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England v India 1st T20I Player Ratings: England in KulDEEP trouble

Charbel Coorey
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Amid the discussions as to whether England or India is the better limited overs side, I thought it is an opportunity to take a light-hearted approach to the 1st T20I, and highlight some of the incredible performances on display.

For England, it must have felt like going on a holiday (destination: Australia series) and then returning to a job you hate. On a holiday, you typically forget about any major responsibilities. In this case, the responsibility is spin bowling, and India gave the English a bit of a wake up call.

And woah, looking at the way Michael Vaughan was going on about things over the last few weeks, you’d think England won the World Cup without defeat.

“Greatest” without winning anything major? Peak trolling.

Next minute….

Genuinely surprised LOL!

Poor Vaughany was too caught up in beating a weakened Australia side that he forgot that India are a damn excellent limited overs side. It’s as if he saw India play for the first time. Hilarious, in my view…

Anyway, here are my player ratings for India’s awesome win over England in the tour opener.

England

Jason Roy: Involved in a good opening stand but would have loved to kick on. 7
Jos Buttler: One of the finest limited overs players in the world. England not only realised India are a good limited overs side, but also that the IPL can actually help you play white ball cricket. Buttler is an example of this, scoring 69 amid the Kuldeep carnage. 9

Alex Hales: Test match audition by Alex, but not the right occasion to do it. 1

Eoin Morgan: Realises he has a much tougher test on his hands now. 2

Jonny Bairstow: Golden duck. Done by the higher quality spin bowling. Warning shot after fruitful series v Australia. 1

Joe Root: Golden after Jonny Bairstow’s golden. 1

Moeen Ali: 6 off 8 balls and 2.2 overs for 37. I bet when KL Rahul reverse swept him for four first ball, he was like “damn, honeymoon over”. 1

Adil Rashid: Bowled with pretty good control for the most part. 1/25 off four is a very good effort with KL Rahul going berserk. 7.5 
David Willey: One of England’s better performers. Took England to a somewhat respectable score and took an early wicket. Gave his team hope. 8

Chris Jordan: Pretty economical with the ball. Decent compared to some of his teammates. 6

Liam Plunkett: KL Rahul took a liking to him in one particular over. Tough outing. 2

India:

Shikhar Dhawan: Willey was swinging it and Dhawan didn’t like it! Poor stroke from him. 2

Rohit Sharma: Steady without being spectacular. Played a supporting role to the amazing KL Rahul. 7

KL Rahul: Class. All class. Amazing strokeplay. England didn’t have an answer. There wasn’t an area of the field he didn’t exploit. What a performance. 10

Virat Kohli: Chilled out watching his bowlers dominate, took two catches and then chilled out again at the end hitting the winning runs. 7

Suresh Raina: Took a catch but wasn’t needed with bat or ball, such was India’s dominance. 5
MS Dhoni: Super cool behind the stumps. It was incredible how he didn’t panic when he nearly fumbled the stumping off Joe Root. Two stumpings in a row. Look forward to seeing him bat later in the series. 7

Hardik Pandya: Started very economically with the ball and took the wicket of the potentially dangerous Moeen towards the end. 6

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: No where near his best day. With Bumrah out, it was amazing that India won so easily with Bhvi having an off day. 2

Umesh Yadav: When something good comes from an RCB IPL campaign, you must take advantage of it. Umesh is a prime example of this. Superb bowling display. 8

Yuzvendra Chahal: Expensive start but bounced back pretty well. He is still one for England to watch out for. 5

Kuldeep Yadav: Compared to the Australia series, England were in KulDEEP trouble. Superb display of wristspin. He is indeed a mystery spinner…. It is a mystery to see how England try play him in the next game. World class bowler. 10
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So, hope you enjoyed this edition of player ratings, and hope it gets you even more excited for the 2nd T20I. I know I am.
Thanks for reading.

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: 5th Match Preview – Australia v Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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Finalists confirmed. Main thing to look forward to in the next couple of days before the final is whether or not I will look like a genius. Other than that, not much, as we will have some context-less T20Is.

We finally saw a somewhat competitive game between Zimbabwe and Pakistan yesterday, but Australia will certainly be keen for another thrashing. Aaron Finch is hitting sixes for fun, and Australia’s bowlers have restricted their opponents to very low scores. However, ahead of the final, it could be worth giving other batsmen a run as they have lost only three wickets in two games so far.

Pakistan weren’t all that convincing against Zimbabwe yesterday, but have the chance to improve their performance against Australia before Sunday’s final. With the Harare pitch showing signs of slowing down, expect Pakistan to be more competitive today than they were on Monday when they were rolled for 116.

Key to an Australia win

Aaron Finch, who broke his own record for highest T20I score, has been central to Australia’s success so far in this series. But he can’t be expected to go big every time. If he doesn’t fire today, can the others step up? Of course, if he continues to fire, it will only mean good news for Australia, as he can take the game away from Pakistan.
Also, Australia’s bowlers have been in good touch, and will back themselves against a Pakistan batting line up that has been far from perfect in this series so far. Can Billy Stanlake dominate once again?

Key to a Pakistan win

Pakistan need to see the back of Aaron Finch as soon as possible. Batsmen other than the Aussie opener (Finch and Short) have faced just 20 balls throughout the series, so this is a great potential opportunity for Pakistan.
In addition, the form of Sarfraz Ahmed yesterday was encouraging, guiding Pakistan home in a potentially tricky run chase. If he and the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Shoaib Malik can get on top of the Aussie bowlers, it could set the match up nicely for Pakistan.

Possible teams

Australia’s only way of experimenting is probably changing the batting order around so others get a chance to spend time at the crease. Also a chance for legspinner Mitchell Swepson to get a run, with passage to the final secured.
Australia possible XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Travis Head, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Nic Maddinson, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Ashton Agar/Mitchell Swepson, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Billy Stanlake
Pakistan also have the chance to experiment. They left a little to be desired with the ball yesterday, but would have been happy with restricting Zimbabwe to just 40 odd runs in the last five overs.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Haris Sohail, 3. Hussain Talat, 4. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Hasan Ali

Stats and Facts

  • Australia and Pakistan will also meet in the final on Sunday.
  • Aaron Finch has hit 240 runs in this series. Next best is Solomon Mire with 149.
  • Apart from D’Arcy Short and Aaron Finch, the rest of Australia’s batting has faced a combined 20 balls in two matches.

Prediction

Not much at stake for either teams, and for Pakistan, it will be interesting to see what comes of this game if they get Finch early. I don’t think it will be as one sided as the previous contest between the two sides, as conditions are slowing up a little. 
But, Australia are playing the better cricket right now, so I will predict an Australia win.

West Indies v Bangladesh 1st Test Preview

Charbel Coorey
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A Test battle between eighth and ninth ranked sides usually means a tight tussle between two evenly matched sides. However, the opening Test of Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies could be quite one-sided, looking at the significant disparity between the two bowling line ups.

West Indies would be bitterly disappointed to not win the recent Test series against a weakened Sri Lanka. However, there are positives they can transfer into this series, including Shannon Gabriel’s man of the series heroics, Jason Holder’s all round capabilities, as well as Shane Dowrich’s promising efforts. In conditions that are likely to favour seam bowling, at least in the first few days, West Indies should most definitely be backing themselves to have a successful start to this series.

In regards to Bangladesh, I struggle to see how the resources (or lack of) they have will be good enough to secure their first Test victory away from Asia since 2013. As an ardent and passionate fan of Bangladesh cricket for over a decade, I still scratch my head as to how they are unable to develop and maintain their best talents, especially in the pace bowling department, especially in the last two years. Their predicted pace bowling line up for this Test is Rubel Hossain (average of 79 in 22 Tests), Shafiul Islam (average of 55.41 in 11 Tests) and Abu Jayed (no Tests). Another option is Kamrul Islam, who averages nearly 57 after five Tests.

The gulf in quality between the bowling attacks right now is a scary prospect for Bangladesh, given that West Indies have been Test strugglers over the last few years. As a result, West Indies certainly start as favourites.

Key to a West Indies win

I remember Ian Bishop speaking on commentary during Bangladesh’s last tour of West Indies in 2014. He spoke of the potential Shannon Gabriel has thanks to his pace, but how he needed to get the ball moving.
Shannon is now able to do both, and it would be wise of Bangladesh’s batsmen to expect a tough test. In addition, Jason Holder just came off nine wickets and a 74 v Sri Lanka, and Miguel Cummins is desperate to turn effort into wickets. Add Kemar Roach and Devendra Bishoo, and West Indies have some good pace and legspin – two types of bowling Bangladesh have historically struggled against.
Also, on many occasions, the West Indies batsmen did very well at wasting starts against Sri Lanka. Against a Bangladesh attack that will depend heavily on Shakib Al Hasan, they have an opportunity to pile the pressure on their opponents.

Key to a Bangladesh win

Much will rest on Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan. All are capable of playing fine Test knocks, but against a West Indies attack that is improving, a collaborative effort is vital. Patience, determination and prolonged concentration is not something often associated with Bangladesh batting, but now is the time to show it.
Also, that pace attack just doesn’t inspire confidence. Unfortunately, Mustafizur Rahman is still struggling with injuries (and hasn’t been the same since his shoulder operation in 2016), and Taskin Ahmed has seemingly fallen off the face of the earth. 
For Bangladesh, there are out of form West Indies players to target. Roston Chase, Devon Smith and Kieran Powell weren’t too flash against Sri Lanka, so this presents a potential opportunity. Whether the bowlers have the patience and potency to exploit this is a whole other matter. What on earth will Bangladesh do in life after Shakib?

Possible teams

Shemron Hitmeyer hit a century against the Bangladeshis last week in a tour match, marking a strong return from illness. He could play if West Indies decide to strengthen their batting. Also, they could stick with the four pace bowlers that took the field against Sri Lanka, with Keemo Paul waiting in the wings.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. Devon Smith, 3. Kieran Powell, 4. Shai Hope, 5. Roston Chase, 6. Shane Dowrich (wk), 7. Jason Holder (c), 8. Devendra Bishoo, 9. Kemar Roach, 10. Miguel Cummins, 11. Shannon Gabriel
In good news for Bangladesh, Sabbir Rahman is not in town. Doesn’t deserve to be. The batting line up doesn’t present too many surprises, but again, the bowling attack is cause for concern.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Imrul Kayes, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Liton Das (wk), 7. Mahmudullah, 8. Mehidy Hasan, 9. Shafiul Islam, 10. Rubel Islam, 11. Abu Jayed/Kamrul Islam

Stats and Facts:

  • West Indies’ last home Test series win was against Bangladesh in 2014.
  • This will be Shakib Al Hasan’s first Test since reinstated as Test captain late last year. He missed the Sri Lanka Tests in February due to a finger injury.
  • Tamim Iqbal is 15 runs from becoming Bangladesh’s first ever to 4,000 Test runs. Also, Mushfiqur Rahim will play his 61st Test, the equal most for Bangladesh, along with Mohammad Ashraful.
  • Shannon Gabriel (v Sri Lanka) became the first West Indian in 16 years to take 20 wickets in a Test series.
  • Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua has hosted five Tests. The average first innings score at this ground is just under 450.

Prediction

With the first four days expected to have good weather, there should be plenty of cricket. Hard to go past West Indies here, with the bowling attacks the key factor. 
Bowlers play a crucial role in winning you Tests, and at the moment, Bangladesh don’t have the resources. West Indies to go 1-0 up.

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: 4th Match Preview – Zimbabwe v Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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It’s good that there is a match every day.

And no, it’s not because I enjoy one-sided contests. Or that I love cricket, in this instance. 
The Zimbabwe Tri-Series will come to a close on Sunday, just a week after it started. The way this series is going, we’ll move on and pretend it never happened. Records are being smashed, but it’s time teams aren’t smashed either. Here’s to a better, more competitive second half of the series.
Can Zimbabwe put on a competitive show after two thrashings? They will have to with their series on the line today. The atmosphere has been a little sombre at Harare Sports Club over the past few days, representative of a lack of both hope and expectation. Without their best players, Zimbabwe just haven’t stood a chance. Their net run rate, like their financial and cricketing status, makes for very grim reading. Can they perform a miracle today?
Pakistan were absolutely shocking in their last match, going down by nine wickets with 55 balls to spare against Australia. Most could say that they were favourites before this series began, but the question was whether they could perform well against the higher ranked sides after wins against teams they would be expected to beat. I bet they’ll be glad they are playing Zimbabwe again today, but the men in green simply have to play better cricket. If anyone says “great fightback by world no.1 Pakistan” today, I bet you they are trolling.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

Aaron Finch treated the Zimbabweans like an Under-11’s side yesterday, so it remains to be seen how Zimbabwe bounce back.
Their only success in this series is winning both coin tosses. Perhaps it’s time to give batting first a go, get a score on the board, and try put some scoreboard pressure on Pakistan? With just 237 runs across their first two matches (just eight more than Australia yesterday), it could be time for a change in strategy.
Their start with the bat against Australia, where they were often above ten an over in the first ten overs, was encouraging. Can they put in a prolonged effort here, and restrict a Pakistan top order that could still be shaken after Billy Stanlake ripped through them the other day?

Key to a Pakistan win

Absolutely shocking batting performance by Pakistan on Monday, getting bundled out for 116. The top order was simply clueless against Billy Stanlake. The lower order showed some fight, but it was far too late. Today, they have the chance to make amends, albeit against a far less threatening attack. 
Also, with a bit of pace and bounce in the Harare tracks so far this week, Pakistan’s bowlers will be keen to get into their groove. After being tasked with defending 116 the other day, more runs here will be welcomed. 

Predicted teams

A shout out to Tendai Chisoro, who bowled four overs for just 19 amid the carnage against Australia yesterday. But, I think it’s time they make some changes in the bowling department. John Nyumbu and Chris Mpofu could be replaced, after going for plenty. Can Zimbabwe cause Pakistan’s batting some problems?
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Solomon Mire, 2. Chamu Chibhabha, 3. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Peter Moor (wk), 6. Elton Chigumbura, 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Tendai Chisoro, 9. Donald Tiripano, 10. Wellington Mazakadza, 11. Blessing Muzarabani
For Pakistan, the top order will probably be given a chance to make amends. Also, Mohammad Amir could come in.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Mohammad Hafeez, 3. Hussain Talat, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 6. Asif Ali, 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Mohammad Amir

Stats and Facts

  • Zimbabwe conceded the first ever 200+ run partnership in T20Is yesterday.
  • Pakistan’s loss against Australia was their first in nine matches.
  • If Zimbabwe lose today, it’s curtains for them in this series.

Prediction

Pakistan. Very little hope for Zimbabwe, except that it is a closer game.

England v India 1st T20I Preview

Charbel Coorey
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One of the most anticipated bilateral series in recent times begins on the same day as a football World Cup knock-out match involving England. It is a little bit of a shame that this is the case, but the T20 series, for me, is an entree before the big main meal comprising of what is sure to be flavoursome ODIs and Tests.

The entree, though, still promises to be delicious, and will be sure to leave us wanting plenty more.

England are feeling good about themselves, defeating the old enemy Australia 6-0 across ODIs and a T20I. Australia’s bowlers look much happier in Zimbabwe as opposed to England, a credit to England’s powerful batting line up that India need to guard against. Jos Buttler is in the form of his life at the moment, and his form is complemented brilliantly by the likes of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. Can they give India a similar dose?

One thing that is for sure, though, is that if England expect to dominate India the same way they dominated Australia, they will be in for a shock. They should be also in for a few head assessments, as such a mindset will get you nowhere. Even with the loss of Jasprit Bumrah for the T20Is, India still possess a well-rounded attack, and of course, an excellent batting line up in this format. Can India start their massive tour of England in great fashion?

Key to an England win

Skipper Eoin Morgan rightly said that focusing only on Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal is a dangerous thing to do. In other words, England’s powerplay overs against the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar is key to setting the innings up, and ensuring they aren’t under significant pressure when the spinners are on.
In Jos Buttler, England have arguably the best keeper-batsman in the world right now, and if he can push India onto the back foot early, his team will be set up nicely for a good finish. Such is the quality of England’s side is that there are various others in the side who can cause damage as well. Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow are also in superb form, and Eoin Morgan and Joe Root will also be keen to hurt India.
However, can England’s bowlers limit India’s batsmen? In comparison to Australia’s injury and suspension hit line up, India’s batting will be sure to provide a sterner test.

Key to an India win

Like England, India will be tasked with containing a strong batting line up. Like England, India can’t expect to have things their own way like their previous T20 assignment. 
A big key for me is how India go without Jasprit Bumrah, one of the finest limited overs bowlers in the world. Their wristspinners are having an amazing 2018 so far for India, and if they can bowl eight economical overs (under eight an over), with a couple of wickets, India will be on the right track. Another food for thought is whether India go with Umesh Yadav, a fantastic powerplay bowler, to target Jos Buttler? Strategically, India will have to be on song.
In addition, India racked up two 200+ scores in Ireland recently, but will face a sterner test today. They need to keep the pressure on an England bowling line up that still has its question marks. Eyes will be on the top order, including Virat Kohli, who managed just nine runs in two innings in Ireland, as well as India’s middle order, who will be tasked with finishing the innings well.

Possible teams

Expect England to stick with the same team that beat Australia in a recent T20I, with Ben Stokes to return in the ODIs.
England XI: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Alex Hales, 6. Jonny Bairstow, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. David Willey, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Chris Jordan, 11. Adil Rashid
For India, there are a few possibilities, especially with the bowling attack. Can they bank on Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the spinners to do well at the death, with Umesh Yadav not particularly great at that stage? Or does Siddarth Kaul get a go? Will also be interesting to see if India go with Krunal Pandya, who has received a well deserved call up to the squad.
India XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Krunal Pandya/Suresh Raina/Dinesh Karthik/Manish Pandey, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Umesh Yadav/Siddarth Kaul, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats and Facts

  • Virat Kohli needs just eight runs to reach 2,000 runs in T20Is. He will be by far the quickest to the mark. Rohit Sharma is just 51 runs away, but has played an extra 12 matches than Kohli.
  • England have won all three T20Is v India in England.
  • Kuldeep Yadav (11.2) and Yuzvendra Chahal (13) have the best and third best strike rates among all bowlers who have bowled in at least ten T20I innings.
  • Jos Buttler’s last seven T20 innings, since moving to opener for Rajasthan Royals: 67, 51, 82, 95*, 94*, 39, 61
  • Umesh Yadav has played just two T20Is for India! His break of 65 matches between appearances is an Indian record.

Prediction

Really difficult one to predict. One factor could potentially be the focus on football across England, rather than this game, which could work in India’s favour. 
However, at home, I will go with England to pick up a tight win. Promises to be a good clash!

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: 3rd Match Preview – Zimbabwe v Australia

Charbel Coorey
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Photo credit: AFP

I’m a little more excited now. Just a few hours before writing this, Australia (unexpectedly, I must admit) absolutely destroyed the number one ranked T20I side, notching up their first international win since the first Test against South Africa in March.

Yes, it’s been a while. Nine losses in a row across all formats was brought to an end on Tuesday, in emphatic fashion.

Now, they are odds on to make it two straight wins against a Zimbabwe side that’s in the doldrums. That Pakistan hammered Zimbabwe, and then were subsequently hammered by Australia, shows the difficult state Zimbabwe find themselves in. To make matters worse, arguably their best bowler, Kyle Jarvis, broke his thumb and will miss the rest of the series. Is there any way they can compete with an Australia team that showed they are serious about winning this series?

Australia will enter this game having just wiped the floor with the number one side. Say what you want about Pakistan enjoying a number of matches against lower ranked opponents over the last few months, but a nine wicket rout with 55 balls to spare was far beyond the realms of imagination. Billy Stanlake set up the win with a magnificent spell of 4/8, enjoying the pace and bounce on offer in Harare. Skipper Aaron Finch, with his performance, would have picked up the man of the match award in most other matches. There is something for Australia to be positive about, finally.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

Well, wouldn’t this be the ultimate merry-go-round? Pakistan thrash Zimbabwe, Australia thrash Pakistan, Zimbabwe beat Australia? 
As unlikely as this may seem, T20 cricket can offer elements of unpredictability that is in contrast to the other formats. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe will have to be at their best (and Australia pretty bad) to cause a major upset.
One key that immediately comes to mind is handling big Billy Stanlake a lot better than Pakistan did. The Pakistani batsmen hung out their bats and played with little authority – a dangerous thing to do on a pitch with some bounce, and if the Zimbabweans do the same, they are asking for trouble. 
Against Pakistan, only Tarisai Musakanda, on T20I debut, put in a batting display that had any real substance. In their second match, Zimbabwe desperately need more from their experienced players such as Hamilton Mazakadza and Elton Chigumbura in these times of need.
Also, Aaron Finch’s wicket is vital for Zimbabwe as he is looking in great touch. Can Zimbabwe cause Australia any headaches without Kyle Jarvis?

Key to an Australia win

Australia can blow Zimbabwe away, especially based on the evidence we saw against Pakistan on Tuesday.

Billy Stanlake bowled out his four overs, picked up 4/8, as well as the man of the match award. He tormented Pakistan with pace and bounce, and a performance that is even slightly similar will likely be too much for Zimbabwe. Jhye Richardson, Marcus Stoinis and Ashton Agar were steady, but one possible area of concern is Andrew Tye. Despite taking three wickets at the end against Pakistan, Tye bowled too many “hit me” balls. These need to be kept to a minimum.

Also, Aaron Finch has now hit 84 and 68* in his last two T20 innings, and looks in irresistible form. Expect Australia to try impart their authority with the bat and let he hosts know who the superior T20 side is.

Predicted teams

With Kyle Jarvis out, Zimbabwe will probably bring in Chris Mpofu, or perhaps Donald Tiripano who was brought into the squad. With resources so thin as a result to current player boycotts, this could be Zimbabwe’s only change from the game against Pakistan.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Solomon Mire, 2. Chamu Chibhabha, 3. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Peter Moor (wk), 6. Elton Chigumbura, 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Tendai Chisoro, 9. John Nyumbu, 10. Chris Mpofu, 11. Blessing Muzarabani
For Australia, why change?
Australia possible XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Travis Head, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Nic Maddinson 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Jhye Richardson, 11. Billy Stanlake

Stats and Facts

  • Zimbabwe and Australia have only ever played one T20I against each other. This was in the World T20 in 2007, where Zimbabwe won by five wickets.
  • Two Zimbabwe players who played in that famous win are in this squad – Hamilton Mazakadza and Elton Chigumbura.
  • Billy Stanlake’s spell of 4/8 is the most economical completed spell for Australia in T20Is.
  • Australia’s win vs Pakistan was their first win in nine international matches, dating back to March.

Prediction

Australia. Not much more needs to be said.
Be sure to check out my 4 keys for India to be successful in England, as well as my 4 predictions for this Zimbabwe Tri-Series. Which will come true?
Thanks for reading!

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: 2nd Match Preview – Australia v Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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0

Only recently did Australia move down to third in the T20I rankings as a result of India’s thumping 2-0 series in Ireland. But, there is little doubt that the two teams today will be fighting it out in the final later this week.

However, looking at the current FIFA World Cup, anything is possible I guess, but it would be a massive failure if either of these two sides were to miss out on the final, looking at Zimbabwe’s troubles.

Australia are coming off a difficult, winless tour of England, but I still strongly believe that 2018 will be looked back as a positive year. They have the opportunity here to taste some success, which will be Justin Langer’s first as Australia coach. However, it won’t be easy. In England, they were suspect against spin, and in Zimbabwe, they can expect to face a trial against spin, so it’s vital that they don’t afford the kind of luxuries they provided to Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and even Joe Root.

Pakistan stamped their authority yesterday, pummeling Zimbabwe by 74 runs. As the number ranked T20I side, with eight straight series wins behind their belt, how Pakistan deal with the favouritism tag will be interesting to see. They have shown consistency in this format, but mostly against sides they are expected to beat. Australia will be their toughest test since January when they beat New Zealand 2-1 – since then they have swept aside West Indies, Scotland and Zimbabwe.

Key to an Australia win

How well will Australia handle Pakistan’s spinners?
This is the immediate question that comes to mind, with Australia struggling in their matches in England. What was concerning was their lack of technical and mental nous against spinners who, with all due respect, are not world beaters. This was despite the fact that the pitches were generally very good for batting.
Here, the ball could turn more, and they will be facing better spinners. Rotation of the strike against the spinners is key, and if they can take runs of the seamers, Australia can expect a good score. Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell are particularly important to the cause, given their strong level of T20 experience. Can the likes of D’Arcy Short, who had a tough IPL campaign, Travis Head and Alex Carey also contribute?

Key to a Pakistan win

With conditions yesterday providing some assistance to the spinners, Pakistan took full advantage, with their spinners combining for 5/43 off 8.5 overs to completely blow Zimbabwe away. Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hafeez and Shadab Khan will be key again today against an Australian side that has its problems against spin.
Also, Pakistan had a bit of a sluggish first ten overs against Zimbabwe, losing three wickets for 78 and running the risk they would finish with a total that didn’t represent the gulf in the class between the two sides. In the end, thanks to Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali, they got to a fine score of 182/4. 
Against Australia, though, they can expect to be tested a little more, so a good start will be key.

Predicted teams

Australia have won just six of 16 limited overs matches this year, but five came in the Trans-Tasman Tri-Series involving England and Australia in February, where they didn’t lose a match. Can they transfer that form here?
Australia possible XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Travis Head, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Jhye Richardson, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Mitchell Swepson

For Pakistan, it’s still a little early for them to experiment. After a winning start against Zimbabwe, I think they will stick with the same line up.

Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Mohammad Hafeez, 3. Hussain Talat, 4. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Nawaz, 10. Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Khan

Stats and Facts

  • The last meeting between the two teams was in the World T20 in 2016, where Australia won by 21 runs to knock Pakistan out of the tournament.
  • Eight is a good number for Pakistan right now. They have won eight matches and series in a row.
  • Shoaib Malik has been unbeaten in 14 of his last 25 innings.

Prediction

A tough one to predict as both these teams are good T20 units, but with Pakistan having a game under their belt, in conjunction with suitable conditions, I pick them to win in a close match.

Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series: 1st Match Preview – Zimbabwe v Pakistan

Charbel Coorey
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The Zimbabwe T20I series involving Pakistan and Australia kicks off today, and looking at the superior strength of two teams compared to the other, it’s safe to say that this is a shootout for the number one T20I ranking.

Crisis. That’s the term I use to describe Zimbabwe cricket right now, and as I mentioned in my four predictions for the series yesterday, this series leaves me with a bit of an empty feeling. Zimbabwe were on track to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, but fell agonisingly short, and it’s been nothing but a mess since then. They are in huge financial trouble, have the least fixtures according to FTP and only yesterday appointed a captain for this series. If they can at least be competitive here, I say it should be considered a success.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have lots going for them. Victorious in their last eight T20I series, as well as 19 of their last 22 matches, the men in green begin their campaign in Zimbabwe as deserved favourites. As always, they have plenty of variety and quality in their attack, and now, with some limited overs specialists in their batting line up, they will be difficult to beat. They start this game as overwhelming favourites, and rightly so.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

No Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams or Graeme Cremer is a huge blow for Zimbabwe. Despite that, they still have experienced players they can be hopeful of to deliver a great backs-to-the-wall performance.
Hamilton Mazakadza and Elton Chigumbura have been around since the early 2000s, and Zimbabwe desperately need those two to fire with the bat. Against a strong Pakistan bowling line up, it’s paramount the Zimbabweans ensure they keep busy, and don’t get stuck playing dot balls and getting out trying to hit big shots to relieve the pressure.
Also, despite the big player boycotts, their seam attack is relatively unaffected. Kyle Jarvis, Blessing Muzarabani and Chris Mpofu have the task of reining in the Pakistan batting line up. The key to keeping Pakistan quiet could be effectively mix up their pace and lengths, so it will be interesting to see how they go about their work.

Key to a Pakistan win

Pakistan are up against a side that is suspect against spin bowling – a quality Pakistan has in abundance. There is also no doubt that Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali will be two very difficult prospects for the Zimbabwean batsmen, and if they fire, I only see one result.
Also, Zimbabwe are without two of their best spin options with Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza missing, so Pakistan should be backing themselves to score well against a Zimbabwean attack relying heavily on seam. 
At the start of the series, the ball should come onto the bat nicely, making for good strokemaking. One player to especially keep an eye on is Fakhar Zaman, who is looking to get his T20I career up and running.

Predicted teams

Zimbabwe are in all sorts with key players missing, so the make up of their team is difficult to predict. As mentioned, their experienced players must stand up.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Brian Chari, 2. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 3. Chambu Chibhabha, 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Elton Chigumbura, 6. Peter Moor (wk), 7. Malcolm Waller, 8. Tendai Chisori, 9. Kyle Jarvis, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Chris Mpofu
Pakistan will be sure to put up a more established XI than their opponents. If the match was played on paper, it’d be well and truly over.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Mohammad Hafeez, 3. Hussain Talat, 4. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 5. Asif Ali, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Usman Khan

Stats and Facts

  • Zimbabwe have played just two T20Is in the last two years. They lost them both to Afghanistan this year.
  • Pakistan, since the World T20 in 2016, have won 19 of 22 matches and sit first in the T20I rankings.
  • Shoaib Malik just gets better with age. He averages 66.72 in his last 24 T20I innings, with 13 not outs.

Prediction

Hoping for a competitive match but can’t see anything other than a Pakistan win. In the meantime, be sure to check out my four big predictions for this series, including who I think will win!
Thanks for reading.

4 big predictions for the Zimbabwe Tri Series

Charbel Coorey
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Image credit: The Advertiser Australia

In case you didn’t know, a T20I Tri-Series begins this week. Before 2018, there had been no such series played in the T20I world (which included full members), but in the space of four months, we would have had four.

This week’s Zimbabwe Tri-Series involving Pakistan and Australia gives me a bit of an empty feeling. After this, Zimbabwe are not due to host any international fixtures until August 2019 when Afghanistan are due to visit. 92% of fans, as part of the ICC’s inaugural survey, said that they are interested in T20 cricket, and we will see some action this week, but in the least popular FTP nation – Zimbabwe.

All three teams face different challenges. Zimbabwe are in all sorts off the field, Australia were in all sorts on the field in England, and Pakistan need to develop greater consistency. In this cricket opinion piece, I will look at four key predictions, while discussing each team’s chances of lifting the trophy next week.

Prediction #1: Zimbabwe won’t win a game

After a heartbreaking end to the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year, Zimbabwe have seemed to have fallen further in the mire. Graeme Cremer, then captain, and the entire backroom staff, were all sacked in the aftermath. Their financial situation doesn’t seem to be on the improve, with players still awaiting outstanding salaries and match payments, dating back to their tour of Sri Lanka last year.
To make matters worse, they will be without four key players for this series, and are yet to confirm a captain as I write this, just a day out from the series. Brendan Taylor, Graeme Cremer, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza won’t be participating, which renders it improbable that Zimbabwe will enjoy any success against the number one and two ranked sides in T20I cricket. This is despite having the likes of Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Mazakadza and Elton Chigumbura in their ranks, who can all fire on their day.
I predict there will be a solemn feel around Harare Sports Club this week.

Sikandar Raza was player of the tournament in the World Cup Qualifiers

Prediction #2: Leading run scorer – Aaron Finch (Australia)

Australia’s skipper for the series, Aaron Finch, is in excellent touch. 
In England, Australia fiddled with having Aaron Finch down the order in the ODIs, which was a big no-no. Since being moved back to opener in the 4th ODI at Chester-le-Street, Finch has knocked off 206 runs in his last three international innings, including 84 in the recent T20I v England.
Sure, the pitch conditions could be quite slow in Zimbabwe, but Aaron Finch is an excellent striker of the ball and loves batting at the top of the order. In addition, he is a strong leader, and will be keen to lead from the front with the bat. 
There are some candidates for leading run scorer, including Glenn Maxwell, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Fakhar Zaman, but Aaron Finch is looking in super touch, and for me, is a good choice to pick as leading run scorer.

Prediction #3: Leading wicket taker – Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

How good is this kid going?
Shadab was mighty impressive in Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England, scoring runs and bowling with excellent control. On pitches that are expected to be slowish in Zimbawe, against two teams who are suspect against spin, Shadab is a huge chance of taking a bagful of wickets in the next week.
I believe he is greater than a huge chance. I believe he will do it.
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Prediction #4: Winner – Pakistan

This one was really difficult to choose. Do I go with my heart (Australia) or my head (Pakistan)? In thinking about predictions and analysing the game, it’s important to think as rationally as possible. 
All matches will be played in Harare, and as the week goes on, I think conditions will get slower and lower in the middle of the Zimbabwean winter. This suits Pakistan. I have no doubt that if this series was played on faster, bouncier wickets, Australia would dominate, but Pakistan have the know-how and resources to be successful in these conditions. Australia, for me, just aren’t playing spin well enough to be confident about them, highlighted by Moeen Ali bagging a handful of wickets in the recent ODI series.
Of course, there is always the chance that Pakistan can put in a poor performance at the wrong time, but as the number one ranked T20I team, it’s fair they are considered favourites for the tournament. They have won seven matches in a row, and have lost just three of 22 since the World T20 in 2016. Despite not having Babar Azam available for this series, they will be hard to beat.
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So, what do you think of my predictions? Is there anything you think is ridiculous? Do you think I will be looked at as a genius when the series is over?

As always, feel free to leave a comment!

Thanks for reading.

Ireland v India 2nd T20I Preview

Charbel Coorey
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Photo credit: Ireland Cricket

The big question for India ahead of the first T20I was whether they would have on eye on the England series, and deliver a less than convincing performance in Ireland. It’s very safe to say that wasn’t the case, with India producing a sharp, professional display that was simply too good for their opponent.

Ireland can expect more of the same, looking at how well-drilled India are under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Unfortunately for the Irish, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong in the first T20I. However, they have an opportunity in the second T20I to put on a more competitive show, and will be encouraged by the positive showings of Peter Chase (4/35) and James Shannon (60 off 35 balls) in the series opener.

India will experiment with their squad a little ahead of the England series, according to skipper Virat Kohli. If it were up to Ireland, they would like to see the back of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and the two wristspinners, who were all excellent in the first T20I. At least three of these players could sit out this game, and the scary part is that India will still boast a very good T20 side.

Key to an Ireland win

The first T20I highlighted in the gulf in class between the two teams, but its important Ireland put Wednesday behind them, and focus on the next match. In the first T20I, James Shannon received very little support as he made a promising 60, with the next best score 12. However, the damage was done after Ireland conceded 200+.
Ireland need a wicket or two in the powerplay overs to push India back as much as they can. They need regular breakthroughs throughout the innings, too. Taking opportunities that come their way will be paramount.
Also, Ireland were all at sea against India’s wristspinners, mainly Kuldeep Yadav. Can they effectively rotate the strike against Kuldeep and Chahal and take runs off some of the other bowlers, especially with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah possibly sitting out?

It will be amazing scenes if they get the job done. I’d be jumping up and down in my living room if Ireland win!

Key to an India win

India stamped their authority in their first match of their huge tour. 
The top order set things up beautifully, and will be hoping for the same again. One ominous warning for Ireland is that Virat Kohli wasn’t even a factor in the first T20I, and he will be keen to get some runs under his belt in the second T20I. Another powerful India batting effort will be too much for Ireland, and the men in blue will be especially happy if the middle order can also put in a strong showing.
Also, India’s attack showed its cohesiveness once again in the first T20I, and will be hoping they take all their chances in the field in the second. Their total of 208 was never under threat, and Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal continued their impressive performances for India following on from their exploits in South Africa. It is not safe to assume Ireland will read them better in this game, so back them to continue to be in the wickets.

Predicted teams

It was a tad disappointing to see Ireland not play Joshua Little in the first T20I. In the second match, they could stick with the same team.
Ireland XI: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. William Porterfield, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. Simi Singh, 5. Gary Wilson (c), 6. Kevin O’Brien, 7. Stuart Thompson, 8. Stuart Poynter (wk), 9. George Dockrell, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Peter Chase
Virat Kohli has expressed his desire to experiment with the team. Rohit Sharma is said to be sitting out this one. There is a chance Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah could sit out, too.
India XI: 1. KL Rahul, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. Suresh Raina, 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Manish Pandey, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Umesh Yadav/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Jasprit Bumrah/Siddarth Kaul

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-head: Matches 2, Ireland 0, India 2
  • Shikhar Dhawan needs 42 runs to reach 1,000 T20I runs. He will be the sixth Indian player to achieve this feat.
  • Time for Suresh Raina to stand up? He has scored just one T20I fifty since June 2010.
  • India are unbeaten in their last seven T20I series, including this one. However, if they win the 2nd T20I, it will be five series wins in a row, including the Nidahas Trophy.

Prediction

India again. Hard to see any other result. Hoping for Ireland to be more competitive this time around.
In the meantime, be sure to check out my 4 keys for India to having a successful tour of England!

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