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SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2nd Match

Charbel Coorey
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SL vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2nd Match

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe go head-to-head in the 2nd match of the 2025 Pakistan T20 Tri-Series.

Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, are aiming for the perfect start to this tri-series as they gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup. The Lions showed promising signs in the first round of the Asia Cup earlier in 2025, but fell away when it mattered most in the Super Four stage. They bat deep and have a good group of spinners, and they will want that to work in their favour today.

If you go by the scoreboard alone, you would think Pakistan smashed Zimbabwe with ease on Tuesday. However, the Zimbabweans were by far the better team in both powerplays, but fell away badly, especially with the bat. Also, had Brian Bennett taken the catch with 15 needed off 10 balls, the result could have been different.

There was enough to be optimistic about from a Zimbabwean perspective, but their middle overs batting is crucial to their chances. Sri Lanka, with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, will look to pounce.

Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2nd Match: SL vs ZIM Possible Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka is unavailable due to illness. Dasun Shanaka will lead. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is in the squad and could play.

Also, Wanindu Hasaranga is in doubt due to a hamstring niggle, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kamil Mishara, 4. Kusal Perera/Bhanuka Rajapaska, 5. Kamindu Mendis, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Janith Liyange, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga/Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Dushmantha Chameera, 11. Nuwan Thushara

Zimbabwe may stick with the same team despite despite the middle order collapse earlier this week.

Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Bennett, 2. Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3. Brendan Taylor (wk), 4. Ryan Burl, 5. Sikandar Raza (c), 6. Tony Munyonga, 7. Tashinga Musekiwa, 8. Brad Evans, 9. Tinotenda Mapoda, 10. Richard Ngarava, 11. Graeme Cremer

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

The captain who wins the toss will surely field. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium favours chasing, with teams batting second winning seven out of eight completed T20 Internationals.

In these eight T20Is, the average first innings score is 152.63 at a run rate of 7.63. Teams batting second score faster at above eight per over.

In this period, pace bowlers have taken 54 wickets at an average of 31.24 and economy of 8.30. Spinners have fared better with 34 wickets at an average of 21.95 and economy of 7.64.

Another cool and clear evening is forecast with temperatures to drop to about 10 degrees.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for SL vs ZIM T20I: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Kusal Mendis is picked in over 80% of Dream11 teams as he opens the batting and can fetch fantasy points as wicket-keeper too. He will be looking to improve on his T20I record against Zimbabwe: 6 inns, 123 runs, avg. 20.50, SR 120.58, HS 38.

Key batter picks:

  • Brian Bennett played beautifully for his 36-ball 49 against Pakistan two nights ago. Also, Bennett has the most runs in ZIM-SL T20Is (177) at an average of 35.40 and strike rate of 138.28.
  • Pathum Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s best batter. He struck 107 (58) in his last T20I – the Asia Cup match against India.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Wanindu Hasaranga is the top captaincy option in Dream11. Hasaranga (if fit) will be key given how Zimbabwe struggled in the middle overs against Pakistan.
  • Sikandar Raza has eight wickets in six T20Is against Sri Lanka (avg. 16.12, econ. 5.64). He also has 138 runs at a strike rate of 130.18.
  • Brad Evans had the ball nipping around nicely in the match against Pakistan. He has dismissed Kusal Mendis once in eight balls in T20Is (10 runs) and Pathum Nissanka once in 17 balls (23 runs).

Key bowler picks:

  • Nuwan Thushara will bowl in the crunch overs. The death period brings wicket-taking opportunities especially against Zimbabwe’s inexperienced middle-lower order.
  • Dushmantha Chameera has the most wickets in SL-ZIM T20Is (11) including Sikandar Raza three times in 28 balls (42 runs). He takes a wicket every 12 deliveries on average against Zimbabwe.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Dasun Shanaka can chip in with overs and runs as a finisher. When Shanaka performs well, he can be a difference-maker in fantasy cricket.
  • Tadiwanashe Marumani looked in good touch in the Pakistan match (30 off 22). He opens the batting and bats at a time when the ball comes on nicely.
  • Kamil Mishara scored 93 runs in two T20Is against Zimbabwe earlier this year at a strike rate of 147.61. This includes a match-winning innings of 73* in the series decider.
  • Brendan Taylor started promisingly against Pakistan before running himself out. He is worth a try as he bats in the top three.
  • Richard Ngarava has a decent record against Sri Lanka’s openers (see below). He will be looking to improve on his strike rate of 31 in six matches vs SL.

Other Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-head: Matches 9, Sri Lanka 7, Zimbabwe 2.
  • Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in a T20I series in September. Zimbabwe bowled Sri Lanka out for 80 in the second T20I and then scored 191/8 in the third T20I. Also, Sri Lanka were in trouble chasing 176 in the first T20I, before Kamindu Mendis’ 16-ball 41 got them home with five balls to spare.
  • Brian Bennett was the leading run-scorer in that three-match ZIM-SL T20I series earlier this year (113).
  • Richard Ngarava vs Pathum Nissanka in T20Is: 35 balls, 47 runs, one wicket.
  • Richard Ngarava vs Kusal Mendis in T20Is: 30 balls, 23 runs, one wicket.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga vs Sikandar Raza in all T20s: 52 balls, 52 runs, no wickets.

SL vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 2nd Match

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Rawalpindi Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for SL vs ZIM today - 2nd Match of Pakistan T20 Tri-Series
SL vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 2nd Match

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Rawalpindi Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for SL vs ZIM today - 2nd Match of Pakistan T20 Tri-Series
SL vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 2nd Match

SL vs ZIM 1st T20 Match Prediction: Who will win?

Sri Lanka will win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

Will Pat Cummins play in the 2nd Ashes Test in Brisbane?

Charbel Coorey
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0
Will Pat Cummins play in the 2nd Ashes Test in Brisbane?

Pat Cummins is considered a strong chance of playing in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane which starts on December 4. The Australian captain, ruled out of the first Test to focus on recovery from a lumbar stress injury, has been increasing his bowling loads and speeds ahead of the big series.

https://twitter.com/cric_blog/status/1990610380100678062?s=20

Andrew McDonald and Mitchell Starc optimistic Pat Cummins will return in the Brisbane Ashes Test

Three weeks ago, Australia coach Andrew McDonald made a prediction that Cummins would almost be ready for Perth. However, given the nature of the injury, Australia were cautious and chose to gradually get the fast bowler up to speed.

“You’ll see him and it’ll almost be a question of, ‘Why isn’t he playing in Perth?,'” McDonald said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. “That’s where we think he’ll be placed by that that stage.”

Cummins looked in good rhythm in the practice nets at Perth’s Optus Stadium. He bowled nearly 10 overs on Monday (November 17), testing Jake Weatherald in the process. Weatherald, who could make his debut in the opening Test, reportedly had a strong two-hour net session.

Cummins’ output impressed Mitchell Starc. “Can we get him in this week?” Starc joked to reporters, as quoted by CODE Sports.

“I probably understand why he doesn’t train much, because when he does, he makes us all look silly,” Starc said. “So he was really, really sharp the other day, and sounds like he’s pulling up pretty well. So very positive.”

There are nine days between the first and second Ashes Tests, which further increases Cummins’ chances of a Brisbane return. A fully fit and firing Cummins will come as welcome relief for Australia, who are without Josh Hazlewood for at least the first Test as well.

List of players to score a century in their 100th Test

Charbel Coorey
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List of players to score a century in their 100th Test

11 players have scored a century in their 100th Test match. The first was the great Colin Cowdrey for England against Australia in 1968, scoring 104 in the drawn third Test.

Mushfiqur Rahim is the latest player to do so. Mushfiqur, the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests, scored a century against Ireland in Mirpur in November 2025. It is further confirmation of Rahim’s status as one of Bangladesh’s best-ever cricketers.

In total, three players from England have achieved the feat. Australia, South Africa and Pakistan have two players each, while the West Indies have one.

Which players have scored a century in their 100th Test?

PlayerScoreTeamOpponentGroundYear
Colin Cowdrey104EnglandAustraliaEdgbaston1968
Javed Miandad145PakistanIndiaLahore1989
Gordon Greenidge149West IndiesEnglandSt John’s1990
Alec Stewart105EnglandWest IndiesManchester2000
Inzamam-ul-Haq184*PakistanIndiaBengaluru2005
Ricky Ponting120 & 143*AustraliaSouth AfricaSydney2006
Graeme Smith131South AfricaEnglandThe Oval2012
Hashim Amla134South AfricaSri LankaJo’burg2017
Joe Root218EnglandIndiaChennai2021
David Warner200AustraliaSouth AfricaMCG2022
Mushfiqur Rahim106BangladeshIrelandMirpur2025

Ricky Ponting is the only player to score twin hundreds in his 100th Test. The then-Australian captain made 120 and 143* against South Africa in 2006. Australia’s chase of 288 remains the highest at the SCG.

David Warner is the other Australian to achieve the feat. The opener scored a double hundred in the 2022 Boxing Day Test against South Africa. He battled very hot conditions to score a memorable century.

Speaking of South Africa, the great Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla scored centuries in their respective 100th Tests. Smith scored 131 in the Proteas’ successful tour of England in 2012, before Amla struck 134 nearly five years later against Sri Lanka at Johannesburg.

Inzamam-ul-Haq and Alec Stewart were the other two players to have the ultimate 100th Test match post-2000. Inzamam hit a masterful 184* against India in Bengaluru in 2005, and Pakistan won the Test by 168 runs. Stewart, one of the more respected keeper-batsmen, scored 105 five years earlier in England’s drawn Test against West Indies in Manchester.

Javed Miandad and Gordon Greenidge were the next two players after Colin Cowdrey to score a century in their 100th Test. Miandad struck 145 against India in Lahore in 1985, becoming the only player to score a ton in both their 50th and 100th Test. Greenidge struck 149 in 1990, combining for a 298-run stand with Desmond Haynes. The great West Indies team walloped England by an innings and 32 runs at St John’s.

Perth weather forecast for 1st Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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0
Perth weather forecast for 1st Ashes Test

The Perth weather is expected to be kind to players and fans for the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium. This Ashes is one of the most highly anticipated down under in recent memory, with a lively pitch expected for the series opener.

According to weatherzone, conditions will be fine for the majority of the Test despite a slight chance of showers on the opening two days. The weather will be comfortable across the match with temperatures in the mid-20s.

Perth weather for 1st Ashes Test between Australia and England

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts a mostly sunny day and top of 27 degrees for day one. Weatherzone says low pressure in the eastern part of Western Australia could bring showers across southern parts of the state. However, Perth should have mostly clear skies.

“But Perth’s wettest weather tends to arrive via cold fronts from the southwest, so while Optus Stadium could potentially see a drop or two and even a brief thunderstorm in the afternoon, expect mostly clear skies,” read weatherzone’s article.

BOM forecasts possible showers on days two and three, but chances are low. Also, if there is any rain, only 1-3mm is expected.

Perth weather forecast for 1st Ashes Test.

So, there should be plenty of play on a pitch tipped to behave similarly to the Australia-India Test last year. 17 wickets fell on day one before the track eased out on days two and three.

However, cracks opened up as the match went on. It is common in Perth as teams batting first have won all five Tests at Optus Stadium so far. Batting last could be tricky depending on which day the fourth innings begins.

Curator Isaac McDonald said the pitch for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test is one they will aim to replicate.

“I think last year (is the one to replicate). Albeit, 50 per cent of the wickets fell on day one, the characteristics of that pitch were pretty close,” McDonald said to CODE Sports.

“I reflect on that Test match. There were hundreds and there were five-fers. I mean, that’s a really nice kind of reflection that I look back on.”

Australia will be without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the first Test. England fans and pundits are hopeful that this is their time. A win in Perth is seen as crucial in England’s chances of holding the urn for the first time since 2017/18.

Doctored pitches: India’s recurring strategic blunder

Salil Kumar P
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Doctored pitches: India’s recurring strategic blunder

Indian cricket has reached an era where technology, data, analysts and specialists surround the dressing room. Yet, ironically, the team continues to repeat a simple strategic mistake that even a schoolboy or a street-cricketer in the 1980s would never commit — misreading conditions and assuming only our spinners can exploit turning tracks.

India’s defeat to South Africa at Kolkata is not a one-off failure. It is a repetition of a pattern that has haunted Indian cricket for decades. The idea that “a spinning pitch automatically favours India” has been disproved repeatedly — sometimes painfully — in crucial matches.

And history shows that the opposition spinners often out-bowl Indians on Indian-made spinning tracks.

Times in history when doctored pitches have hurt India

1. The latest example: India vs South Africa, Kolkata – A self-inflicted wound

India went into the match with the overconfidence that an uneven, dusty, slow, broken surface at Eden Gardens would neutralise South African pace and bring them down to India’s “home advantage” zone.

But South Africa came armed with a more prepared spin unit, superior control, and better tactical discipline.

Key Issues:

  • Pitch was excessively doctored, not naturally spinning.
  • South African spinners adapted better, using angles and trajectory rather than speed alone.
  • Indian batters played with pre-determined ideas rather than technique.
  • Over-reliance on the myth that “turning track = automatic Indian victory”.

Just like Bangalore 1987 and Eden Gardens 1996, the pitch India sought to weaponise became the weapon that killed them.

2. Historical blunder: India vs Pakistan – Bengaluru Test, 1987: A classic example of being trapped by our own spin track

Result: Pakistan won by 16 runs.

India needed 221 to win on a turning pitch prepared to favour our world-class spin trio: Maninder Singh, Shastri and Shivlal Yadav.

But fate took a different turn.

Pakistan spinners Tauseef Ahmed and Iqbal Qasim bowled India out for 145 and 204, making full use of the same pitch India had hoped would trouble Pakistan.

Batting first, Pakistan managed just 116. India responded with 145. Pakistan’s second innings effort of 249 was filled with contributions right down the order.

India collapsed except for one man: the great Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar’s 96 on a minefield remains one of the greatest fourth innings knocks on viciously turning tracks in Test history. No other Indian batter crossed 26 in the chase.

This match is still shown in coaching manuals worldwide as a lesson to coach spin bowlers and also to teach the notion “never prepare a pitch that undermines your own team’s technique.”

3. Historical blunder: 1996 World Cup Semi-Final – India vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata: The night spin swallowed India

Eden Gardens witnessed one of India’s darkest cricketing moments.

The pitch was dry, flaky and deliberately under-prepared to suit Indian spin bowling, assuming that Sri Lankan batters would significantly struggle.

But the opposite happened.

Sri Lanka’s spinners — Muttiah Muralitharan, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Kumar Dharmasena — ripped through India’s batting lineup.

India collapsed from 98/1 to 120/8, and the match ended in chaos as the crowd rioted in frustration.

Once again, the spin assumption was dangerous. The opposition spinners were smarter. This remains a classic example of home-advantage arrogance backfiring catastrophically.

4. Other matches where tailor-made tracks backfired

India vs Australia — Pune Test, 2017:

Steve O’Keefe, not Ashwin or Jadeja, took 12 wickets, and India lost by 333 runs — one of the biggest home humiliations in Indian Test history.

India vs England — Chennai Test, 1977:

A spinning track was prepared assuming Derek Underwood would be ineffective.
Underwood took wickets with ease, and England won.

India vs New Zealand — Mumbai Test, 1969:

India prepared a slow turner. New Zealand’s Jeoff Howarth and Hedley Howarth out-bowled India’s spinners.

India vs Australia – World Cup Final Ahmedabad, 2023

A slow pitch backfired. The expectation was the surface would help India choke Australia’s batting lineup. The opposite happened.

India vs New Zealand – Test series 2024

Turning pitches saw Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips cause India all sorts of problems. New Zealand won the series 3-0 in one of the most incredible series results.

Why does this repeated failure happen?

  • Overconfidence in home advantage: India assumes that sharp turners automatically guarantees Indian success.
  • Underestimating foreign spinners: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and even South Africa and New Zealand have produced high-class spinners.
  • Pressure from captains and coaches demanding customised wickets: Unlike pitches abroad which produce pace and bounce naturally (they behave naturally due to climate and other factors and they are not tailor-made pitches), India often forces curators to modify surfaces artificially to suit Indian bowling strength. Gautam Gambhir said the Kolkata pitch against South Africa was exactly what they wanted.
  • Indian batters’ declining technique against quality spin bowling: Modern Indian batters use powerplay shots against spin, not classical footwork.

The same mistakes point to one truth. You cannot defeat an international team by pitch manipulation. Focus on skill. The world has improved. Every team has access to analytics, spin-match ups, sports science and video data. Assuming that “India = best spin team” is outdated and dangerous.

Indian cricket must finally accept that conditions should be natural, not artificial. Win by skill, and not by pitch politics. The opposition spinners can be equal or better with that of our spinners, especially on underprepared pitches where the match becomes a shootout.

Until these changes are made, India will continue to lose matches that they themselves scripted.

The defeat against South Africa is not a surprise; it is the latest chapter in a history of strategic miscalculations.

If this lesson is not learned even now, the cycle will repeat again — painfully, predictably, and unnecessarily.

PAK vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 1st Match

Charbel Coorey
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0
PAK vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 1st Match

Preparation for the T20 World Cup ramps up with the 1st Match of the Pakistan Tri-Series. Pakistan will take on Zimbabwe and both teams will be looking to build confidence before the big tournament which begins in early 2026.

Pakistan have had a solid year in T20Is, winning 17 of 29 matches. This includes a run to the Asia Cup final earlier this year, followed by a series win over South Africa. Their bowlers have been vital to their wins, but they will want more from their batters especially if they bat first or are required to chase a hefty total.

For Zimbabwe, they will be smarting from their 3-0 loss to Afghanistan, but their batting effort in the final game of that series gave Sikandar Raza plenty of confidence. Rawalpindi has favoured spin in T20 Internationals so far, so how the Zimbabweans cope will be crucial in their quest of pulling off an upset in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 1st Match: PAK vs ZIM Possible Playing XIs

With no Hasan Nawaz in the squad, Pakistan could play Fakhar Zaman at number four.

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Fakhar Zaman, 5. Salman Agha (c), 6. Usman Khan (wk), 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10. Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah, 11. Abrar Ahmed

Blessing Muzarabani is unavailable for this series due to injury. Graeme Cremer is back and could play his first international since 2018.

Zimbabwe: 1. Brian Bennett, 2. Dion Myers, 3. Brendan Taylor (wk), 4. Sikandar Raza, 5. Ryan Burl, 6. Tashinga Musekiwa, 7. Tony Munyonga, 8. Brad Evans, 9. Graeme Cremer, 10. Wellington Masakadza, 11. Richard Ngarava

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Expect an excellent batting pitch. In seven completed T20Is at this venue since the start of 2020, the average first innings score of 153.43 at a run rate of 7.67. The chasing team has won six of the seven matches. Teams batting second score at 8.78 per over.

In this period, pace bowlers have taken 47 wickets at an average of 32.11 and economy of 8.38. Spinners have fared much better with 34 wickets at an average of 21.26 and economy of 7.77.

A cool and clear evening is forecast with temperatures to drop down to around 12 degrees at night. Dew is likely and chasing will be preferred.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs ZIM T20I: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Sahibzada Farhan is the best wicket-keeper pick for Dream11 in this match. He opens the batting and can score well in home conditions. He is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in T20Is this year (580) with an average of 27.61 and strike rate of 129.75.

Key batter picks:

  • Babar Azam recently broke his century drought in international cricket. He has three half-centuries in six T20Is against Zimbabwe. Also, Babar loves this ground, with 741 T20 runs at an average of 41.2 and strike rate of 149.4.
  • Brian Bennett has enjoyed a strong year in T20Is. He has the fifth-most runs in this format in 2025 with 795 at an average of 37.85 and strike rate of 151.71.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Sikandar Raza is selected in over 93% of Dream11 teams. Although he averages just 16 with the bat in T20Is against Pakistan, Sikandar has plenty of experience playing in the PSL. He offers plenty of value with bat and ball.
  • Ryan Burl is one of the best Dream11 picks from Zimbabwe in this match. Like Raza, Burl has a low average against Pakistan (10.87), but he is in decent form this year (428 runs, avg. 26.75, SR 143.62) and can also be called on to bowl at a ground where spinners have had success in T20Is.
  • Expect Mohammad Nawaz to test the Zimbabweans with his accurate left-arm spin. He is a good pick whether Pakistan bat or bowl first as he can also provide runs down the order if the hosts are required to set a score.

Key bowler picks:

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 19 wickets in 13 innings in all T20s at Rawalpindi. He strikes every 12.6 deliveries. He bowls in the crunch overs which provides wicket-taking opportunities.
  • Abrar Ahmed has been in superb wicket-taking form across ODIs and T20Is and is a differential c/vc option in Dream11. He’s picked up 17 wickets in his last 10 internationals, including 3/53, 4/27 and 3/41 in recent ODIs. He will be sure to test the Zimbabwean batters with his variations.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Saim Ayub can go big on his day. He recently scored 71* and 37 in the T20Is against South Africa. However, he also has five ducks in his last 10 T20Is.
  • Brendan Taylor bats at number three and will get a good opportunity to bat. He is also expected to don the wicket-keeping gloves which can fetch extra points. However, in nine T20Is up until 2021, Taylor scored just 111 runs at an average of 13.87 against Pakistan.
  • Richard Ngarava is Zimbabwe’s lead bowler and can find movement upfront. He also bowls at the death.
  • Brad Evans can contribute with both bat and ball for Zimbabwe. Same with Faheem Ashraf who has taken regular wickets in recent internationals.
  • Fakhar Zaman is a solid pick especially if he opens. Keep an eye on where he is listed in the batting order.
  • Salman Agha has been in terrific form in ODIs, but he’s often struggled for impact in T20Is this year.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 21, Pakistan 18, Zimbabwe 3.
  • Pakistan have won all five home T20Is against Zimbabwe, including a 3-0 series sweep on this ground in 2020.
  • Zimbabwe have won two of the last four T20Is against Pakistan: one in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the other in Bulawayo in 2024.
  • Richard Ngarava vs Babar Azam in all T20Is: 62 balls, 88 runs, no wickets.
  • Brad Evans dismissed Babar Azam off the only ball he bowled to him, back in 2022.
  • Brian Bennett against left-arm seam in T20Is this year: 78 balls, 135 runs, avg. 33.8, SR 173.1.

PAK vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 1st Match

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

PAK vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 1st Match

Option 2:

PAK vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 1st Match

PAK vs ZIM 1st T20 Match Prediction Today – Who will win?

Pakistan to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.

India criticised for producing “awful” Eden Gardens pitch Test against South Africa

Charbel Coorey
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0
India criticised for producing “awful” Eden Gardens pitch Test against South Africa

The Eden Gardens pitch for the first Test between India and South Africa has come under significant criticism. The match ended well inside three days, with the Proteas prevailing by 30 runs in extremely difficult batting conditions.

Sadly, the signs were there from the very first over of the match. Jasprit Bumrah’s second delivery barely bounced and evaded Rishabh Pant and the slips cordon for four byes. The next delivery lifted off the surface and hit the splice of Aiden Markram’s bat.

Day one saw plenty of uneven bounce. Day two saw more uneven bounce and sharp turn, with the top of the surface crumbling further with each passing delivery. After 159 played 189 in the first innings, South Africa fell to 93/7 by the end of day two, with Ravindra Jadeja in particular unplayable on a surface perfect for accurate fingerspinners to wreak havoc.

However, India didn’t have the game firmly in their grasp as any lead around or above 100 was certainly defendable on a pitch where the match was reduced to a shootout. Temba Bavuma’s outstanding 55* (and Corbin Bosch’s 25) helped the Proteas reach an excellent lead of 124. It proved 30 too much for India who were without Shubman Gill due to a neck injury.

Fans, pundits slam Eden Gardens pitch after 1st Test ends in just two-and-a-half days

Like the Eden Gardens pitch, Gautam Gambhir has come for criticism regarding his comments following the 30-run defeat. The India coach said the surface was what they wanted.

“The point is you should know how to play turn. This is what we asked for, and this is what we got. I thought the curator was very supportive, and I still believe that regardless of how the wicket was, 123 was chaseable,” Gambhir said, as quoted by India Today.

“I felt that if you were willing to put your head down, and if you have a solid defence, if you have the temperament, you can definitely score and, it might not be a wicket, which is going to be very, very flamboyant where you can play those big shots, but if you’re willing to put your head down, definitely it’s a wicket where you can score.

“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. This is exactly the pitch, and I feel that, as I just mentioned before that the curator was very helpful and this is exactly what we wanted and this is exactly what we got. When you don’t play well, this is what happens.”

Anil Kumble was left confused. Dale Steyn said any match that ends inside three days is problematic pitch-wise. Those two greats, along with many fans and former players, were very critical of the pitch, where even the fast bowlers profited from lots of uneven bounce.

“Prepare a pitch like that and you deserve to lose against the World Test champs …. brilliant win by SA,” wrote Michael Vaughan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Hopefully, India just start playing on firm, good pitches again,” wrote Harsha Bhogle.

Here are some of the reactions to the Eden Gardens pitch.

South Africa scored 159 in their first innings with Jasprit Bumrah (5/27) near unplayable. India responded with 189 as the South African bowlers had joy of their own.

The second innings was another shootout. Bavuma’s innings was special and deserving of man of the match, as was Simon Harmer’s eight-wicket haul. In the end, the latter won the award, spinning a web around the Indian lineup on a surface tailor made for his skills.

The second Test begins in Guwahati on November 22.

IND vs SA 1st Test Twitter Reactions: Proteas win first Test in India in 15 years

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs SA 1st Test Twitter Reactions: Proteas win first Test in India in 15 years

Before a ball was bowled, I wrote that South Africa have a wonderful opportunity to win a Test series in India for the first time since 2000. They showed why on a very difficult Eden Gardens surface.

Led by Temba Bavuma’s outstanding innings and Simon Harmer’s eight-for, South Africa won their first Test in India in 15 years. The Proteas, who did outstandingly well to conjure up a lead of 124, bowled out the Shubman Gill-less hosts for 93 to take a 1-0 lead.

Starting day three 93/7 and leading by just 63 runs, South Africa needed their deep batting lineup to come to the fore. Corbin Bosch (25) combined by Bavuma for a crucial 44-run stand that took the Proteas’ lead beyond 100. From there, the ball was in their court on a treacherous track.

Bavuma’s innings was simply outstanding, adding another feather to the magnificent cap that is his Test captaincy. To maintain a control percentage above 70% was a stunning effort. Even in the deliveries he edged, many resulted in runs as he played with soft hands. He finished unbeaten on 55 in arguably his finest Test knock.

However, a strong start for India with the bat would’ve left the Proteas with too much to do. South Africa had to start strong. Marco Jansen obliged. The left-armer, who also had an excellent Test, dismissed openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) very quickly, with the delivery to Rahul an unplayable brute.

India needed a Bavuma-like knock with no Shubman Gill available. Washington Sundar (31) and Ravindra Jadeja (16) looked likeliest, but their partnership was crucially cut short on 26 when Harmer trapped Jadeja LBW on the full to leave the hosts in trouble at 64/5. Aiden Markram’s golden arm got the better of Sundar with the score on 72, and it was South Africa’s match to lose from there even as Axar Patel threatened to see his team home.

Axar’s dismissal, along with Dhruv Jurel’s, were disappointing from an Indian perspective.

IND vs SA 1st Test Twitter Reactions: India lose fourth home Test under Gautam Gambhir

India’s defeat at Eden Gardens was their fourth in eight home Tests under Gautam Gambhir. Fans were critical of the surface and tactics, wondering why India employed defensive fields on the crucial third morning.

For the Proteas fans, it was another day to be proud of. The World Test Champions have enjoyed a very strong start to the next cycle, beating Pakistan and India in consecutive Tests. They were in trouble in both matches.

Temba Bavuma has not lost a Test as captain, winning 10 of 11 matches. He averages 57.00 with the bat in these games, where a number have been played on tricky surfaces. After the “bauna” controversy earlier in the Test, Bavuma stood tallest in the end, with his spinners sealing the win.

The second Test begins on Guwahati on November 22.

“England MUST win” – Reactions to Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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“England MUST win” – Reactions to Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Ashes Test

Australia have been dealt a blow with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring injury. Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins on the sidelines, with Australia needing to field a new-look attack for the blockbuster series opener.

Hazlewood picked up the injury during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at the SCG. Reports stated he had been feeling hamstring tightness and an initial scan showed no strain. However, after feeling more discomfort over the weekend, a follow up scan showed a strain, subsequently ruling him out of at least the opening Test.

England fans and pundits sense a huge opportunity. “Now with Hazlewood that’s two big, frontline bowlers missing,” said Michael Atherton on Sky Sports. “They must see this as a big opportunity and a chance to try and put some pressure on Australia straight away.”

England fans sense huge opportunity with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Perth Test

Hazlewood’s injury likely means a debut for Brendan Doggett. Australia also have the option of Michael Neser, who was drafted into the squad this weekend.

Regardless, England fans believe this is their time to pounce. Not only have England not won an Ashes series down under since 2010/11, they haven’t won a single Test, with 13 losses and two draws. Those two draws came courtesy of the flattest MCG pitch in 2017 and a rain-affected SCG Test in 2022.

“If we don’t win the first Test after they have lost their two best bowlers might as well forfeit the other four,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Huge, absolutely huge. Their two best bowlers out injured, we simply have to take advantage of that and win next week. Surely there’ll never be a better chance,” wrote another.

England warmed up for the Ashes with a five-wicket win over England Lions in Lilac Hill. Ollie Pope, subject to doubts as to how well he will perform in the Ashes, scored 100 and 90 in a strong performance.

Bauna meaning in English: Jasprit Bumrah Temba Bavuma LBW incident

Charbel Coorey
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Bauna meaning in English: Jasprit Bumrah Temba Bavuma LBW incident

Jasprit Bumrah began the two-match Test series against South Africa in style, taking 5/27 in yet another magnificent display of bowling at Eden Gardens. The great fast bowler made full use of the uneven bounce on offer, with his wickets coming via a catch behind, two bowleds and two LBWs.

However, Bumrah was also a key talking point for another reason. At the end of the 13th over, India appealed for an LBW against South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. In conversation with Rishabh Pant as to whether to review, the stump mic picked up a remark interpreted as “bauna bhi hai”, sparking widespread reaction online.

What does “Bauna” mean in English? Word becomes topic of conversation during 1st Test India vs South Africa

According to Google’s AI overview, “bauna” is a general term for people with short height. It also means “dwarf”, which had fans disappointed that such a term was used.

“Indian cricketers caught body shaming Temba Bavuma. Happy to abuse until it happens to them, then they cry,” wrote one South Africa fan on X (formerly Twitter).

In the replies, fans were quick to clarify that no malice was intended.

“Body shaming how? He is much shorter than other batsman and thereby Bumrah gave a reason to go for DRS, when others said, it maybe high,” wrote one fan. “Absolute Hindi to English translation, may not convey exactly what and how it was spoken. If they looked him in the eye and called him “Dwarf”, that would have been Body shaming.”

“Bauna means a short person. How is that body shaming?,” wrote another.

After the day’s play, South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince played down the incident. He said there will be no discussion or issues around what happened.

“No, there will be no discussion. It’s the first time, obviously, it’s come to my attention. I don’t think there’ll be any issues with what’s happened out in the middle,” Prince said, as quoted by NDTV Sports.

India finished day one well on top after bowling the Proteas out for 159. The hosts then finished on 37/1 with KL Rahul (13*) and Washington Sundar (6*) unbeaten.

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