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PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 3rd Match

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 3rd Match

The 3rd match of the 2025 Pakistan T20 Tri-Series will feature Sri Lanka, who are aiming to bounce back after a poor performance against Zimbabwe. Dasun Shanaka’s team take on Pakistan, who started with a hard-fought win against the Zimbabweans.

Sri Lanka had a nightmare with the bat on a ground where chasing is usually preferred. They lost wickets regularly, and were eventually bowled out for 95 in 20 overs – a huge 67 runs short of Zimbabwe’s total. With a T20 World Cup campaign coming up, the Sri Lankans will be looking for a confidence boost.

For Pakistan, the priority will be to continue building on their solid year in T20Is. They have won 18 matches in 2025, and the team management will be pleased at how their middle order was able to seal the deal against Zimbabwe. Also, how their spinners fare against Sri Lanka’s lineup will make for interesting viewing.

Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2025 3rd Match: PAK vs SL Possible Playing XIs

Pakistan could stick with the same team that prevailed over Zimbabwe in the Tri-Series opener.

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

Sri Lanka have the option of Kamil Mishara who bats in the top order.

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

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Teams batting second have won seven out of nine completed T20 Internationals at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In these T20Is, the average first innings score is 153.67 at a run rate of 7.68.

In this period, pace bowlers have taken 63 wickets at an average of 29.04 and economy of 8.08. Spinners have fared better with 45 wickets at an average of 20.96 and economy of 7.48.

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

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

Top wicket-keeper picks:

  • Sahibzada Farhan has scored 300 runs in eight T20 innings at Rawalpindi at an average of 37.5 and strike rate of 149.3.

Key batter picks:

  • Babar Azam missed out against Zimbabwe. But, he often enjoys batting on this ground. In all T20s, Babar has struck 741 runs (avg. 39.0, SR 148.5).
  • Pathum Nissanka also missed out in the last game. As Sri Lanka’s best batter, he remains a solid pick in at least some of your Dream11 teams. Nissanka has one half-century in three T20Is against Pakistan.

Top all-rounder picks:

  • Wanindu Hasaranga is the top captaincy pick in Dream11. The legspinner has taken 16 wickets in six T20Is against Pakistan at an average of 9.62 and economy of 6.41.
  • Saim Ayub bowled four overs against Zimbabwe. He is likely to bowl multiple overs again on a ground where spin plays a factor. Saim can also score well with the bat, especially when chasing.
  • Mohammad Nawaz can provide runs down the order as he showed against Zimbabwe (21* off 12 balls). His left-arm spin will be key for Pakistan in the middle overs.

Key bowler picks:

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3/28 against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup. He dismissed both openers Nissanka and Mendis. Also, Shaheen has 20 wickets in all T20s at Rawalpindi (avg. 19.4, SR 13.2).
  • Abrar Ahmed has taken at least one wicket in 10 of his last 12 T20Is. Abrar took 1/8 off four overs against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. He will look to test Sri Lanka’s shaky batting.
  • Eshan Malinga had a very impressive T20I debut against Zimbabwe (2/27). He bowls in the crunch overs and targets the stumps.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Dasun Shanaka top scored for Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe. In 10 T20I innings this year, Shanaka has scored 201 runs (avg. 33.50, SR 135.81). He will also contribute some overs with the ball.
  • Kusal Mendis is a curious case. He opens the batting and has good potential in fantasy cricket. However, he has made three golden ducks in three T20Is against Pakistan.
  • Salman Agha has been in fine form in ODIs, but has struggled for impact in T20Is this year (547 runs, avg. 24.86, SR 113.72).
  • Usman Khan has an outstanding record in all T20s at Rawalpindi: 8 inns, 356 runs, avg. 59.3, SR 189.4.
  • Maheesh Theekshana has taken five wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan (avg. 14, econ. 5.83).

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head: Matches 24, Pakistan 14, Sri Lanka 10.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga has overall figures of 1/1 against Saim Ayub (2 balls), 1/9 against Babar Azam (16 balls) and 1/1 against Salman Agha (3 balls) in T20Is.
  • Dasun Shanaka has scored just 141 runs in 11 T20Is against Pakistan (avg. 14.10, SR 119.49).
  • Abrar Ahmed in T20s at Rawalpindi: 10 inns, 15 wickets, avg. 20.3, econ. 7.60.

PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2025 3rd 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 PAK today - 3rd Match of Pakistan T20 Tri-Series
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2025 3rd Match.

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Rawalpindi Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for SL vs PAK today - 3rd Match of Pakistan T20 Tri-Series
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today – Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 2025 3rd Match.

PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win?

Sri Lanka have the potential to bounce back, but Pakistan will win at home.

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.

Reactions to wild 1st day of the Ashes where 19 wickets fall at Perth

Charbel Coorey
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Reactions to wild 1st day of the Ashes where 19 wickets fall at Perth

An action-packed Ashes series was expected, and that was well and truly the case on a wild first day at Perth Stadium. An extraordinary 19 wickets fell in 71.5 overs, with England finishing on top despite being bowled out soon after lunch.

Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat. Ducks for Zak Crawley and Joe Root formed part of a tricky start for the hosts, before Ollie Pope and Harry Brook looked promising. Pope’s wicket, LBW to Green and against the run of play, meant England went in four down at lunch.

Mitchell Starc was the star, taking career-best figures of 7/58 as England capitulated after the break. He was magnificent, bowling with accuracy and velocity to counter the lack of swing. He took his 100th Ashes wicket in the process, and put Australia on top at that stage.

Some of England’s batting left plenty to be desired, with the visitors gifting wickets courtesy of the short ball. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith threatened to put on a big stand, but once Brook was dismissed, England were all out in a hurry.

The visitors were all out for 172 in just 32.5 overs on a surface providing some assistance, but not to the extent of the Perth pitch in the Australia-India Test last year.

England bounce back in magnificent fashion after getting bowled out cheaply

However, England weren’t perturbed. They came out all guns blazing in the field. Debutant Jake Weatherald was out LBW second ball, falling over to rapid Jofra Archer inswinger. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne held on to tea and looked to fight on after the break, but England were relentless and a procession soon began.

This bowling performance is what England have been working towards in the Key-McCullum-Stokes era. All their bowlers can hit high speeds, but their accuracy and ability to extract maximum assistance off the surface – which had less moisture in it last year – was mighty impressive.

However, Australia would be bitterly disappointed. After falling to 31/4 with Usman Khawaja unable to open, Australia gave away wicket after wicket in soft fashion. Travis Head bunted one to mid on at a crucial time to end a promising stand with Green. Then, Green, Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey obliged to gift Ben Stokes a five-wicket haul.

Reactions to 19 wickets falling on 1st day of the Ashes, England on top

England fans are rightly thrilled. Many were confident heading into the Ashes and the bowlers vindicated their belief. Australia, on the other hand, have questions to answer after another batting collapse; a near carbon copy to the India Test a year ago.

It is the first time 19 wickets have fallen on day one of a Test in Australia since 1951/52, per ABC Sport’s Ric Finlay.

Australia finished day one on 123/9 in front of over 50,000 fans. England will be looking to replicate what India did in the third innings at Perth last year and bat Australia out of the game.

Who is Brendan Doggett? Fast bowler to make debut in first Ashes Test in Perth

Charbel Coorey
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Who is Brendan Doggett? Fast bowler to make debut in first Ashes Test in Perth

Brendan Doggett will become Australia’s first pace-bowling debutant since Scott Boland when he takes the field in the 2025/26 Ashes series opener in Perth. The fast bowler will don Test cap 472, and has been selected courtesy of excellent form in First Class cricket in recent seasons.

31-year-old Brendan Doggett rewarded for excellent run in First Class cricket

Born in Rockhampton and raised in Toowoomba, Doggett is of Indigenous heritage; a descendant of the Worimi people. The 31-year-old is also a carpenter by trade.

Doggett made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland in 2017/18 before moving to South Australia in 2021/22. Overall, the right-arm quick has played 50 First Class matches, taking 190 wickets at an average of 26.46.

However, it’s his form over the last two years that has caught the attention of national selectors. In his last 20 First Class matches, Doggett has taken 98 wickets at an average of 21.41.

This includes 6/15 off 11 overs for Australia A against India A in 2024, as well as the best-ever match figures (11/140) in a Sheffield Shield Final. The pace bowler won player of the match in South Australia’s drought-breaking triumph against his former team, Queensland.

Doggett missed the start of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season due to a hamstring injury. It didn’t deter him, with the 31-year-old hitting the ground running immediately, taking 13 wickets in two Shield matches at an average of 14.69. This includes two five-wicket hauls.

Doggett is also incredibly fit. In an exclusive interview with CricBlog, Kerry O’Keeffe provided some insight into the pace bowler’s fitness regime.

“He does half iron bends. He swims 1.9 and runs 90k on the bike and 21.1 on the run. He’s the fittest cricketer in Australia,” O’Keeffe said.

“They love the fact that he can keep coming back spell after spell. That’ll be with Harry Brook and Root and people like that. If they get in, they’ll need a bowler like Brendan Doggett to come on and really give them a work over. I think he’s a good choice as the backup.”

Opener Jake Weatherald will also make his debut in the first Ashes Test. Australia opted for Weatherald to partner Usman Khawaja so Marnus Labuschagne can bat at three. Cameron Green is the all-rounder.

Lesser spoken about matchups and player battles that could decide the 2025/26 Ashes

Charbel Coorey
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Lesser spoken about matchups and player battles that could decide the 2025/26 Ashes

The Ashes are on our doorstep, with many salivating matchups in store. Jofra Archer against Steve Smith. Mark Wood against Marnus Labuschagne, who averages just 16 against the quick bowler. Mitchell Starc leading the attack against Ben Stokes and co. Scott Boland against the nation he decimated on debut four years ago.

Plus, crucially, how will Australia cope without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the first Test? Can England take advantage?

These questions will be answered courtesy not only of the headline matchups, but a few others that can help decide the course of a match. Here is a look at five.

More obsure matchups to look forward to in the 2025/26 Ashes

Cameron Green vs. Joe Root

Cameron Green got the nod over Beau Webster for the all-rounder spot. Green’s pace is one of the key factors in his selection, plus the bounce he can generate.

It will be fascinating to see if Australia look to Green to target Joe Root early. The all-rounder dismissed England’s premier batsman twice in similar fashion in the 2021/22 Ashes, catching the outside edge in the channel.

Green has bowled 119 deliveries to Root in Tests in Australia. England’s number four has scored 49 runs at an average of 24.5 and strike rate of 41.2.

Nathan Lyon vs. Ollie Pope

Nathan Lyon was on the periphery for a large part of the Australia-India Test series last year. There have even been calls to leave him out of the XI altogether and play an additional pace bowler.

However, don’t sleep on Lyon and the impact he can have. He was the best bowler in the 2023 Ashes until he suffered a serious calf injury at Lord’s, taking regular wickets as England looked to target him.

Lyon against the England batters promises to be a terrific contest. The offspinner has forged a very successful career courtesy of his overspin and drop on Australian surfaces. If England take him on, they need to pick their deliveries well and be strategic as to where they place the ball on grounds with larger boundaries compared those in the UK.

One such battle to watch out for is Lyon against Ollie Pope. England’s number three has a tendency to play spin with very low hands and pushes hard out in front of his body; a dangerous proposition with the bounce Lyon generates.

Ben Stokes vs Steve Smith

Steve Smith has scored 330 Test runs at an average of 82.5 against Ben Stokes. However, Stokes’ bowling has gone up a level in 2025, generating movement both ways at good pace.

The England captain was England’s best and most consistent bowler in the 2-2 series draw against India. Should Smith negotiate Archer and Wood in particular, he will also have to contend with Stokes who has the ability to angle the ball in and then take it away both in the air and off the pitch.

This could potentially trouble Smith who has made truckloads of runs against the delivery angling into him.

Brydon Carse vs Travis Head

Archer and Wood, understandably, are England’s most spoken-of bowlers. However, Brydon Carse’s ability to hit the deck hard makes him a dangerous proposition for Australia.

Expect England to bowl tight lines to Travis Head. With Carse able to extract bounce off the surface, it is a battle that Australia’s number five needs to be aware of.

In ODIs, Carse has dismissed Head thrice in 35 balls for 55 runs. Granted, it’s a different format, but the helter-skelter nature of the matchup can easily spill over into Tests as well.

Scott Boland vs Harry Brook

The likes of Michael Atherton have been quick to discount Scott Boland after the pace bowler struggled in the 2023 Ashes.

“Boland has a fine record, but holds no fear for a batting line-up that took him for almost five runs an over in the drawn series in 2023, when he took just two wickets in two matches,” wrote Atherton in his October piece for The Times.

One player who will look to take on Boland (and pretty much everyone else) is Harry Brook. England’s number five is crucial, and if he gets going, there is every chance that Ben Stokes’ team regain the coveted urn.

But, the Boland-Brook battle promises to be a cracker given the pace bowler’s ability to bowl the nip-backer in Australian conditions. It is a delivery Brook has had issues with in the past. In his stance, Brook’s head is lined up outside the offstump at the point of delivery, making it tricky to adjust to incoming deliveries.

Whether he can overcome that in this series will be fascinating to see.

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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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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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.

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