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Australia retain Ashes with win in 1st Women’s T20I

Charbel Coorey
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Congratulations Australia!

The Australian Women team have done the nation proud, after retaining the Ashes against England. After the drawn Test, all Australia needed was one win in the T20Is, and they achieved it in the first game, winning by 6 wickets with 25 balls to spare.

England’s very defensive display in the Test match suggested that they were planning to throw all their eggs into the T20I basket, which has backfired. Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt and Elise Perry decimated England’s top order to leave them 16/4. In the end, England did extremely well to reach 132/9, thanks to Danielle Wyatt, who rescued England’s innings with a fine 50 off 36 balls. However, she was outdone by Beth Mooney, who struck an irresistible 86 of 56 balls to lead Australia home.

Mooney’s cover driving was as good as you’ll ever see, and held the innings together well for Australia.

Here are some awesome stats & facts from Australia’s Ashes-sealing win:

1st 50 in T20Is

It’s hard to believe Beth Mooney had never scored a T20I fifty for Australia before tonight. She middled almost everything – her cover driving was special to watch. A great time to bring up your first fifty!
It was also Danielle Wyatt’s first fifty, and that too in her 71st T20I. It came at a great time with her team in big trouble, but wasn’t enough in the end.

Highest score ever by an Australian in a T20I at home

Beth Mooney scored the highest ever score by an Australian at home in a T20I. The previous best was Meg Lanning’s 79.

Best ever bowling figures:

It wasn’t only Beth Mooney who had her best ever outing, but so did Megan Schutt. Schutt was superb with the ball, taking her best ever figures of 4/22.

Difference between top and second highest scorer: 69

Mooney’s 86 was easily Australia’s top score, with next best score being Elyse Villani’s 17. Such a dominant display by Mooney.

Australia’s second straight Ashes series win:

England came to Australia aiming to retain the Ashes after losing in 2015, but wasn’t to be. Australia have been the better team since the start of the ODI series, and deserve their win.
North Sydney put on a wonderful night, with another great crowd turning up. This is a wonderful time for women’s cricket, and hopefully the momentum continues in Canberra.
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England’s batting finally clicks, but one major concern remains

Charbel Coorey
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With just one week to go before the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, England’s batting finally clicked on this tour. Following a poor outing in the Tour Match in Adelaide a few days ago, the onus was on England’s batsmen to deliver after their bowlers saved them from utter embarrassment.

England finished day two of the Tour Match v CA XI on 337/3, with Joe Root and Dawid Malan not out on 62 and 57 respectively.

There will be no confidence problems for Mark Stoneman heading into the Brisbane Test, notching up his fourth 50+ score in a row, and England’s first century of the tour. The Ashes proper is a different proposition, but Stoneman has been impressive so far, showing good intent and actually providing assistance to Alastair Cook.

Cook was slower to get going, but with Stoneman going well at the other end, Cook had the licence to take his time and spend quality time in the middle. With just three Tests under his belt, Stoneman has looked the most assured England batsman on tour so far and the tourists will be hoping for more of the same come next Thursday.

One concern England had though was the form of Alastair Cook. A key player for England, Cook had made scores of 0, 15 and 32, and looked scratchy in all innings. The 2nd day of the Tour Match was a relief for all associated with England, with Cook spending good time in the middle for his 70.

Skipper Joe Root, who is now just six runs away from 9,000 first-class runs, was back in the runs after two failures in a row, and Dawid Malan continues his decent run with his third half-century in four innings on tour.

So, four of England’s top five had solid outings, but what about their number three?

One area of concern for England, which has been a problem for quite a while now, is their number three. James Vince, who got a start, could not convert yet again.

It’s been the story of his tour, as well as his career so far. In the Ashes, England will desperately need their James Vince gamble to pay off. 20s and 30s will not win you an Ashes series, and if your number three can’t get over that hurdle, it’s concerning.

Is it a technical or mental problem for James Vince? Evidence throughout his Test career so far suggests it’s both, as he is able to get starts but those technical deficiencies outside off stump are costing him dearly.

One week out from the series opener, England have no choice but to continue encouraging Vince, and remind him that he was picked for a reason. If he can find his mojo in the Ashes, England might very well have a chance. It’s a very big “if”, though.

Preview – 1st Test: India v Sri Lanka

Charbel Coorey
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Just over two months ago, India inflicted a 9-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka on their own soil. It was like a team of 25 year olds playing a team of players aged 13. Sri Lanka didn’t stand a chance.

Will there be a repeat?

After engaging in successful limited overs series against Australia and New Zealand, India shift their focus to Test cricket, and will be looking to maintain its no.1 ranking ahead of a huge tour of South Africa. The question beckons for India – will they have one eye on that tour, or will their focus be 100% on Sri Lanka?

Despite the risk of complacency and lack of focus, India look quite settled ahead of this series, welcoming back a host of stars. Virat Kohli will especially be wanting good things from his seam bowlers on what seems a lively Eden Gardens track, with the South Africa tour coming up.

However, if India’s focus is not 100% on this series, this represents a real opportunity for Sri Lanka. The Lions are talking about an improved culture thanks to the learnings of arguably their worst home performance ever v India, as well as a surprise 2-0 win in the UAE over Pakistan recently.

Sri Lanka achieved a fantastic 2-0 series win over Pakistan recently.

Sri Lanka will be boosted by the return of Angelo Mathews, especially considering how inexperienced their squad is. To stand any sort of chance, they desperately need their senior players to step up. Nobody (except India fans) wants to see Sri Lanka 4/40 with inexperienced players trying to dig their team out of a hole.

Key to an India win

Let’s face it. This series is a mismatch on paper, especially on Indian soil. Anything other than an India series win will be a massive shock – the cricketing world equivalent of Trump winning the US election or the Brexit vote.
India’s major threat is their own complacency. Seeing that Sri Lanka have struggled in 2017, including a 9-0 thrashing at the hands of India recently, it can be easy for India to think they only have to show up to win.

India thrashed Sri Lanka on their own soil

Under Virat Kohli though, you expect India to be 100% focused on every detail, with a desire for every key batsman to get good time in the middle, and their bowlers maintaining excellent lines and lengths.

Key to a Sri Lanka win

The return of Angelo Mathews is a big boost for Sri Lanka, as they need runs on the board if they are to challenge India. 
The likes of Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal have been in excellent form in Test cricket, and need to continue their form and make significant contributions. With the ball, Sri Lanka will be led by the legendary Rangana Herath, and with runs on the board, they could potentially cause India a few headaches.

Dimuth Karunaratne has had a solid 2017 in Test cricket

However, the loss of form of Kusal Mendis, who will not be involved in the series, is a big blow. Even more reason for the senior players to stand up.

Predicted teams:

The big question for India is who will open the batting? Personally, I feel Shikhar Dhawan deserves the spot after a huge series in Sri Lanka. Also, despite the Eden Garden surface looking green, I think both Jadeja and Ashwin will play.
India: 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, 6 Ravichandran Ashwin, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Mohammad Shami, 11 Umesh Yadav
For Sri Lanka, who replaces Mendis? Dhananjaya de Silva has plenty of talent, and should be given a chance at no. 3.
Sri Lanka: 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 3 Dhananjaya de Silva 4 Dinesh Chandimal (c), 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Dulruwan Perera, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Lahiru Gamage

Stats & Facts:

  • Sri Lanka have never won a Test in India. Out of 10 losses, eight have come by an innings, which is the most out of any Test nation visiting India.
  • India recently thrashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the Test series, and two victories came by an innings.
  • India have won four Tests in a row, and five of their last six. 
  • Dimuth Karunaratne is just 60 runs away from reaching 1,000 Test runs for the year. He has scored 940 runs at an average of 47.00.
  • Out of the top 25 Test run scorers in 2017, Cheteshwar Pujara has the best average (851 runs at 70.91)
  • Sri Lanka have lost 12 ODIs in a row, but have won their last two Tests. In the process, they became the first team to ever beat Pakistan in a Test series in the UAE since 2009.
  • Rangana Herath averages 45.96 v India in Tests. Against all other nations, he has taken 373 wickets at an average of 26.26.
  • Ravichandran Ashwin is just 8 wickets away from 300 Test wickets. He is on track to becoming the fastest ever to the mark. 
  • Shikhar Dhawan in the Test tour of Sri Lanka recently: 358 runs in 4 innings at an average of 89.50.
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Prediction:

With some rain expected, there is a possibility we won’t get a result. However, if the weather holds, anything other than an India win will be a surprise.
Rain permitting, I expect to see Ravi Ashwin pick up the 8 wickets required to reach 300 Test wickets. India will win comfortably as their batting and bowling is superior to Sri Lanka’s. 
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An in-depth look at England’s batting struggles

Charbel Coorey
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England picked up a victory in their most recent tour match against Cricket Australia XI, but it was far from convincing. It’s not often a team could have so many concerns after a win, but that is the situation England find themselves in at the moment.

England in this Test boasted 417 Test matches worth of experience, even without Stuart Broad, who himself has played 109 Tests. The Cricket Australia XI, excluding captain Tim Paine, have played a combined total of 59 first-class matches.

During the match, I was embarrassed for England. They had absolutely no excuse to struggle like they did in this match, and the most concerning aspect is that this is not a one-off. This is a product of their struggle for a long time to find their right combination, especially in their top order. Potentially without Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes, England are in some trouble.

Opening troubles

Alastair Cook, who is having his own challenges at the moment, has had 11 opening partners since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. Mark Stoneman is the latest to be handed the challenge, and despite performing well in this tour match, has a less-than-impressive average of 35 in 153 first-class matches. In just three career Tests so far v lowly West Indies, he’s averaged 30. It’s unfair of England to ask big things of Mark Stoneman in the Ashes, and the question is – how confident are England about Mark Stoneman doing really well against a strong Australian pace attack?

Number 3 troubles

England have also been unable to settle on a number three for the last few years.
James Vince couldn’t go on to get a significant score in either innings.
James Vince was even surprised at his call up for an Ashes spot, and his habit of getting a start and not converting was on show again in Adelaide. In seven Tests to date, Vince has yet to register a half century, and averages less than 20. This is despite reaching double figures in 7 of his 11 innings so far. What’s concerning are some technical deficiencies on and around off-stump. Considered an elegant driver of the ball, Vince has the knack of not getting into line of the ball at times, often edging behind the wicket. With the extra bounce in Australia, this is a significant concern.
Like Mark Stoneman, can England really feel confident about James Vince having a big series at number three?
All of a sudden, you have question marks about your top three batsmen which represents a significant opportunity for Australia to pounce. Alastair Cook has managed just 47 runs in three innings on tour, and with an unproven Test opener and number three, England have headaches at the top.
England need Alastair Cook to have a big series.

Middle order question marks

England’s 7/45 collapse against Cricket Australia XI would have sent shivers down the spines of all England fans. Luckily, the classy Jonny Bairstow saved his team from further embarrassment with a fine second innings knock. England face the possibility of being without Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali for at least the start of the series, so the question is who else will step up?
Joe Root faces not only the pressure of being captain in an Ashes series, but also the pressure of contributing well with the bat all the time. One of the best batsmen in the world, Root simply has to deliver with England’s middle-lower options looking a bit thin.
Dawid Malan has only 5 Tests under his belt. Gary Ballance since 2014 has scored 769 runs in 15 Tests at an average of just 27.46, and has previously struggled against Australia’s pace. Is Chris Woakes batting one place too high at 7?
These are issues that England must address, otherwise their bowlers will be left with too much to do. With injuries and other issues to contend with, the onus is on England’s batsmen.
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From number 1-7, England have significant questions to answer. 
It seems that England are relying on inexperienced players with modest first class records to deliver an Ashes victory against arguably the best pace attack in the world. It will be interesting to see if they can prove me wrong.
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Preview – Women’s Ashes Test

Charbel Coorey
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Today, history will be made, with the first ever Day/Night Test Match in the women’s game

The women’s game is certainly on the up. With over half a million fans tuning into the recent 3rd ODI, the attention now turns to the pink ball, with Australia having the chance to seal the Ashes even before the three T20Is.

Australia have promised aggressive cricket, and they have the team to do it. England, on the other hand, are motivated by revenge, and are looking to keep their Ashes hopes alive.

It makes for a really great contest at North Sydney Oval. Who will come out on top?

Key to an Australia win

Deliver on their promise of aggressive cricket.

Australia have a captain in Rachael Haynes that is down-to-earth, and clearly focused on the task at hand. She told Cricinfo; “From our point of view,  we don’t want to think about it [pink ball] too much either way. We just want to go out there and focus on the contest happening at the time.”

That focus will hold Australia well, especially considering they have plenty of match winners in their team. The likes of Haynes, Alex Blackwell, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry are all fine cricketers.

A team effort will see Australia home.

Key to an England win

Don’t take a backwards step.
It can be easy to fall into your shell when your opposition says they’ll come at you all guns blazing, but England need to be proactive in this game.
It’s important for England that they don’t let Australia dictate the game from the outset, as they could be playing from behind for the rest of the game. The key would be to get in front early, and maintain as much pressure on Australia as possible.
Captain Heather Knight has been positive about her team’s chances, claiming they love playing with their backs to the wall. 

Stats & Facts:

  • Australia currently lead the Ashes series 4-2, after winning the ODI series 2-1. 
  • A win for Australia in the Test will mean they regain the Ashes. The Test is worth four points, and the three T20Is to follow are worth three.
  • Ellyse Perry’s performance holds the key in this match – she has taken 27 wickets in 6 Tests v England at an average of 16.11. With the bat, she averages above 31.
  • In 48 Tests between these two sides, 27 have ended as a draw. In the last 5 Tests, Australia have won two, England one and two draws.
  • England captain Heather Knight is coming off a fine 88 to lead England to a win in the recent 3rd ODI.
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Prediction:

This should be a really exciting match. 
Australia have promised to be aggressive and England have promised to not back down. 
However, with experience on their side, I expect Australia to win in a tight game.
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Is the make up of the Australia team more clear?

Charbel Coorey
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An eventful second round of the Sheffield Shield has come to an end, with New South Wales and Queensland winning, and Victoria/South Australia playing out a thrilling draw.

The three Sheffield Shield rounds before the Ashes are an audition for places in the Australian batting lineup. Some positions are more open that they have ever been before. 
After two rounds, are we more clear on the make up of the side? Who has stepped up and who hasn’t?
This piece will go through each of the key candidates for a Test spot, rate their performance and their chances of a call up to the Test side.

New South Wales v Western Australia

What a game this was. 
Shaun Marsh and Cameron Bancroft put on 179 for the 1st wicket against the Australian attack, and it all went downhill from there. Beware, England – Mitchell Starc is on fire, taking two hat tricks in the match to lead New South Wales to a last-gasp win in Hurstville.
On the batting front, how did the key candidates go?
Daniel Hughes (NSW): Hughes has been spoken about as a potential option for Australia in the middle order, but didn’t have his best game, scoring 25 and 1. It will take something extraordinary from him in NSW’s next game for him to be considered for selection. For now, he will almost certainly miss out.
Peter Nevill (NSW): Nevill looked solid on the first day in challenging batting conditions, batting good time for his 32. There are plenty of calls for Nevill to take the gloves in the first Ashes Test, but he needs to convert his starts. In three innings this season, he has scored 20, 32 and 11*. His place in the Australia team is still uncertain, but a good third game can get him over the line.
Peter Nevill looked solid for his 32 but chased a wide one

Cameron Bancroft (WA): Other than Steven Smith, Cameron Bancroft was the best performer in this match. He showed patience and courage to bat through undefeated in WA’s first innings, and was also superb with Shaun Marsh in the second. Opening the batting against the Australian attack, his performance definitely has the selectors looking at him for that wicketkeeping role in the 1st Ashes Test.

Shaun Marsh (WA): There is a good possibility that Shaun Marsh will be opening the batting come November 23. He has been in good form recently – in his last three First Class matches, dating back to September in England, he has scored 78, 125* 63, 11, 2 and 91. He had NSW nervous with a brilliant 91 in the second innings. He has held his hand up the highest so far.

Shaun Marsh & Cameron Bancroft can’t be ignored

Hilton Cartwright (WA): The worst possible game for Hilton, making a pair. Can’t see him getting into the Australia side.

Victoria v South Australia:

A thrilling draw played out in Melbourne.
Throughout the match, there were strong performances from Ashes candidates:
Glenn Maxwell (VIC): Maxi did his chances of a no.6 Ashes spot for Australia no harm with two fifties. I was particularly impressed with his first innings effort, where he showed maturity and patience to bat 113 balls for his 60. After a scratchy first game against Queensland, he needs one more solid outing v Tasmania at the MCG for selection.
Glenn Maxwell staked his claim for an Ashes call up
Peter Handcomb (VIC): Pete Hanscomb is almost certain to line up for Australia, given the really promising start he’s made to his Test career. However, he has a habit of not converting starts – his last three innings in Shield cricket – 34, 43, 58. Something to work on.
Jake Lehmann (SA): Can “baby-boof” be ignored? What a game he had. 103 and 93 represents a special game but the selectors need to ask themselves if his dashing approach is what is wanted in the middle order. If the answer is yes, then his chances of a call up are high as he outplayed Glenn Maxwell in this game, even though Australia may want to give Maxwell the first chance. An average of 44.00 in 29 First-Class matches suggests Lehmann would not be out of place in the Australia XI.
Jake Lehmann had a great game v Victoria

Callum Ferguson (SA): A year ago, Callum Ferguson made his Test debut and was unlucky not to get another chance. He put his name in the spotlight here with a brilliant 182* in the 2nd innings. However, he needs a big third game v WA in Perth as he’s had two single figure scores and a 36 in his other innings so far.

Tasmania v Queensland

A tough game for the batsmen in Hobart. Not sure if you’ll see many Ashes candidates get a call up from this game:
Matthew Wade (TAS): Wade’s poor form continued with scores of 9 and 17. He looks shot for confidence at the moment – he needs something like a double hundred to put him in contention for a place.
Matthew Renshaw (QLD): Another incumbent struggling at the moment. Renshaw toiled for 125 balls in this match, scoring just 20 runs. More time in Shield cricket might be better for young Renshaw to help him find his form again.
Wade and Renshaw are both struggling for runs
Joe Burns (QLD): Solid 70 in the second innings, which was the highest score in the match. However, Burns has not been scoring enough runs in recent times to warrant a call up.
Usman Khawaja (QLD): Having a really solid season so far with scores of 40, 122, 27 and 28*. His brilliant record in Australia means he is a must for the first Ashes Test.
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Predicted Australia team after two rounds of Shield action:
1. David Warner
2. Shaun Marsh
3. Usman Khawaja
4. Steven Smith (c)
5. Peter Handscomb
6. Glenn Maxwell
7. Peter Nevill (wk)
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Pat Cummins
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Josh Hazlewood
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Is there any player I’ve missed who you feel should be in the Australia side. Leave a comment!
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Preview – 3rd T20I: India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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In the space of a week and a half, we are set for the second decider between India and New Zealand. The stage is set for a great match at a brand new venue in Thiruvananthapuram.

Like the ODI series, the team that lost the first game bounced back to win the second. In this case, it was New Zealand, who bounced back from a thrashing in the first game to return the favour to India.

India will be hurting a little after the 2nd T20I, considering they had the opportunity to wrap the series up. It certainly wasn’t a team effort, with only a few players putting in performances of note. The rest of the team must step up.

New Zealand bounced back superbly in the 2nd T20I, courtesy of Colin Munro’s powerful century. Munro was particularly harsh on debutant Mohammed Siraj, who went for 53 in his four overs, and reminded the Indians that they won’t have everything their way in this series. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Trent Boult, then finished off the job nicely.

There is talk of rain in Thiruvananthapuram. Let’s hope we are not deprived of the second T20I decider in quick succession, after the third game against Australia was washed out recently.

Key to an India win

Need more of a team effort.
In Rajkot, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah Vir,at Kohli and MS Dhoni (despite struggling to really get going) put in performances of note for India. 
On the bowling front, more support is required for Kumar and Bumrah, who were both brilliant in a big score of 196 by New Zealand. On the batting front, more is needed from others around Virat Kohli, who almost played a lone hand in the run chase.
India need to put in a better team performance.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah need more support

Key to a New Zealand win

Big performance from the top three.
Martin Guptill and Colin Munro got New Zealand off to a flyer in Rajkot, putting on over 100 for the first wicket. More impact at the top will help New Zealand significantly in the 3rd T20I, too.
New Zealand will want more from Kane Williamson, who has had a quiet tour by his standards. He is a big-game player, and the stage is set for him to lead New Zealand to an upset series win.

Kane Williamson needs to have a big game

Which players need to step up?

Will India keep patience with Hardik Pandya? In 23 T20Is, Hardik averages just 9.69 with the bat, and has an economy rate of 8.14 with the ball. No better time than a decider to step up.
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson has had a bit of a quiet tour. Scores of 6, 3, 64, 28 and 12 represents a sub-par tour for someone of his class. His 64, though, was in the deciding 3rd ODI. New Zealand will be hoping for more of the same from their skipper.

Predicted teams:

India have some decisions to make after a tough 2nd T20I. Does Axar Patel get another game? What about Mohammed Siraj? I think Kuldeep Yadav needs to return to the team, with Hardik Pandya as the third seam option.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. Shreyas Iyer, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. MS Dhoni (wk), 7. Axar Patel, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
New Zealand hit a pretty good combination in the 2nd T20I, and will be hoping for more of the same from the top order. Can New Zealand’s middle order step up if needed?
New Zealand possible XI: 1. Colin Munro, 2. Martin Guptill, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Tom Bruce, 5. Glenn Phillips (wk), 6. Henry Nicholls, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Adam Milne, 11. Trent Boult.

Stats & Facts:

  • India have won 8 out of their last 9 limited-overs bilateral series. The only series where they didn’t win was the recent 1-1 T20I series draw v Australia, with the 3rd game washed out.
  • New Zealand have won the last 8 T20I series that has been two games or more.
  • If New Zealand win this match, they will reclaim their no. 1 T20I ranking.
  • New Zealand have never lost a T20I series v India. They hold a 6-1 head-to-head record against them.
  • Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded just 26.53% of India’s runs in 40% of the overs in the 2nd T20I (52 runs in 8 overs).
  • Jasprit Bumrah’s economy rate of 7.23 in the death overs is the best for fast bowlers who have bowled a minimum of 30 overs between overs 16-20.
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Prediction:

Like the 3rd ODI which was a decider, this promises to be a close match.
I believe New Zealand can get the job done this time, and will win by less than 20 runs/2 overs to spare.
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3rd T20I – 5 bold predictions for India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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0

India and New Zealand will face off in Thiruvananthapuram, for a winner-takes-all match.

After New Zealand returned serve with a thumping win in the T20I, here are 5 bold predictions that I think can happen in the deciding 3rd T20I.

Kane Williamson will score 50+

By Kane Williamson’s standards, it has been a relatively quiet tour. 
His only score of note was his 64 in the 3rd ODI, where he looked good in a game which was also a decider. Kane Williamson is a big-game player and I expect him to step up here with a 50+ score. If he can do that, it can go a long way to helping New Zealand winning the match.

Kane Williamson will score a half-century

Jasprit Bumrah will take 2+ wickets

The world’s number 1 T20I bowler went for only 23 runs in a score of 196. 
Despite bowling so well, he went wicketless. I expect him to have a little more luck this time and take at least a couple of wickets in his four overs.

Jasprit Bumrah will have more luck in the 3rd T20I

Virat Kohli will score less than 25

Kane Williamson is a big-game player, and so is Virat Kohli. 
However, Virat Kohli has been performing so consistently lately, and this could be the game where he doesn’t quite match his recent performances. With New Zealand hitting great bowling form in the 2nd T20I, I think this is the night where things don’t go quite as planned for Virat Kohli.

Perhaps something has to give after scores of 121,29, 113, 26* and 65. Can he prove me wrong?

Is this the game Virat Kohli gets a low score?

Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will take 3+ wickets between them

These two looked good once again in the 2nd T20I, taking 2/56 between them in 8 overs.
In the 3rd T20I, I expect Santner and Sodhi to give India some headaches and take at least 3 wickets between them. This can go a long way to helping New Zealand winning, as this will force India to take runs off the likes of Trent Boult and Adam Milne.
Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi will both have a good match

New Zealand will win by less than 20 runs/2 overs to spare

This is a controversial prediction for sure, considering India’s limited-overs form in recent times, especially at home.
However, I think New Zealand would have taken a lot of confidence from the 2nd T20I, as well as how well they played in the ODI series. I think they will sneak home in a tight match and take the series 2-1.
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Are there any predictions you agree/disagree with? Leave a comment, and let’s have a cricket discussion! There is no better discussion to have….
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2nd T20I – New Zealand return serve with thrashing win

Charbel Coorey
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Well, well, well! Who saw this coming?

New Zealand returned serve in the 2nd T20I, thumping India by 40 runs. Colin Munro, part of the New Zealand “big four” that had to step up if they were to be a chance, made he India pay for their awful performance in the field. He was absolutely superb, taking it to India and scoring his second T20I hundred for 2017.

India fielded as if they were competing in the “who could field worse” competition with 1st T20I New Zealand. India saw New Zealand’s dropped catches in the last game, and then offered their own dropped catches and missed run outs, coupled with some really poor bowling. Were India complacent?

India had a poor time in the field

For New Zealand, Munro was well supported by Martin Guptill, who finally made a significant contribution, as New Zealand put on 105 for the first wicket. The middle overs were carnage, where New Zealand at one point scored 83 runs in 38 balls. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli all then tried their best but it was to no avail.

We’re going to another decider.


4 – Colin Munro become the 4th player in history to score two T20I hundreds, after Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Brendon McCullum. In the process, Munro became the 1st player to score two T20I hundreds in the same year, after he scored a 54-ball hundred against Bangladesh in January this year.

Colin Munro had a fine night out for New Zealand

2nd highest run-scorer in T20I history – India may have lost, but Virat Kohli played yet another fine innings. His 65 (42) elevated him to number two on the list of all-time run scorers, overtaking Tillakaratne Dilshan. Only Brendon McCullum (2140 runs) has more. Also, during his innings, he became the first ever Indian to score 7,000 T20 runs, at an incredible average of 41.01 across 225 games.

53.97 – Virat Kohli’s average in T20Is. Out of the top 20 run scorers in T20Is, the next best average is 36.95 by JP Duminy.

Virat Kohli continued his special form, but it wasn’t enough

52 vs 142 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah conceded 52 runs in 8 overs at an economy rate of 6.50. The rest of India’s bowlers concded 142 runs in 12 overs at an economy rate of 11.83. Bhuvneshwar and Jasprit need more support in the next game.


6-1 – New Zealand’s record over India in T20Is after the thumping 2nd T20I win.

New Zealand’s 2nd biggest win over India – New Zealand nearly matched their 47 run win over India in the World T20 last year.

Another failure for Hardik Pandya – Do India look to drop Hardik Pandya? In another difficult game, he bowled one over for 14 runs and scored 1 run. In this series, he has bowled two overs for 25 runs, and has scored 1 run in 3 balls.

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Final thoughts:

India looked settled after the 1st T20I, but now have some key decisions to make. Does Hardik Pandya get another chance? What about Axar Patel and debutant Mohammad Siraj, who conceded the 3rd highest amount by a bowler on T20I debut?

New Zealand didn’t look settled ahead of the game, but made some important decisions that paid off. Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls were left out, and their bowlers and fielders stepped up. Trent Boult achieved his best ever figures in the 2nd T20I, after his worst performances in the 3rd ODI and 1st T20I.

It all makes for an interesting 3rd T20I. Who will take out the series?

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2nd T20I Preview – Powerful India look to wrap-up series

Charbel Coorey
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What do we make of the first game? Were India really good or were New Zealand just really bad? If New Zealand improve significantly and India put in a similar performance, will it be enough for India to win again?
Truth be told, New Zealand were terrible but India did what they had to do, and were pretty good in getting their first ever T20I win over New Zealand. Thanks mainly to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India are now on the brink of another win in limited overs series. The Indians were rampant, and the fact that they were playing the number one team in the world + Ashish Nehra’s final game gave them plenty of motivation.
India’s bowling performance was impressive in 1st T20I
India look the complete side at home, with all departments clicking in the first match. The bowlers strangled New Zealand down, and will be looking for a repeat. India’s challenge will be dealing with a New Zealand team that will be looking to bounce back.
New Zealand’s fielding, one area which they can really compete with India, let them down badly. Three dropped catches is going to cost you anywhere, especially in India.
Even worse, their batting especially has left them with further questions. Should Kane Williamson and Tom Latham play together in the middle order? Are they explosive enough? Who is New Zealand’s finisher? What is it going to take for Martin Guptill to get going? All food for thought ahead of their must-win game in Rajkot.
Yes, Kane. Plenty to think about….

Key to an India win

Maintaining their ruthless focus.
If we’re going to be honest, India’s team on paper at home is much stronger than New Zealand’s. India have firepower right throughout their line-up, with various players able to strike a big over that can change the game.
Also, India’s bowlers, despite the dew were brilliant. If you throw a ball into a swimming pool, and give it back to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, they’d still execute their yorkers and slower balls to perfection. The form of Yuzvendra Chahal was very impressive too.
The key for India will be maintaining the momentum.

Key to a New Zealand win

Batting, bowling and fielding all needs to improve.
New Zealand are now desperate for a better contribution from their “big four”. Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham all put in underwhelming performances in the first game, after their bowlers were unable to take a wicket until the 17th over. They weren’t helped by poor fielding though, which also must improve.
What do New Zealand do with Colin Munro? I believe Kane Williamson should open the batting to compliment Martin Guptill, and have Munro bat as the finisher a little further down the order. Should Ross Taylor come back to the side? Surely he has plenty to offer.
New Zealand need to execute very well if they are to have a chance.

Stats & Facts:

  • New Zealand’s “big four” scored 78 runs between them at a strike rate of just 102.63 in the 1st T20I
  • Virat Kohli is just 12 runs away from becoming the 2nd highest run scorer in T20I history.
  • For New Zealand to reclaim their no. 1 ranking, they need to win the remaining two games.
  • If India win the 2nd T20I, it will be their 9th win out of their last 10 limited overs bilateral series. The only time they didn’t win was the 1-1 T20I series draw v Australia.
  • If Yuzvendra Chahal needs three wickets to become equal highest wicket taker in T20Is in 2017. The way he bowled in Delhi, there is a very good chance he can do it.
  • Martin Guptill’s scores this tour: 32, 11, 10, 4. New Zealand need more from him.

Prediction:

India look far more settled and are executing a lot better than New Zealand. For this reason, I can’t see any result other than another India win, and a 2-0 series lead.
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