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.
Bandey mein hai Dum. Jaldi number aayega no doubt. 3 blockbuster seasons in a row. Brilliant innings from Suryakumar Yadav and a wonderful win for Mumbai. #MIvsRCBpic.twitter.com/DbvmQPkP9z
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 | 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.
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).
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.
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: 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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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 | 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: 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.
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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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: 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
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.
Lisa Griffith picked 2 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 3 boundaries and a maximum.
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.
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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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: 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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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: 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.
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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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: 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.
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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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.
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: 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.
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 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
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 | 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.
