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Australia vs India 3rd T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Getty Images

The atmosphere, amazing. The cricket, most enthralling. The excitement, alive and building.

The weather? Most disappointing.

Rain has followed Australia in three separate T20I matches in the past week, which in the end leaves India with the task of trying to level the series 1-1. Coincidentally, this was the result of the last T20I series between the two sides last year in India, with Australia bouncing back well after a first up loss.

India bounced back well in Melbourne, where the weather probably favoured Australia in the end. Can the tourists build on their good showing in what is expected to be a full game of cricket in Sydney?

Australia’s batting in Melbourne was reflect of their efforts of late. Inconsistency with the bat has hurt Australia so far in their home season, this time unable to adequately follow up their good showing in Brisbane. Sure, conditions were cold and challenging on Friday, but the talent Australia has in their line up suggests they should deliver the goods more consistently. There is no doubt there will be a large contingent of blue cheering on a side fired up to level the series, so which Australia side will show up?

India were on song with the ball in Melbourne, putting on a display full of determination and belief. The rain was a disappointing result for India and the thousands of fans that flocked the MCG, but nothing is guaranteed in terms of what would have happened. The challenge for India will be to back up their effort from Melbourne to Sydney, and with a full game expected thanks to no forecast of rain, they have a good shot at leveling the series.

Key to an Australia win

India’s bowlers found their groove in Melbourne, so how will Australia respond? Aaron Finch’s form in white-ball cricket has been underwhelming of late, so too D’Arcy Short, which represents an opening pair full of potential that isn’t firing. In both games, India have grabbed a nice foothold early in the powerplay overs, which has increased the pressure on the middle order.
In Brisbane, the likes of Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were able to fire after a slow start. In Melbourne, only Ben McDermott played an innings of substance, that gave Australia a chance of finishing with a total of 145+. Against a strong India batting line up, that sort of total might be too low, so the onus will be on Australia’s top order to not only keep India’s seam bowlers at bay in the powerplay, but also set up the innings nicely with a strong start.
With the ball, Australia will again need to dislodge at least two of India’s magnificent top four cheaply. The addition of Mitchell Starc (if picked) in place of Billy Stanlake can potentially be a weapon against Rohit Sharma in particular, which can enable Australia to put pressure on India early. Adam Zampa’s quest for consistency will be on show tonight, and ideally, he will be bowling to the middle order off the back of a fine start from the seamers. Will this prove to be the case?

Key to an India win

India’s tactics were much improved in Melbourne, with an example being Jasprit Bumrah held back early to bowl at Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. Their most expensive bowler, Khaleel Ahmed, was still in the wickets, which formed the basis of a cohesive bowling performance from the tourists. The conditions in Sydney in Sheffield Shield cricket in recent times have been quite slow, which provides India with conditions they are familiar with, boasting an attack with an excellent combination of pace and spin. Will they get into Australia’s lineup again?
Also, will India’s top order fire with the bat? Three of India’s top four were dismissed cheaply in Brisbane, and a repeat keeps Australia right in the game. Rohit Sharma will need to be on his game against left arm seam, with Shikhar Dhawan tasked with repeating his excellent innings in Brisbane. Can Virat Kohli and KL Rahul also fire to deliver a huge score?

Possible teams

Mitchell Starc could line up for his first T20I since 2016, but it remains to be seen whether Australia keep him in cotton wool ahead of the Test series starting Thursday week.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Ben McDermott, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile/Mitchell Starc, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Jason Behrendorff
For India, Yuzvendra Chahal will likely watch on from the sidelines again. Whether he gets in depends on whether India choose to play Khaleel Ahmed again, who was expensive but impressive at times in Melbourne.
India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Dinesh Karthik, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Khaleel Ahmed/Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Dream11

Will India’s top order fire? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.
  • Backing India’s top order to fire, which is why I have chosen Alex Carey over Rishabh Pant. He could get a greater opportunity to bat.
  • Aaron Finch is due a score, which is why he takes the VC role. Three of India’s top four make my side, except Rohit Sharma, who will be tested against left arm seam.
  • Krunal Pandya impressed in Melbourne, and will be a factor in Sydney conditions.
  • Jason Behrendorff offers good value, and Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav are too good to ignore.

Stats and Facts

  • Since the Zimbabwe T20 Tri-Series, Australia’s batsmen have scored just two half centuries in seven matches.

Prediction

It will be a full house at the SCG, with plenty of support for India.
India are likelier to put on a complete performance, and I think they will win tonight. Of course, hopefully heart wins over head!
Thanks for reading!

Women’s World T20 Final: Australia vs England Preview

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: AFP

Two arch-rivals going at it in front of a big global audience in the Final of the inaugural standalone Women’s World T20 Tournament.

The women’s game is thriving, and it is fantastic to see.

Australia and England faced difficult tests on paper in the semi finals, coming up against West Indies and India respectively, who both topped their groups. They didn’t pass the test, but rather smashed out a high distinction, picking up huge wins en route what is expected to be a closely fought match.

Who will take out the World T20 Title?

Australia will take part in their fifth consecutive World T20 Final, with a chance to pick up their fourth title. It is a remarkable achievement by a side that was rightly said to be facing a big challenge in the semi final, but their performance suggested they, once again, will be very hard to beat. It takes a special side to deal with favouritism as well as Australia do, and given their all-round excellence against West Indies, there is little doubt their opposition is in for a tough game. It has been a tough year for Australian Cricket, but the women’s team has been a bright, shining light. Can they add further silverware to their trophy cabinet?

However, England will be out to prove they are more than nuisance value, in their own quest to win their first T20 crown since 2009. Also, England have a shot at total white ball supremacy, as they are the holders of the 50-over World Cup. They have been simply superb with the ball this tournament, exemplified most by their clinical effort against an Indian side desperate to improve their own record in T20 tournaments. Can they tame the fine Australia side?

Key to an Australia win

No side has been able to get a hold of England’s bowlers so far in World T20 2018. India, supposed to be England’s biggest challenge from a bowling point of view, were swept aside with nonchalant ease, which paves the way for a great battle against Australia’s strong top order. 
Alyssa Healy has had a tournament to remember, and needs to be backed up once again by the likes of Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes, who helped Australia reach a hugely competitive 142 against West Indies. Can Australia push England back in the powerplay overs and build on from there?
With the ball, the Australians were on fire with the ball in the semi final, and would want more of the same in the final. Relentless accuracy, fine fielding and appetite for the big games underpins this sides’ excellence, and the likes of Megan Schutt, Delissa Kimmince and Ellyse Perry will again be key in breaking the back of England’s batting.

Key to an England win

On a challenging pitch in a high pressure game against a tidy attack, India’s total of 112 could have proved tricky. For England, though, it was anything but, which was highly encouraging. Their complete performance in the semi final is something that needs to be replicated, on the back of their bowling strength. Anya Shrubsole, Natalie Sciver and Kirstie Gordon have the task of trying to dismiss Alyssa Healy early to get into the Australian line up. This battle could very well decide which nation will take the trophy home.
However, England’s biggest challenge could potentially lie with their batting. That their batters have spent time at the crease in the last two games is crucial, but they will have to go to another level in keeping a fine Australian attack at bay, whilst keeping the scoreboard ticking. Can Amy Jones and Natalie Sciver continue their fine form from the semi final? What about the dangerous opening pair Danielle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont, who haven’t quite fired this tournament yet, to help set up the innings? All to play for.

Possible teams

Australia: 1. Alyssa Healy (wk), 2. Beth Mooney, 3. Meg Lanning, 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. Elyse Villani, 6. Rachael Haynes, 7. Ellyse Perry, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Delissa Kimmince, 10. Georgia Wareham, 11. Megan Schutt
England: 1. Danielle Wyatt, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Amy Jones (wk), 4. Natalie Sciver, 5. Heather Knight (c), 6. Lauren Winfield, 7.  Sophia Dunkley, 8. Anya Shrubsole, 9. Danielle Hazell, 10. Sophie Ecclestone, 11. Kirstie Gordon

Dream11

Plenty of talent in either team to choose for Dream11. Below is my side with a few pointers.
  • Alyssa Healy is in the form of her life. Captain her with confidence, even in such a huge game.
  • Rachael Haynes and Meg Lanning will prove to be important in the middle overs, given England’s good attack, which is why Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole and Kirstie Gordon are in my side.
  • Ellyse Perry is a star, and will offer a key role with the ball, even if she doesn’t bat too much.
  • I’m backing Danielle Wyatt to play as well as her talent suggests she should.
  • Bowlers will have a big say in the North Sound conditions, which is why five make my side.

Stats and Facts

  • Alyssa Healy is the tournament’s top runscorer with 203 runs at 67.66, with a phenomenal strike rate of 149.26.
  • Ellyse Perry is one away from 100 wickets in T20Is, and 49 away from 1,000 runs.
  • England’s Kirstie Gordon and Australia’s Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry are all equal second on the wicket takers’ charts with eight.
  • Australia are gunning for their fourth title. England their second.

Prediction

The two best teams in the tournament will go at it for the major prize. It promises to be a beauty, and I can’t wait.
I think Australia look to be the stronger of the two sides, and will take this one out. Here’s to a good game!
Thanks for reading!

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd Test Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: AFP



Co-written by @Abdushakoorcric

Perhaps not even the most passionate and positive Pakistan fans could have been surprised at the events of Abu Dhabi on Monday.

With so much of cricket going on in all parts, no one can forget the loss that Pakistan achieved. Passionate fan @Abdushakoorcric was about to reply “not at all” on a tweet asking, “43 runs needed. Any chance for New Zealand?” Good he didn’t reply, otherwise he would have been rushing to delete it!

In one of the most thrilling Test matches in recent times, 46 runs to win with seven wickets in hand for Pakistan should have meant heading to Dubai with the chance to seal the series. Instead, due to a lack of composure, they will be fighting to keep it alive.

However, no credit should be taken away from New Zealand, who hung in there for the whole Test. Can they keep the pressure on Pakistan and become the second team in just over a year to win a Test series in fortress UAE?

Pakistan were the subject of widespread memes on social media, and understandably so after throwing away victory in Abu Dhabi. Composure is key in Test cricket, and Pakistan need to display it in Dubai to keep the series alive against a New Zealand side that won’t go away. Sarfraz Ahmed’s side were able to bounce back strongly after a recent first Test setback against Australia, and will be hoping for the same here. Will they take the series to a decider?

New Zealand plucked victory from the jaws from defeat – a remarkable feat considering their batting was a struggle in the first Test. There were starts, especially in the second innings, that weren’t converted to substantial scores, but what has characterises New Zealand is their never-say-die attitude. The big question heading into the Dubai Test is whether New Zealand indeed have the edge over Pakistan mentally, and whether they can use this to their advantage to seal the series.

Key to a Pakistan win

Pakistan’s bowling was a relentless, well-oiled machine that just wouldn’t let New Zealand off the hook in Abu Dhabi. Evidence of this was that Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling’s partnership, that lasted 50+ overs, didn’t stop the Pakistani bowlers from sticking to their guns. Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali were particularly brilliant, getting their Test careers heading in the right direction, backed up superbly by the miserly Mohammad Abbas. Can Pakistan’s attack again heap the pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen?
However, Pakistan need to refrain from “doing a Pakistan” with the bat, which led to fans from all nations wondering if indeed they would chase the target from such a strong position. Lack of concentration and temperament haunted Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, and need more support for their experienced players such as Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq. Imam ul Haq played some beautiful shots first up to Trent Boult but along with him, Hafeez is having a shocker after a good comeback century against Australia. The middle order is good enough with Babar, Azhar and Asad, but Sarfraz needs to step up his game and play the situation well.

Key to a New Zealand win

New Zealand picked up an amazing win in the first Test, but someone like Kane Williamson will ensure his side keep its feet grounded, especially after a struggle with the bat. Skipper Williamson will be key for New Zealand to drag the innings away from the hands of Pakistan, and continue building the pressure on Sarfraz Ahmed. Jeet Raval, Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling all looked promising and will also be key, along with Ross Taylor and Tom Latham, who were short of runs in Abu Dhabi. Losing wickets in clumps is something New Zealand must avoid, which puts on the onus on the top six to deliver strong partnerships.
With the ball, New Zealand were justified in keeping Tim Southee out. Ajaz Patel, on debut, was superb with the ball, taking a fifer to snatch victory from the Azhar Ali-dependent Pakistan. He is a strong cog in the bowling department, along with Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, who were superb in the first and second innings respectively. However, Ish Sodhi, despite a few key wickets in Abu Dhabi, hasn’t quite hit his straps, and will need to in Dubai if New Zealand are to further heap the pressure of Pakistan.

Possible teams

Shaheen Shah Afridi could make his debut over Bilal Asif, who was a little off-colour in Abu Dhabi, including that shot with the game on the line. Another player to look out for is Haris Sohail, who was dismissed twice to full tosses, which is not on.
Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq. 2. Mohammad Hafeez, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Haris Sohail, 5. Asad Shafiq, 6. Babar Azam, 7. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 8. Bilal Asif, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Yasir Shah, 11. Mohammad Abbas
New Zealand will likely go in with the same team.
New Zealand: 1. Jeet Raval, 2. Tom Latham, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Ross Taylor, 5. Henry Nicholls, 6. BJ Watling (wk), 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Ish Sodhi, 9. Neil Wagner, 10. Ajaz Patel, 11. Trent Boult

Dream11

Will the batsmen have a better time of things in Dubai? Below is my team with a few pointers.
  • BJ Watling makes my side again over Sarfraz Ahmed.
  • Pakistan’s trio of Imam ul Haq, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq inspire confidence, and will be looking for bigger runs in the second Test.
  • Kane Williamson looked in fine touch in Abu Dhabi, and captains my side. I am backing Tom Latham to have a better Test this time around.
  • Bilal Asif is an option, but there are murmurs he could be left out. Mohammad Abbas, despite his wicketless second innings in Abu Dhabi, is a must. Hasan Ali and Ajaz Patel offer fine value.

Stats and Facts

  • Mohammad Abbas’ wicketless second innings was the first time he has gone wicketless in an innings in his career (11 Tests).
  • BJ Watling needs 94 to reach 3,000 runs in Tests.
  • New Zealand became the second side to win more than one Test against Pakistan in the UAE since it became their adopted home.

Prediction

Predicting a result in a Pakistan game is tough, isn’t it?
However, I will predict Pakistan will bounce back and win the second on the back their bowling and an improved batting effort.
Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 2nd T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: AFP
Australia-India. It rarely disappoints.
India’s big tour of Australia began in thrilling fashion on Wednesday, going down by four runs in a game that had plenty of talking points. Whether you love a bit of Marcus Stoinis, or despise the D/L method or Virat Kohli’s captaincy, the Gabba match had something for everyone.
In a series Australia started as outsiders, can they pick up a significant series win?

The T20Is is the leg of the tour with the lowest stakes, but don’t tell that to the Australia side. It meant a lot to beat a good Indian side on Wednesday, and the challenge will be to repeat their effort just two days later. Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis gave us a little insight into their talent in this format, and will be key again. Will Australia seal the series?
In the hallmarks of a great game, the momentum ebbed and flowed in Brisbane, with India favoured to win the game with three overs to go. D/L perhaps wasn’t too kind for them, but there is little doubt that there are improvements to be made, including their middle overs bowling. Virat Kohli’s captaincy is under the spotlight again after one of his worst games this year, so whether he can he bounce back to help India level the series will make for interesting viewing.

Key to an Australia win


Runs on the board was a must for Australia against a good batting line up. The same again applies in Melbourne.
Chris Lynn turned the momentum in Australia’s favour in Brisbane by an over of huge hitting against Khaleel Ahmed. But, this was after a slowish start by Aaron Finch and D’Arcy Short, who will have to find ways to get on top of India’s fabulous new ball pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. A better powerplay is key for Australia to build pressure on India’s middle overs bowlers, setting the stage for the likes of Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis to launch.
Also, Adam Zampa’s performance was a message to selectors that he deserves an extended run in the side. He will be relevant in Melbourne and Sydney, and will be tasked once again with halting the India’s momentum. However, to properly halt India in their tracks, Australia need to bowl better in partnerships, with Andrew Tye’s poor bowling at the Gabba almost costing Australia the game.

Key to an India win


Two of India’s big three failed with the bat, but that they got so close is cause for encouragement. Rishabh Pant and especially Dinesh Karthik showcased their hitting prowess, with the former needing to focus more on conventional strokeplay given his power. But, the form of the middle order gives India’s top order an opportunity to set a platform across the powerplay and middle overs, setting themselves up for a big total on the big MCG ground. Can Shikhar Dhawan continue the form that was not on show against West Indies, with more output from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Also, with the ball, the balance of India’s side came into question. That they left Yuzvendra Chahal out rightly didn’t sit well with fans, and given how threatening Kuldeep Yadav was, India would be right to draft Chahal back in the side to try put  a squeeze on the Aussie batting in those all important middle overs. With Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar excellent in early and death overs, how India bowl in between could decide the result.

Possible teams


Andrew Tye was mighty expensive in Brisbane, and needs to keep an eye over his shoulder with Nathan Coulter-Nile waiting in the wings. However, expect Australia to stick with him given his ability to take wickets in T20 cricket.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Ben McDermott, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Adam Zampa, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Jason Behrendorff
For India, will they pick Yuzvendra Chahal over Krunal Pandya or Khaleel Ahmed, who both had tough nights in Brisbane? Personal opinion says they should.
India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. KL Rahul, 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Dinesh Karthik, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Khaleel Ahmed/Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Dream11

So much talent on show in this series. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.
  • Rohit Sharma was in my side for the first T20I, hoping his play against left-arm seam would be of high quality. It wasn’t, which places doubt in my mind as to whether he should be in my team. Virat Kohli (c) will bounce back, and Shikhar Dhawan is in dangerous form.
  • Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were excellent in Brisbane, and should be in your side, in my opinion.
  • Adam Zampa’s impressive showing in Brisbane makes him a good-value pick, along with Jason Behrendorff. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav could be very difficult to get a hold of on the big MCG outfield.

Stats and Facts

  • Australia’s win in Brisbane ended a four-game losing streak in T20Is.
  • India have won seven straight T20I series in a row, including the Nidahas Trophy in March.
  • Jasprit Bumrah could be kept for Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell. He has bowled 24 balls to Lynn in T20Is for three wickets. Against Maxwell, he has bowled 33 balls for six dismissals.

Prediction

A huge crowd is expected, but a few showers are too, which doesn’t rule out the possibility of another shortened game.
Nonetheless, this should be another beauty between two great rivals.
Like the first T20I, heart says Australia, but I have the feeling India will win this.
Thanks for reading!

Sri Lanka vs England 3rd Test Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: AP

ODIs, check. T20I, check. Tests? Not quite check yet for England.

The series has been won by England, which is a big achievement in these conditions, but more awaits. No non-Asian side has swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in Sri Lanka since the great Australia team 14 years ago, and England have the opportunity to pick up their first clean sweep away from home (series of three or more matches) since 1963.

Will they achieve it?

For Sri Lanka, a series that began with promise is in tatters. Their Test form in the 13 months before this series was encouraging, and entered the series with the hope of dismantling England’s side with spin. Now, their captain Dinesh Chandimal remains injured, Akila Dananjaya is in Brisbane getting his action reassessed, Kusal Mendis is short of runs and there is no more Rangana Herath to turn to. After a fighting effort in a thrilling Pallekele Test, can Sri Lanka go one better and salvage pride in Colombo?

England are on cloud nine, and skipper Joe Root believes this side has what it takes to go to number one in the Test rankings. Jack Leach and Ben Foakes have been breaths of fresh air for this England side, displaying the quality England have so badly lacked on the road in recent years. Jonny Bairstow, considered a mainstay of the England side just months ago, is back and needs to cement his spot as a batsman. Will England prolong the happy mood in Colombo?

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Suranga Lakmal rightly pointed out that knocking off England’s tail is an area of improvement for his side. On that note, Sam Curran missing out through injury will be a relief for Sri Lanka. However, Ben Foakes is due to bat at number seven or eight for England, highlighting the depth of the tourists’ line up. A focus on only the tail from a Sri Lankan perspective can mean a very long wait to bowl at them.
The absence of Akila Dananjaya heaps more pressure on Dilruwan Perera, who will need support from Malinda Pushpakumara and Lakshan Sandakan, both who can leak runs. How well will these three work together on what is expected to be a turning pitch from day one?
On the batting front, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Roshen Silva were excellent in the 2nd Test. Suranga Lakmal will be wanting more of the same from these three, as well as Kusal Mendis, of whom the pressure is building as Sri Lanka’s future star. Can Sri Lanka’s batting create a path to victory even if they bat second?

Key to an England win

19 of England’s 20 wickets in Pallekele were taken by their spin trio, and more of the same can be expected in Colombo. Jack Leach has delivered the control and guile that Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid often lack overseas, which has enabled them to bowl with more freedom, even if Rashid hasn’t always bowled well. Will these three dominate again? What impact will Stuart Broad have in conditions he has struggled with in the past?

Also, it has to be said that England’s batting has impressed in this series. Joe Root has put an end to conversion rate jokes aimed at him (mainly from me), with impressive performances from the likes of Jos Buttler, Rory Burns, Keaton Jennings and of course Ben Foakes. With England possessing a deep line up for the third Test, can they drive Sri Lanka into the mire further? To do this, though, England need to guard against top order wobbles that have been present in this series.

Possible teams

Kaushal Silva continues to underperform for Sri Lanka, and could make way for the returning Danushka Gunathilaka. Also, Lakshan Sandakan will likely be the one to replace Akila Dananjaya.
Sri Lanka: 1. Dimuth Karunaratne, 2. Danushka Gunathilaka, 3. Dhananjaya de Silva, 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Angelo Mathews, 6. Roshen Silva, 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8. Dilruwan Perera, 9. Suranga Lakmal (c), 10. Lakshan Sandakan, 11. Malinda Pushpakumara
For England, James Anderson will be rested, to be replaced by Stuart Broad. Also, Jonny Bairstow, coming in for Sam Curran, will bat at three.
England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Keaton Jennings, 3. Jonny Bairstow, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler, 7. Ben Foakes (wk), 8. Moeen Ali, 9. Stuart Broad, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Jack Leach

Dream11

My team for the second Test fortunately went well, finishing 8th in a 1,000 team league. Few slight adjustments for this Test to try get the top spot and deliver great tips for you! My team is below with a few pointers.
  • Despite the Colombo track expected to take plenty of turn, I have picked five batsmen, who are all in good touch. Joe Root is set for a very good run of form, so he is captain.
  • Ben Foakes could bat at eight, but I don’t care. He is brilliant. He is my keeper/batsman.
  • Dilruwan Perera is having a good series, and will do plenty of bowling. He is my VC.
  • Lakshan Sandakan should play, and will offer a threat on a turning surface. So too Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach, who took 19 of England’s 20 wickets in Pallekele.

Stats and Facts

  • England have not whitewashed a team away from home (three games or longer) since 1963.
  • Stuart Broad (433 wickets) needs one to pass Rangana Herath, and two to pass Kapil Dev into seventh on the all-time wicket takers list.
  • Sri Lanka have not been whitewashed in a Test series at home by a non-Asian side since Australia in 2004.

Prediction

The toss will likely prove crucial in this one.
However, I feel England are best equipped out of the two sides to win if they bat second. England to sweep the series 3-0.
Thanks for reading!

Women’s World T20 Semi Final #2: India vs England Preview

Charbel Coorey
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The second of two blockbuster semi finals in one day.
One the repeat of the World T20 2016 Final. The other the repeat of the 2017 50-over World Cup Final.
How good?
India and England will know who the opponent in the final will be when they take the field. Getting past the semi final will be a huge test, though, which makes this game a beauty. India have been the best batting side in the tournament, and will come against a fine bowling unit in England, who nearly overcame hosts West Indies in their final group game.
Who will be the second World T20 2018 finalist?

You couldn’t have blamed India if they were nervous before World T20 2018, grouped against Australia and New Zealand. However, they were superb right throughout the group stage, playing with self belief that renders them very capable of taking out the title. Topping Group B is an excellent achievement, especially considering India’s disappointing run of results in World T20 tournaments, which is something they can put right in the Caribbean. Will they put together another good performance, this time in a do-or-die game?
What should we make of England? They have been very good with the ball this tournament, thrashing Bangladesh and South Africa, after the unfortunate washout against Sri Lanka. However, their chance to get batting form didn’t quite materialise against West Indies, getting to a total of 115 that proved to be just short. Can they get the better of India’s good batting lineup?

Key to an India win


India kept legend Mithali Raj out against Australia to tend to a knee issue, but as has been the case in the tournament, different players have stepped up with the bat. Smriti Mandhana hit timely form with a superb knock against a good Australia attack, which adds so much extra threat about this India line up. Runs on the board against a good England attack will be both challenging and crucial, so can Mandhana have another big impact, along with Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues?
Also, there is a chance England could be underdone with the bat, which represents an opportunity for India. Before the game against the Windies, England had batted a total of just 23.4 overs in the tournament. The likes of Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Natalie Sciver and Heather Knight will be key targets for India to keep quiet – a big job awaits for India’s attack, where again most of the bowlers were in the wickets against Australia.

Key to an England win


Just three England players reached double figures against West Indies, with two coming from numbers seven and eight. Their top six falling for just 50 is something they must avoid against India, who have been good with the bat in this tournament. Without a doubt, the four England batters mentioned above have a huge role to play for their team, tasked with the role of negotiating India’s good mix of pace and spin.
However, England have a good mix of pace and spin themselves, and if they can fire, the pressure on the batting performance is reduced significantly. Despite their poor performance in the field against the Windies, England nearly pulled off a win, which should give them encouragement that an improved performance against India will render them very competitive. Can Anya Shrubsole continue her incredible form, backed up by her teammates?

Possible teams

India: 1. Mithali Raj, 2. Smriti Mandhana, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c), 5. Veda Krishnamurthy, 6. Dayalan Hemathala, 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Taniya Bhatia (wk), 9. Arundhati Reddy, 10. Radha Yadav, 11. Poonam Yadav
England: 1. Danielle Wyatt, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Amy Jones (wk), 4. Natalie Sciver, 5. Heather Knight, 6. Lauren Winfield, 7. Sophia Dunkley, 8. Anya Shrubsole, 9. Linsey Smith/Danielle Hazell, 10. Sophie Ecclestone, 11. Kirstie Gordon

Dream11

A challenging task picking a strong Dream11 team, with plenty of talent on either side. Below is my team, with a few pointers.
  • Taniya Bhatia batted higher up the order against Australia, but will likely move back down the order with Mithali Raj expected to return. Amy Jones is likelier to get a greater opportunity to bat.
  • Despite a slight knee issue, Mithali Raj’s prowess can’t be ignored. Jemimah Rodrigues makes my side, and so too Danielle Wyatt who can score well and quickly.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur and Natalie Sciver are my captain and vice captain respectively.
  • Poonam Yadav and Anya Shrubsole are must-haves in the bowling attack. Among all T20I women’s bowlers, Shrubsole (13.04) and Yadav (13.20) have the second and third best averages. Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy offer good value.

Stats and Facts

  • England have a 10-3 win-loss record against India in T20Is.
  • India possess four of the top ten leading run scorers in World T20 2018 (Raj, Mandhana, Kaur and Rodrigues).
  • England possess three of the top five economical bowlers in World T20 2018 (min five overs – Sciver, Shrubsole, Gordon).

Prediction

Another incredibly tough game to predict!
Have India peaked too soon? Can England hit their top form?

These are questions we will find out soon.

For me, I think India will win on the back of being a more well-drilled unit at the moment. Of course, can’t count England out, as the semi-finals is a whole new ball game.
Thanks for reading!

Women’s World T20 Semi Final #1: West Indies vs Australia Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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The first ever standalone Women’s World T20 has officially reached its business end, with four of the best sides in the world battling it out for the ultimate prize.
West Indies and Australia play the first of two exciting semi finals, in a rematch of the 2016 Final, with the hosts aiming for their second consecutive World T20 Title. Australia, aiming for their fourth title, will be looking to keep a Windies side, that has dominated all before them with the ball, at bay.
Who will be the first to reach the final?

Hosts West Indies deservedly topped Group A, dominating each of their opponents with the ball. Their game against England was a straight shoot out for group honours, but they held their nerve well in a tight chase, which will hold them in good stead for this game. Their batting can still go another level, but if they are on song with the ball, the same level could do. Can the Windies continue their great form against a world class Australia side?
Australia, on the other hand, are smarting from a convincing defeat at the hands of India. This side is considered Australia’s greatest ever women’s side in some areas of the Australian media, and how they bounce back in a pressure game against confident hosts will be key to whether that statement holds true. Key player Alyssa Healy is working overtime to be fit after concussion, but regardless whether she is in or not, Australia need a better all-round performance.

Key to a West Indies win

Skipper Stafanie Taylor has been uncharacteristically quiet with the bat; not only in this tournament, but in 2018 as a whole. She has just one fifty to her name in 12 innings this year, and in this tournament, two of her four innings have ended without troubling the scorers. With Hayley Mathews, Deandra Dottin and Shermaine Campbelle all displaying good form in recent games, whether the Windies can overcome Australia’s fine attack remains to be seen, which sets the stage for Taylor to fire.
But, she is not only key with the bat, as her tournament suggests. The Windies have been absolutely brilliant with the ball in World T20 2018, conceding 46, 76, 104 and 115/8 in their four games. Led by the magnificent Deandra Dottin, can the Windies dismiss key player Alyssa Healy cheaply and make inroads into the Aussie batting line up? The battle promises to be mouthwatering.

Key to an Australia win

Australia’s bowlers were expensive against India, with only Ellyse Perry and debutant Tayla Vlaeminck going for under seven an over. Against a West Indies batting line up looking to fire at the business end of the tournament, it is vital from an Australian perspective that the likes of Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor and Shermaine Campbelle are kept as quiet as possible. Megan Schutt and the impressive Ellyse Perry will be vital to the cause, but the support they get will be just as important.
On the batting front, the impact of Alyssa Healy’s absence was there to see against India, with only Ellyse Perry finding any sort of sustained rhythm. Australia’s top order is key in keeping the talented Windies attack at bay, as they aim to be the first side in the tournament to win the battle against the hosts’ bowlers. Can the likes of Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning and Ashleigh Gardner find top form?

Possible teams

West Indies: 1. Hayley Matthews, 2. Deandra Dottin, 3. Stafanie Taylor (c), 4. Shermaine Campbelle, 5. Natasha McLean, 6. Britney Cooper, 7. Kycia Knight (wk), 8. Chinelle Henry, 9. Afy Fletcher, 10. Shakera Selman, 11. Shamilia Connell
Australia: 1. Beth Mooney, 2. Alyssa Healy (wk), 3. Meg Lanning (c), 4. Ashleigh Gardner, 5. Elyse Villani, 6. Rachael Haynes, 7. Ellyse Perry, 8. Sophie Molineux, 9. Delissa Kimmince, 10. Georgia Wareham/Tayla Vlaeminck, 11. Megan Schutt

Dream11

Unbelievable options to choose from, especially in the allrounders department. Below is my team, with a few pointers.
  • Alyssa Healy is set to play. A must-have in your team. Does she captain your side?
  • Ellyse Perry is my skipper, because of her all-round potential. Deandra Dottin is in my side as vice captain. Ashleigh Gardner is my pick over Hayley Mathews and Stafanie Taylor, as I predict she will score the most runs out of the three.
  • Delissa Kimmince has been strong for most of the tournament, and so too Megan Schutt, Shakera Selman and Afy Fletcher.

Stats and Facts

  • North Sound hasn’t hosted a T20I for five years.
  • Ellyse Perry is three away from 100 wickets in T20Is, as well as 52 away from 1,000 runs.

Prediction

Promises to be an absolute beauty!
Australia, despite their loss to India, still possess plenty of class, and I think they will overcome the Windies juggernaut.
Thanks for reading!

Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st Test Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Getty Images

This Test series isn’t the most high profile on the cricketing calendar, given the respective rankings of the two sides, but boy is it unpredictable.

Bangladesh take on West Indies at home after being humiliated in the series earlier this year in the Caribbean, and will be hoping to use home conditions, as well as the absence of Jason Holder, to their advantage.
Is it as simple as saying that the winner of the toss goes a long way to winning this Test?
The return of Shakib Al Hasan is a huge boost for Bangladesh. Personally, heart wondered whether Shakib would ever play another Test again given the nature of his injury, as well as BCB President Nazmul Hassan’s extraordinary claim in July that Bangladesh’s senior players aren’t too keen on Tests. His return will boost both their batting and bowling line up, even if he is a little rusty, such is his quality. Will the Bangladeshis gain revenge over the Windies for their July drubbing?
On the flip side, the loss of Jason Holder is a huge loss for West Indies. The men from the Caribbean face a big test in improving their record in Asia, coming up against a Bangladesh side possessing tidy spinners. Kraigg Brathwaite, in his third Test as captain, will be tasked in leading from the front with the bat, with a focus on maintaining his superb record against Bangladesh. With no Holder in the side, the players in the side must hold extra accountability for their performances.

Key to a Bangladesh win

Bangladesh broke an eight-game winless run in Tests by beating Zimbabwe in Dhaka last week. However, their top order leaves plenty to be desired, crumbling to 26/3 and 25/4 across both innings in last week’s win, following a run of eight straight innings where Bangladesh failed to reach 200. 
Changes were made to Bangladesh’s squad, but that doesn’t necessarily mean instant success. Bangladesh’s top six, including Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar, must display the patience and temperament necessary to tame a Windies attack hoping for Bangladeshi mistakes. Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque and Mahmudullah were all excellent in the last Test, and will need to be again to deliver victory for the hosts.
 
On the bowling front, there is little doubt that Bangladesh are putting together a good attack for home conditions. Taijul Islam is coming off 18 wickets in two Tests against Zimbabwe, and Mehidy Hasan is beginning to prove his worth as a Test quality allrounder. With Shakib back, Bangladesh will be keen to put the squeeze on a Windies line up that struggled badly in India. Also, it was encouraging to see Mustafizur Rahman and Khaled Ahmed get overs under their belt against Zimbabwe, and will also look to keep the Windies batsmen honest.

Key to a West Indies win

Roston Chase was the Windies’ shining light with the bat in India, and needs to be at it again in Bangladesh. However, more is required from Kraigg Brathwaite, who will skipper the side, as well as Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope, who need to prove they aren’t just white-ball specialists. With the Windies’ missing the security of Jason Holder down the order, the top six must hold its own against a Bangladesh attack that will look to accurate and effective in home conditions.
Also, there will be no Jason Holder to turn to with the ball. Kemar Roach (if picked) and Shannon Gabriel, who have both been in good touch, will be key against Bangladesh’s shaky top order, to pave the way for Devendra Bishoo and Jomel Worrican to keep the pressure on. Bishoo in particular has had a tough 2018, taking just eight wickets in six Tests at 60. Will the Windies attack thrive as a unit?

Possible teams

Liton Das, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Abu Jayed, Shafiul Islam and Nazmul Islam were all dropped from the squad for the Zimbabwe series. Soumya Sarkar is set to open, alongside Imrul Kayes, and Shakib Al Hasan returns to skipper the side.
Bangladesh: 1. Imrul Kayes, 2. Soumya Sarkar, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Mahmudullah, 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7. Mohammad Mithun, 8. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9. Taijul Islam, 10. Khaled Ahmed, 11. Mustafizur Rahman
For West Indies, there is no Jason Holder, which means more is needed from both their batting and bowling stocks.
West Indies: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite (c), 2. Kieran Powell, 3. Shai Hope, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Roston Chase, 6. Sunil Ambris, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Devendra Bishoo, 9. Kemar Roach, 10. Jomel Worrican, 11. Shannon Gabriel

Dream11

Spent quite a bit of time putting this side together. Hoping it gets the points! Below is my team with a few pointers.
  • Mushfiqur Rahim is my wicket keeper choice, and captain.
  • Kraigg Brathwaite averages nearly 65 against Bangladesh. Shimron Hetmyer has all the talent in the world, and I back him to show the temperament needed in Tests.
  • I was impressed with Mohammad Mithun against Zimbabwe, and Mominul remains vital for Bangladesh.
  • Picking Shakib Al Hasan was not straight forward given he could be rusty, but he is class. Roston Chase is a must, so too Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
  • Khaled Ahmed was unlucky not to get wickets against Zimbabwe. He makes my side here, alongside Devendra Bishoo and Taijul Islam.

Stats and Facts

  • Shakib Al Hasan needs four wickets to become the first Bangladesh bowler to take 200 Test wickets.
  • Kieran Powell is 13 runs away from 2,000 in Tests.

Prediction

This could very well depend on the toss. Anything can happen!
With Jason Holder missing, and Shakib back, I am leaning towards Bangladesh.
Thanks for reading!

Australia vs India 1st T20I Preview + Dream11

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: Getty Images
India’s much awaited tour of Australia begins at the famous Gabba in Brisbane.
In a sign of the times, it is T20 action that precedes a huge Test series, which would have been unthinkable 10-15 years ago. Nevertheless, an Australia-India game always has plenty at stake, given the rivalry between the two nations, with Australia now desperate for a change in fortunes.
In what’s been a difficult 2018, can Australia challenge and beat a strong India side?


Australia have now lost four T20Is on the bounce; a disappointing run of results after an encouraging Tri-Series win against England and New Zealand earlier this year. Much of their ODI troubles against South Africa stemmed from a T20-dominated side, which will get the chance to prove themselves against a quality India attack. Can Australia start the big series on a high and help lift the mood?
India’s quest for success in Australia begins in Brisbane, and are in superb form in white ball cricket. The Indians were always going to be too good for West Indies recently, but India’s prowess in white ball cricket has been there for everyone to see in recent years. Will India’s batting click into gear right away, backed up by their efficient bowling attack?

Key to an Australia win


Australia’s batsmen just can’t seem to get going, hellbent on moving around the crease, when keeping it simple works best. Australia’s batting strategy currently resembles confusion and a lack of confidence, stemming from a lack of understanding of how to properly approach the game. “Elite honesty” needs to be replaced WITH “elite performance”, which stems from a mindset of going out and playing hard, fair cricket.
Much depends on the batsmen in this one, with India boasting a batting line up that can light up Brisbane and make the night worthwhile for attendees for the wrong reason from an Australian perspective. Aaron Finch, after his incredible Tri-Series effort in Zimbabwe, has been short of runs recently, and Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell need to get going. Will the Aussies handle India’s pace and spin options with a good mix of power and precision to get a competitive total?
With the ball, Australia face a big test. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli are magnificent white ball players, and the key for Australia will be to test India’s ability to play bounce. It could be worth attacking a little more than usual in the opening six overs, and try to catch the edge of the Indian batsmen after recently arriving to these shores after a home series against West Indies. Will the likes of Billy Stanlake, Nathan Coulter-Nile and AJ Tye get through India’s top three relatively cheaply?

Key to an India win

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant recently hit form, albeit in a dead-rubber T20I, after a quiet limited overs campaign against West Indies for the both of them. Of course, Dhawan, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be of huge significance to the result, but what impact will KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have? Australia’s attack is understandably missing first choice seamers, but the Indians will need to be on their game and adjust to the bounce as quickly as possible.
On the bowling front, India are blessed with strong pace and spin options, so much so that Yuzvendra Chahal will likely miss out. Australia’s batting has had a real knack of losing wickets early in recent times, and India will be looking at those powerplay overs as a path to victory. Jasprit Bumrah continues to prove he deserves the number one title in white ball cricket, and will be looking for support from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed in particular to extract the kind of impact the South Africans did over the last few weeks.

Possible teams

Australia went for an all-out seam attack in the hugely significant (not) one-off T20I against South Africa. A spinner would give the attack some variety, but Glenn Maxwell could be tasked with that role.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Ben McDermott, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Jason Behrendorff, 11. Billy Stanlake
India named their XII a day before the game, and it could be a shoot-out between wristspinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, so Krunal Pandya’s all-round abilities can be called upon if needed.
India: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. KL Rahul, 5. Rishabh Pant (wk), 6. Dinesh Karthik, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, 10. Khaleel Ahmed, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Dream11

Can Australia tame India’s top order? Below is my Dream11 for this clash, with a few pointers.
  • Who is likelier to get more batting time? Alex Carey or Dinesh Karthik? Carey for me.
  • When I think of KL Rahul starting off a tour in style, I think of England earlier this year. His T20 form was magnificent, and he makes my side, along with Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma and Chris Lynn.
  • Aaron Finch was a constant let down against South Africa. I won’t take the punt on him here at his price.
  • Time for Glenn Maxwell to shine. He is my VC, alongside Marcus Stoinis. Krunal Pandya is an option, but it remains to be seen how well he goes down under.
  • Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed could enjoy Brisbane conditions under lights, so too Nathan Coulter-Nile who has the ability to swing the ball. AJ Tye is one to take wickets at the death.
  • Jason Behrendorff is a decent option too, but beware as he could be the one left out if Australia choose a spinner.

Stats and Facts

  • Australia have won just two of their last eight T20Is – one against Zimbabwe and the other v UAE.

Prediction

An appetiser before the huge Test series.
A game against India is one I never want to see Australia lose, but India start this game as deserved favourites. Heart says Australia as always, but India will start their tour off with a win.
In this case, I do hope I’m wrong!
Also, to get in the mood for the big tour, be sure to check out my 5 key things to watch out for over the next two months.
Thanks for reading!

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test Player Ratings: “Winning easy is boring.”

Charbel Coorey
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Pakistan is the gift that keeps on giving. Wonderful timing with Christmas just around the corner.

There can be no doubt that Pakistan is the only side in world cricket that can go from world class to meme class in the space of half an hour. They gave away victory in Abu Dhabi when it seemed as certain as that bloke who always says he’s shouting dinner next, but then never shows up.
 
46 runs with seven wickets in hand doesn’t represent the hardest of equations, but what’s a Pakistan run chase without a little drama? Or a Mickey Arthur face palm? They simply just don’t want to bore us all, and for that, we thank them.
UAE Tests can often put one to sleep, but this one was so good that I didn’t want to sleep, such was the beauty of Twitter during and in the aftermath of Pakistan’s capitulation.With Test Cricket under increasing threat, everyone seems to have their solutions to keeping it alive, but Pakistan are screaming out that it is only them who can get everyone talking so much. In fact, it was the third lowest scoring Test in the UAE, courtesy of @imsgshinde, who keeps coming up with the goods.

However, it would be unfair to New Zealand to focus only on Pakistan, as the Black Caps held in right throughout the Test. A total of 153 in your first innings in the UAE spells the level of trouble you got into as a child if you spoke back to your parents, but Kane Williamson’s men pulled it off, taking a 1-0 series lead into the second Test in Dubai.
Below are my ratings for each player out of ten. As always, feel free to leave a comment!

Pakistan:

Imam-ul-Haq: Fans on Twitter, including myself, could not believe New Zealand opened the bowling with Colin de Grandhomme in the first innings. Thought it was a silly move, but then was made to look silly, thanks to Imam’s silly shot. 3
 
Mohammad Hafeez: Nice guy Hafeez. Delivering two early Christmas gifts for New Zealand to take back home. 3
 
Azhar Ali: If Azhar went around the dressing room slapping the heads of a few players (cough…Bilal Asif, Hasan Ali), you could not have blamed him. Fell just short of guiding Pakistan home. Heartbreaking for him, but should have farmed the strike better. 7

 

 
Haris Sohail: Ish Sodhi has found the weakness of Haris. Full tosses. Like, Hafeez, Haris was in a giving mood. 3
 
Asad Shafiq: Two 40s that set up Pakistan perfectly. But the lower order were in no mood to stick around after that. 7
 
Babar Azam: Pressure moments in a Pakistan game will always bring out the interesting moments. Babar Azam, coming off a fine first innings effort, was run out needlessly in the second. 7

Make room! Here comes another meme.

 

 
Sarfraz Ahmed: A quiet game for Sarfraz, unlike his voice. If he makes as much an impact with the bat as he does to the entire Abu Dhabi city with his voice, he would be the world’s finest batsman. Virat Kohli? Steve Smith? Please. 3
 
Bilal Asif: One of the blokes on the end of an Azhar Ali back hand in the dressing room. Awful shot in the circumstances with the game on the line. Did he actually walk out to bat wanting CricBlog to take the ‘mickey’ out of him? Reportedly in tears wishing he was playing Australia again. 2
 
Yasir Shah: Superb with the ball. So superb that if Adil Rashid bowled like that, we’d be seeing comparisons between Rashid and Shane Warne by the English media (yes, always need to have a go at them). Yasir’s batting? Ugly. 8
 
Hasan Ali: His breakthrough Test with the ball, bowling with great control and reverse swing. However, I couldn’t stop laughing at his shot in the second innings. Another early Christmas gift for New Zealand. Unforgivable. Absolutely unforgivable. Boom? 7.5

Meme #1 of many
 
Mohammad Abbas: Unbelievable economy rate by Abbas, conceding just 44 runs across 34 overs in the Test. As tight as buyers in a thrift store. Held in with the bat at the end and nearly helped get Pakistan home. 7


New Zealand

 
Jeet Raval: Fighting second innings effort but you know Pakistan will hone in on his off stump for the remainder of the series. You never know, though, Pakistan might consider that too easy a tactic… 5
 
Tom Latham: Underwhelming Test from a key player. Was in the gift-giving spirit in the first innings, followed by a golden duck in the second. 1
 
Kane Williamson: Picturesque first innings batting. It is an absolute pleasure watching this guy play. Will be keen to push on from his starts in this series. Got his team home with his captaincy that didn’t let Pakistan get away. He might have an odour problem, though. 8

“We may have lost the game, but at least I don’t stink like this guy.”

 

 
Ross Taylor: Quiet Test for the man who caused plenty of noise in the ODI series. 2
 
Henry Nicholls: Dug deep in both innings, but would rue giving his wicket away twice. Nevertheless, his partnership with BJ Watling in the second innings was crucial in: 1. Getting more runs on the board. 2. Batting more time to help wear the pitch out further. 7
 
BJ Watling: Incredibly underrated. Superb player. Victim of a good ball in the first innings, and a loss of concentration in the second. Was also very good behind the stumps. His catch to dismiss Azhar Ali in the first innings was especially special. 7.5
 
Colin de Grandhomme: Colin de KL Rahul or Colin de Watson? Both. Reviewed an LBW so plumb that even umpire Bruce Oxenford was wondering what was up. Two first innings wickets was his highlight. 3

Colin de Grandhomme’s inspiration.
Neil Wagner: This guy just doesn’t stop trying. Incredible stamina to keeping lifting his intensity in the middle part of an Abu Dhabi day, where he picked up the crucial wicket of Asad Shafiq that started the procession. A clap for Wags. 8
 
Ajaz Patel: What a story. Test debut at 30, and led his team to victory with a five-fer for the ages. India fans will take heart that an Indian-born player is beating Pakistan again. Patel reportedly has taken Bilal Asif and Hasan Ali for dinner as a thank you for their gifts. 9
Ish Sodhi: Wasn’t at his best, but picked up crucial wickets for his side. 7
 
Trent Boult: World class in the first innings. Fantastic from Boult to help keep New Zealand in the game. 8

——–

So, another Pakistan game that delivers quality material.Hope you enjoyed this piece. If you laughed, let me know. If you didn’t, be nice.

Thanks for reading!

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