opener, and he repaid the faith with a superb century vs Mumbai. Can he produce another big knock here today?
  • RR would also be pleased to see Sanju Samson return to form. Samson, who was picked in India’s limited-overs squads, was man of the match in the RR-KXIP earlier this season (85 off 42 balls), and has an excellent record for RR vs KXIP: 11 inns, 358 runs, avg. 44.75, SR 139.84.
  • The addition of Chris Gayle has transformed KXIP. The “Universe Boss” has struck 177 runs so far in IPL 2020 (5 inns), at an average of 35.40 and SR 138.28. However, can he overcome a slightly modest record vs RR compared to his career numbers? (15 inns, 400 runs, avg. 30.77, SR 129.45)
  • Steve Smith smashed 50 off 27 balls against KXIP early in IPL 2020. However, the Australian star hasn’t quite had the tournament expected of him. But, today could be his day, as he has some decent numbers for RR vs KXIP that he can build on (SR 158.54, 130 runs, avg. 32.50).
  • Jos Buttler performs best as an IPL opener, but he is capable of producing in the middle order as he showed a few games ago vs CSK (70* off 48 balls). Plus, Buttler has some fine numbers for RR against KXIP, and will be required to go big if called upon: 5 inns, 229 runs, avg. 45.80, SR 139.63.
  • What about the courage shown by Mandeep Singh? He filled in superbly for the injured Agarwal with an excellent half-century (66*) vs KKR, a mere few days after his father’s passing. He could move down to the middle order today, where KXIP might need his busy style of play.
  • Rahul Tewatia turned the game against KXIP earlier this season with five straight sixes. However, there is no Sheldon Cottrell this time around, so can Tewatia continue to perform when needed? (IPL 2020 batting: 10 inns, 224 runs, avg. 44.80, SR 143.58).
  • Mohammed Shami (20 scalps and 10 in his last five games) is three wickets behind Purple Cap holder Kagiso Rabada. His battle up top against the likes of Stokes, Uthappa, Smith and Samson will be vital.
  • Jofra Archer, who has had a magnificent tournament to date, has taken 17 wickets in IPL 2020, including eight in his last five games.
  • KXIP legspinners Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin have combined beautifully in the second-half of the campaign. They have now taken a combined 21 wickets in IPL 2020, and will be key on the big Abu Dhabi outfield.
  • The revival of Chris Jordan has also played a key role in KXIP’s upturn. He has taken 3/17 and 2/25 in his last two games, displaying excellent composure at the death in the process.

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 20, KXIP 9, RR 11.
  • KXIP’s 223/2 was not enough when these two sides met earlier this season, at Sharjah. It was a thriller.
  • Should RR spread Jofra Archer’s overs out a little more? Chris Gayle averages just 17.50 vs Archer and Maxwell just 6.50.
  • Sanju Samson (23) and Nicholas Pooran (22) are the two players with the most sixes in IPL 2020.
  • If KXIP win, then their qualification will depend on how SRH fares tomorrow vs RCB. If RR win, then they will go level with KKR and KXIP on 12 points, whereby SRH (currently 10 points) can overtake all four teams tomorrow on NRR.

Possible Playing 11

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

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Ben Stokes, 2. Robin Uthappa, 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Steven Smith (c), 5. Jos Buttler (wk), 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Shreyas Gopal, 9. Jofra Archer, 1.0 Ankit Rajpoot/Varun Aaron/Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Kartik Tyagi

Abu Dhabi Pitch and Weather Report

Chasing teams have enjoyed success in recent matches at Abu Dhabi, winning six of the past eight matches. With dew a key factor at the backend of this tournament, the captain who wins the toss will likely field first.

Dream11 Prediction (based on final playing XIs)

Option 1:

IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Option 2:

IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | KXIP vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Abu Dhabi Pitch Report | KXIP vs RR Best Dream11 Prediction | RR vs KXIP Players to pick for Dream11 | KXIP vs RR Team combination for Dream11 | KXIP vs RR who will win
IPL 2020 Match 50: KXIP vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Match Prediction

Chasing team to win? Kings XI is certainly the team in better form, but nothing is written in stone. The battle of the top orders and death bowlers will be key in this one, in what has the potential to be a thriller.

Thanks for reading!

PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report

PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report

For the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown, cricket returns to Pakistan. Although their passionate supporters won’t be present in Rawalpindi, the fact that the national side is playing more in their home country is a source of comfort.

Also, Pakistan were enjoying a good run in ODI cricket when they last played 13 months ago, with six wins on the bounce. So, the challenge will be to hit that kind of form right away here, against a side who were on the wrong end of one of the most one-sided ODI series in history, two years ago.

Zimbabwe have been to hell and back in the past two years or so. In early 2018, they suffered heartbreak, missing out on World Cup qualification by the skin of their teeth. Later that year, they lost 5-0 to Pakistan at home in a non-contest. Worse, a year later, they were suspended by the ICC due to political interference in their cricket. They were reinstated four months later, but are without a win in ODI cricket since beating UAE 4-0 in April 2019. Can the Zimbabweans, led by new captain Chamu Chibhabha, start the series well?

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

  • It was Fakhar Zaman who dominated the last ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, back in 2018. The opener amassed 515 runs in five innings at an average of 257.50, which included Pakistan’s first ever ODI double century (210*). Also, Fakhar was the top scorer in the recent Pakistan National T20 Cup, with 420 runs at an average of 35.00 and SR 147.88.
  • Fakhar and Imam-ul-Haq combined for 910 runs on their own in that 2018 series, with Imam smashing 395 of his own at an average of 79.00. Imam also had a strong National T20 Cup campaign, with 375 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.57 and SR 144.78.
  • Eyes will also be on skipper Babar Azam, who has continued to go from strength-to-strength in ODI cricket. In 2019, Babar struck 1,092 runs in 20 ODIs at an average of 60.66. Also, Babar is enjoying a good run of form, with scores of 86*, 86, 64*, 0 and 39 in the recent T20 Cup.
  • Brendan Taylor has the most runs for any current Zimbabwe player against Pakistan (572, avg. 38.13). He will be key.
  • New Zimbabwe captain Chamu Chibhaba is not far behind with 508 runs (avg. 29.88). However, can he overcome Pakistan’s potent new ball attack, which includes the impressive Shaheen Shah Afridi? Shaheen took the most wickets in the recent National T20 Cup (20), and had an excellent World Cup campaign last year where he took 16 wickets in five games.
  • Sean Williams will be key for Zimbabwe with bat and ball. The all-rounder has 396 career runs vs Pakistan at 30.88, and can keep things relatively quiet in the middle overs with a career economy rate of 4.98 with the ball against Pakistan.
  • Sikandar Raza, who has a century vs Pakistan in ODIs, will also be key with bat and ball. In addition to 203 runs (avg. 33.83), Sikandar has four wickets at 35.75. Can he build on these numbers?
  • Can Elton Chigumbura, if picked, make up for lost time? The up-and-down all-rounder does possess a respectable record against Pakistan, with 548 runs in 21 ODIs at 32.33, to go with 11 wickets (avg. 46.36). Zimbabwe could look to go with Ryan Burl, who can bowl legspin and hit a long ball.
  • If conditions suit, Faheem Ashraf could get the nod over Imad Wasim. Ashraf took the equal-most wickets in the Zimbabwe-Pakistan ODI series in 2018 (9).
  • Haris Rauf has enjoyed quite the 12 months. After starring in Australia’s BBL last season (20 wickets in 10 games), Rauf is coming off an excellent National T20 Cup campaign (18 wickets in eight games). Can he transfer this form to 50-over cricket and perform well on ODI debut, if picked?
  • Welcome back, Blessing Muzarabani. With Kolpak now closed due to the UK’s departure from the European Union, Muzarabani is again available for the Zimbabweans. Can he use his experience in the UK, as well as his superb 2019 CWC Qualifier performances, to find success here?
  • Carl Mumba took six wickets in three ODIs in Bangladesh earlier in 2020. Tendai Chatara has 11 wickets in seven ODIs vs Pakistan (avg. 29.72).
PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI Key Players | Rawalpindi Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Best Dream11 Prediction | PAK vs ZIM Pitch Report | PAK vs ZIM who will win | PAK vs ZIM which players to pick for Dream11
PAK vs ZIM 1st ODI Preview Dream11: Can Sikandar Raza influence this game?

Stats and Facts

  • Pakistan utterly dominate the head-to-head record vs Zimbabwe, with 52 wins out of 57 completed ODIs.
  • The last ODI meeting between the two sides was a one-sided series in 2018, where Pakistan won 5-0. The closest margin of victory when Pakistan were chasing was 84 balls remaining (nine wickets) and 131 runs when setting a score.
  • The last ODI at Rawalpindi was Pakistan vs West Indies, way back in 2006, and the match was abandoned due to rain. The last result on this ground was in February 2006, where India chased 266 with seven wickets to spare. Irfan Pathan (3/43) was man of the match.
  • Babar Azam is 641 runs away from 4,000 ODI runs. He has eight or fewer innings to reach this mark to beat Hashim Amla’s record of being the fastest batsman to this mark.
  • Zimbabwe have not won an ODI since beating UAE 4-0 in April 2019 (eight straight losses).

Possible Playing 11

Shadab Khan is ruled out with injury, so legspinner Usman Qadir could make his debut. Also, Khushdil Shah, middle-order batsman and left-arm orthodox bowler, could make his debut, too. Khushdil has a superb List A record, with 2,212 runs in 54 innings at an average of 47.06 and SR 99.54.

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

Zimbabwe have a call to make regarding the opening partner for Chamu Chibhaba, as well as the makeup of their bowling attack.

Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Chari/Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2. Chamu Chibhabha (c), 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Williams, 6. Elton Chigumbura/Ryan Burl, 7. Sikandar Raza, 8. Wellington Masakadza, 9. Carl Mumba, 10. Donald Tiripano/Tendai Chatara, 11. Blessing Muzarabani

Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather Report

This ground was used quite a bit in the recent National T20 Cup. So, the groundstaff have reportedly kept some grass on the surface to ensure the track holds up nicely, which will bring the seamers into the match. Also, the early start could prompt the captain who wins the toss to bowl first and take advantage of early movement. No rain is forecast.

Dream11 Prediction (based on final XIs)

Also read: Why multiple teams in Dream11 is important

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Pakistan have a superb record vs Zimbabwe, and it should continue here given that members of the Pakistan squad have been in action in recent months. Pakistan to win.

Thanks for reading!

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