World T20 Quiz: How well do you know the World T20? | Cricket Quiz | T20 Cricket Quiz | History of the World T20
When you are done with the World T20 quiz, try CricBlog’s 21st century ODI cricket quiz, divided into 4 parts!
Part 1: 2000-2004
Part 2: 2005-2009
Part 3: 2010-2014
Part 4: 2015-2019
[qsm quiz=3]
5 Reasons You Must Watch The Test on Amazon Prime | The Test on Amazon Prime Video | A look behind the scenes of Australian cricket
As cricket takes a backseat in these times of worry, uncertainty and social distancing, I, like millions of other cricket fans, have been seeking ways to satisfy our love for the game as the world stands still.
With no live action to look forward to and enjoy in the foreseeable future, the timing of “The Test” on Amazon Prime Video could not have been better. If you are yet to feast your eyes on The Test, this article won’t spoil any of it, but rather push you to wasting no more time and get watching.
If you have watched it like myself, then surely you can agree on my five key reasons, maybe add some of your own, and push fellow cricket fans who are yet to watch. Here goes.
It is not a spoiler to state that Justin Langer took over at a very difficult time in Australian cricket. The ball-tampering scandal rocked its foundations, and Langer was brought in to not only improve Australia’s cricket, but also their image in the eyes of their fans.
I now realise just how difficult his job was. 2018 was a terrible year for Australia: scandal, underperforming team, lack of confidence and players trying to find their way.
In 2019, Australia went a long way to turning things around, with Langer a key figure thanks to his sheer passion and knowledge of the game. Coming across as a man who focused on things such as “elite honesty”, Langer shocked viewers (as well as players and staff) with his reactions at times.
Riveting viewing.
Yes, Tim Paine has had some poor moments as captain. None more so than this day. But, overall, Paine has done a relatively good job as captain when you look beyond simply the action on the cricket field.
Unlike Langer, Paine was thrust into his role immediately out of nowhere. He was tasked with helping pick up the pieces, and over time, his leadership has grown. Yes, he may be the first one to admit that he would have liked to produce more match-defining performances, but his contribution cannot be understated.
His most defining moment was when he followed up the nightmare at Headingley with runs, as well as an inspired decision to bowl Marnus Labuschagne late on in the push for victory in the next Ashes 2019 Test at Old Trafford. You can see this all on The Test.
Check out amazing behind-the-scenes access to a roller-coaster of emotions.
See:
Also, get a glimpse into strategy sessions and team meetings to further enhance the truth that cricket is a mental game.
Such unprecedented access into a team’s efforts is one not to miss. It is a reminder that so much goes into the action we see on the field, and can make you fall in love with the game even more. It had that impact for me.
Was the ball-tampering incident one that was always coming? Yes.
Australia lost their way, highlighted most by the fact that such a good guy like Steve Smith, who loves and respects the game, didn’t put a stop to taking sandpaper out on the field in Cape Town.
Yes, winning is important, but it got to the point where it didn’t matter what measures were taken. The players were in such a bubble that the captain in Cape Town thought the incident could be brushed off pretty quickly; a far cry from what the Australian team should stand for.
But, in The Test, you get a glimpse into Australia’s new approach: Play hard but fair, enjoy the banter out on the field and answer crowd abuse by playing beautifully out on the field. Justin Langer and Tim Paine drilled this into the players, and over the course of the last year, Australia has become an enjoyable team to follow once again.
The pressures of international cricket can be stressful on all involved. But, there are moments throughout the series that bring out the laughs.
So, credit to the producers on balancing out the seriousness with laughter. From Justin Langer breaking out a smile to Mitch Marsh’s antics to Steve Smith’s shadow batting, The Test is sure to bring out a smile at the very least.
That’s all I’ll say.
Get a free trial on Amazon Prime Video today and enjoy The Test. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for reading!
IPL 2019 Quiz: How well do you know the latest edition? | IPL Trivia | 20 questions relating to IPL 2019 | IPL 2019 Trivia
[qsm quiz=2]
AUS vs NZ 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs NZ 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 | AUS vs NZ 2nd ODI Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
There must be something that strikes New Zealand at customs when they arrive in Australia.
The Kiwis will be up against it when they face Australia in the second ODI of the Chappel-Hadlee series at the SCG on Sunday after the hosts hammered them by 71 runs in the first game on Friday.
The first game was a day/night affair played in front of empty stands due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The hosts dominated most of the game with openers David Warner and Aaron Finch putting up a stand of 124 runs, followed up with a well-accomplished half century by Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia managed to score 258 runs on a slow SCG wicket; a total that appeared to be a modest one at the halfway mark. But, as things unfolded, it proved to be too big a mountain to climb for the Kiwis who were bundled out for a mere 187 runs in 41 overs.
Martin Guptill top scored with a sluggish 40 with Tom Latham scoring 38 runs. Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh and Adam Zampa were the stars with the ball for Australia picking up three, three and two wickets respectively.
New Zealand have a lot of work to do in the second ODI on Sunday which will be a day game. They have come off a series win against India and will be hoping to produce a much better performance on Sunday as compared to the one on Friday.
It is a big match for D’Arcy Short, who has a crucial role to play for Australia in the middle order.
Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. D’Arcy Short, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Mitchell Marsh, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
Lockie Ferguson had a sore throat following the first ODI, so he has been placed in isolation and has been tested for Coronavirus. If he is out, Kyle Jamieson or Tim Southee should come in.
New Zealand will likely stick with two spinners on a turning surface. Also, Tom Latham becomes a crucial cog in the middle order given his ability to play spin well.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Tim Southee/Lockie Ferguson, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Trent Boult
The SCG track was on the slower side on Friday, so it was a good effort by the Australian pacers to bowl as well as they did. With a lot of cricket played on the square this season, the last game of the season is likely to be another slow track.
5-10mm of rain is forecast for Sydney throughout the day, so there could be some stoppages.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
New Zealand seemed a good pick in the first ODI, given that Australia’s schedule in recent times has been quite unforgiving.
The Black Caps have what it takes to bounce back, but their poor record at the SCG and struggles in Australia gives the Australians the advantage in this one.
Thanks for reading!
AUS vs NZ 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AUS vs NZ 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Australia vs New Zealand 1st ODI Dream11 | AUS vs NZ 1st ODI Key Players | SCG Pitch Report
It is a blast from the past, as the retro ODI shirts make an appearance in an otherwise strangely scheduled ODI series.
Rugby League Football kicked off in rugby league heartland, Sydney, on Thursday. Couple this with this series being behind a Paywall puts it as significant risk of low awareness, as was the case in the T20Is to kick off the Australian international season back in October.
After a long BBL season and tours to India and South Africa, Australia are back at home for a series in March. ODIs don’t take the main priority in a T20 World Cup year, but the Aussies will want to arrest a slide that consists of five straight ODI defeats. They now play a side that recently arrested their own slide, which increases the challenge further.
That side is New Zealand. The Black Caps were on a run of eight straight losses across formats, including a 3-0 series loss in the Tests against Australia. They arrive with a full-strength squad with the target of becoming the first New Zealand team to win an ODI series (consisting of more than one match) in Australia.
D’Arcy Short showed some positive signs in South Africa recently, so he could be persisted with. Australia do have the option of Ashton Agar on a late-season SCG pitch.
Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Steve Smith, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. D’Arcy Short, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Mitchell Marsh, 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Adam Zampa
New Zealand are largely settled, but it remains to be seen if they pick a second spinner or have room for the in-form Kyle Jamieson.
New Zealand: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Henry Nicholls, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Jimmy Neesham, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Tim Southee, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult
The Aussie Rules Football season begins next week, so as soon as the second ODI on Sunday is over, the groundstaff will be working to transform the ground into a football oval.
After so much cricket on the SCG square over the summer, a slow track is expected for this match. The weather forecast for Friday is 24 degrees and mostly sunny.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
A tough match to call.
Much could depend on the mindset of the weary Australians, who have just arrived back from South Africa. New Zealand have also had a long summer, but some of their players, including Williamson and Boult, have had injury breaks.
There is no better opportunity for New Zealand to break their poor run at the SCG. Heart says Australia, but head says New Zealand will win.
Thanks for reading!
IND vs SA 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IND vs SA 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | India vs South Africa 1st ODI Preview Dream11 | IND vs SA 1st ODI Key Players | Pitch Report
The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, so soon before the IPL in a World T20 year, seems like odd scheduling.
However, India, after winning the T20I series against the Kiwis 5-0, had a forgettable tour, getting whitewashed in both ODIs and Test series. Virat Kohli always has the desire to win, so he will be out to ensure India get back to winning ways after a string of defeats.
South Africa, on the other hand, are full of confidence after a series clean sweep against the Aussies. It was their first series win in any format in 12 months, and now will be looking to continue the momentum by giving India a hard time.
Virat Kohli’s form in New Zealand was the most concerning aspect of the tough tour for the Indians; he didn’t even score a single ton across formats. India will want him to get back in form and do what he does the best. With the return of Hardik Pandya, Shikhar Dhawan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India will fancy their chances against the young, inexperienced Proteas side.
This Proteas side played exceptionally well against the Aussies. The likes of Janneman Malan, Anrich Nortje, Heinrich Klaasen and JJ Smuts would want to grab this opportunity to impress further. Senior players like Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and David Miller will have to take responsibility and lead the way if they are to win this match.
India Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill.
Rohit Sharma has still not recovered. Hardik Pandya, Shikhar Dhawan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar return to the national side.
India: 1.Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Prithvi Shaw, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. KL Rahul (wk), 6. Manish Pandey, 7. Hardik Pandya 8. Ravindra Jadeja, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar 10. Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan.
Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen return to the Proteas’ squad.
South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (c & wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. JJ Smuts, 4. Faf du Plessis, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Keshav Maharaj, 9. George Linde, 10. Anrich Nortje 11. Lungi Ngidi
Teams batting second generally do well in these conditions. This could particularly be the case in this match with rain forecast, which could prompt the captain who wins the toss to bowl first.
The weather forecast is for cold (maximum 13 degrees) and some rain throughout the day.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
Although India didn’t have a good series against New Zealand, they are a very strong side, especially in their home conditions. They should be expected to edge this inexperienced South Africa side.
Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today
BAN vs ZIM 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs ZIM 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Preview Dream11 | BAN vs ZIM 2nd T20I Key Players | Pitch Report
It was a change in format, but the narrative remained the same.
Bangladesh were once again too strong for Zimbabwe, notching up a comfortable 48-run win in the opening T20I. Liton Das continued his strong form, while Soumya Sarkar, playing in his first match across formats this tour, slammed 62* at a strike rate of 193.75.
Where to now for Zimbabwe? Their attack has been unable to stop the flow of runs, leaving too much for their batsmen to do. The decision to win the toss and bowl last game backfired badly, so it is important they head into this game with a clear mindset and approach.
Bangladesh could make a change or two if they wish to test their bench strength. Pace bowler Hasan Mahmud and/or left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed could be in line for a game.
Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das (wk), 3. Soumya Sarkar, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Mahmudullah (c), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Mohammad Saifuddin, 8. Mahedi Hasan/Nasum Ahmed, 9. Aminul Islam, 10. Shafiul Islam, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
Charlton Tshuma, Ainsley Ndlovu or Regis Chakabva could be in line for a game for struggling Zimbabwe. Chris Mpofu went for 58 in his four overs last game, so he could make way.
Zimbabwe: 1. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2. Brendan Taylor, 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Sean Williams (c), 5. Sikandar Raza, 6. Wesley Madhevere 7. Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 8. Tinotenda Mutombodzi, 9. Donald Tiripano, 10. Chris Mpofu/Ainsley Ndlovu, 11. Carl Mumba
The Sher-e-Bangla track looked a good one for batting once again in the opening T20I. There was a bit of extra bounce for the bowlers, but all-in-all, the ball came onto the bat nicely.
The forecast is clear once again.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
Teams batting first generally do well on this ground. So, if Zimbabwe win the toss this time, they must bat first.
However, their experienced players need to step up if they are any chance to salvage the series. Bangladesh are strong favourites, and rightly so.
Thanks for reading!
3 Key Tips for Dream11 Grand League | Dream11 Grand League Tips | Dream11 GL Tips and Tricks | How to win Dream11 GL
Every fantasy player on Dream11 wants to win a Grand League at least once.
However, it’s very difficult with the competition on the platform, as Dream11 has 7+ crore users.
So, we’ll share some tips that’ll go a long way to helping you win Grand League (GL) on Dream11.
One of the most important things for winning a GL is picking the right match/tournament. By picking the right match, we mean that you should have knowledge about all the players, rules and everything regarding that match/tournament.
The tournaments can be divided into three categories and every tournament needs a little different type of preparation:
As a minimum, you should search about players form + record, as well as the home and away matches record.
This is the most important thing in fantasy sports. Research provides you a strong reason to back your decision/selected players rather than depending too much on luck.
Peeyush Sharma is India’s first Fantasy Expert and Presenter & Analyst for Dream11, Fancode, Star Sports India, Jio Cinema and VUSport. He says says research is very important and there should be no shortcuts in this area.
Speaking on the Dream11 YouTube channel after winning Grand League, Peeyush said, “if you can research well, if you can create your team well, you can easily win. It’s ultimately the team that wins.”
On what should you research:
Also, you should keep in mind the player’s role, for example:
CricBlog’s Match Previews provide a range of key stats and numbers that can help you shape your team.
So after you’ve selected your match and done enough research, now is the time to create your teams for Grand League.
Key tip: You should create multiple teams to increase your chances of winning. Note: Dream11 has increased their team’s limit from six to 11.
Keep a score of 5-6 players in each team. Rotate 3-4 players who you think can perform and pick 2-3 players as punt picks and rotate them with obvious C and VC choices.
One more out of the box and a little superstitious observation is that players tend to perform on their or their wife’s birthday or on their marriage anniversary or something like that. So keep that in mind!
Check this tweet of fantasy cricket legend Peeyush Sharma:
So, these are some tips that can help you win GL. Keep them in mind, and good luck.
Thanks for reading!
Co-written by @Robin_Rounder and @4th_Umpire1
More Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
AFG vs IRE 3rd T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | AFG vs IRE 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Afghanistan vs Ireland 3rd T20I Dream11 | AFG vs IRE 3rd T20 Key Players | Greater Noida Pitch Report
Death. Taxes. Afghanistan beating Ireland in a T20I.
Afghanistan’s latest win was their 12th straight against the Irish in this format, and eighth straight against them in India. It makes one scratch their head and wonder where Ireland’s victory might come from, as they continue to fall short against a side that has their measure.
Ireland have often been unable to contain Afghanistan’s batting throughout the whole innings, before they bleed wickets to spinners. While they have had their positive moments, Ireland need to turn this into more prolonged dominance if they are to leave this tour with a win to their name.
Afghanistan may want to test their bench strength as the series has been won. The likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq may get a run.
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Asghar Afghan (c), 4. Najibullah Zadran, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Samiullah Shinwari, 7. Gulbadin Naib/Azmatullah Omarzai, 8. Rashid Khan 9. Karim Janat, 10. Shapoor Zadran/Naveen-ul-Haq, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
Ireland need wickets with the ball, so could look at the makeup of their bowling attack.
Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Kevin O’Brien, 3. Andy Balbirnie (c), 4. Gareth Delaney, 5. Harry Tector, 6. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7. Simi Singh, 8. George Dockrell, 9. Josh Little/Barry McCarthy, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Craig Young
There are no issues from a batting perspective at this ground. The average first innings score is nearly 190 in five T20Is, suggesting that this pitch is a beauty for batting.
The weather forecast is for mostly clear.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
Ireland have shown good form in patches, but Afghanistan always seem to have their measure.
It is difficult to see how Afghanistan lose this match, particularly given how different batsmen contribute and how well their spinners are bowling.
Thanks for reading!
BAN vs ZIM 1st T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | BAN vs ZIM 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I Dream11 | BAN vs ZIM 1st T20I Key Players | Mirpur Pitch Report
Bangladesh and Zimbabwe may play each other often, but what you often get is a competitive battle between two sides who know each other well.
However, Zimbabwe’s tour of Bangladesh in 2020, except for the second ODI, has been very one-sided. Bangladesh have won every match, which has included record-breaking scores, huge margins of victory and sheer dominance. Now, they return to a format in which they have largely struggled in over the years, so getting things right with the World T20 just months away is key.
Zimbabwe, depleted and down on confidence, have struggled. There is no World T20 to look forward to for them, but rather, the search for the winning feeling in what has been a fruitless tour so far. They have enjoyed some success in T20 cricket in Bangladesh in the last few years, so can they bridge the gap between the sides in the game’s shortest format?
A few questions for Bangladesh, particularly on the bowling front. It could be a battle between Aminul Islam and Nasum Ahmed for a spinners’ spot. Also, Al-Amin Hossain could play given his good record on this ground.
Bangladesh: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Liton Das (wk), 3. Mohammad Naim, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Mahmudullah, 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Mohammad Saifuddin, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Aminul Islam/Nasum Ahmed, 10. Shafiul Islam/Al-Amin Hossain, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
Craig Ervine has recovered for Zimbabwe and will be key.
Zimbabwe: 1. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe 2. Regis Chakabva, 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor (wk), 5. Sean Williams, 6. Sikandar Raza, 7. Wesley Madhevere, 8. Richmond Mutumbami/ Charlton Tshuma, 9. Tinotenda Mutombodzi, 10. Donald Tiripano, 11. Carl Mumba
The weather forecast is clear for Monday evening. In terms of the pitch, the Mirpur track can be a very good one for batting, particularly against the hard, new ball.
Option 2:
Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket content for you to enjoy on CricBlog:
Bangladesh are all over Zimbabwe at the moment. The short format might suit Zimbabwe more than Tests or ODIs, but Bangladesh, at home, should be too good once again.
Thanks for reading!
