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Match Preview: 1st T20I – Pakistan v Sri Lanka

Charbel Coorey
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So then, one whitewash each.

After Sri Lanka surprisingly won the Test series 2-0, Pakistan responded with a thumping 5-0 ODI series win that left Sri Lanka on the brink of equaling their worst ever ODI run.

This series is important for both sides, for different reasons.

For Sri Lanka, they’ll want to quickly forget the nightmare that was the ODI series. Also, 2017 has been full of ODI troubles for the Lions, winning just 4 of 26 ODIs. The T20Is is an opportunity for respite, especially considering they have won five of nine matches, including series wins in South Africa and Australia.

For Pakistan, they find themselves in the opposite situation. They’ll want to build on their ODI successes, and maybe even have the series won before the 3rd T20I in Pakistan – beloved home territory.

How this one pans out will be interesting to see, with ranking ramifications as well.

Key to a Pakistan victory

Expose Sri Lanka’s inexperience.
Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya. Looking at how Pakistan’s attack performed in the ODIs, they’ll all be big losses for Sri Lanka.
If Pakistan’s impressive set of bowlers can get it in the right areas, they can rip through the Sri Lankan lineup. 
Deal with Usman Khan, then you have Hasan Ali to face, then the impressive Shadab Khan and so on…

Key to a Sri Lanka victory

Stick to what has worked for them in T20Is this year.
Yes, it has been a little while since their last T20I, but if Sri Lanka can stick to what worked in those games, it can help them here. Aggressive, confident cricket was the name of the game.
Sri Lanka’s team looks very thin on experience, so the experience of Thisara Perera is vital. The stand-in skipper must stand up.

Predicted lineups:

Pakistan: 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (c, wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Usman Khan
Sri Lanka: 1 Dilshan Munaweera, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 4 Mahela Udawatte, 5 Ashan Priyanjan, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Seekuge Prasanna, 8 Thisara Perera (wk), 9 Sachith Pathirana, 10 Jeffrey Vandersay, 11 Lahiru Gamage

Stats & Facts:

  • Thisara Perera has played more matches (60) than the rest of the 16-man Sri Lanka squad combined (47).
  • Thisara Perera is the 7th captain Sri Lanka have had in all formats in 2017, after Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Rangana Herath, Chamara Kapugedara and Lasith Malinga.
  • If Pakistan win this series 3-0, they will move within one point of first-placed New Zealand.
  • Babar Azam averages 54.00 in 11 T20Is, with a strike rate of 125.94
  • Sri Lanka have won five of nine T20Is this year, including wins in Australia and South Africa.

Prediction:

I’ll admit that I have never heard of some of these Sri Lanka players that will line up to play today.
That is not to say they are without talent, though. However, Pakistan boast significant experience, and are in good shape to keep the juggernaut going with Sri Lanka missing key players. Pakistan to win.

Match Preview: 1st T20I – South Africa v Bangladesh

Charbel Coorey
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This is how the South Africa v Bangladesh storyline has gone so far:

Before the tour began, there was great hope:

1. Can Bangladesh prove to the world they can compete in Tests away from home?

After that went poorly:

2. Can Bangladesh find respite in the ODIs?

Never mind. Then:

3. What about the T20Is?

Could you ever remember a TOUR so one-sided? It’s been thoroughly disappointing, especially as an ardent Bangladesh fan.

In the ongoing Pakistan v Sri Lanka series, Pakistan thoroughly outplayed Sri Lanka in the ODIs 5-0, but that was after Sri Lanka swept the Test series. Australia were punished in the ODIs in India 4-1, but at least won a game, and drew the T20 series.

Can’t say the same about Bangladesh’s very disappointing tour of South Africa. South Africa, though, have been very good, and more importantly, ruthless. They have just been too strong.

The attention now turns to the T20I series, where Bangladesh will be hoping for some sort of respite, after being thrashed in all matches so far, across the Tests and ODIs. South Africa will be looking to show no mercy again.

Shakib Al Hasan now leads Bangladesh, and is coming off a solid 63 in the 3rd ODI. South Africa are resting a few key players, and that might give Bangladesh hope. However, while an opportunity presents itself for Bangladesh, South Africa’s fringe players, as they showed in the 3rd ODI, will be hungry to impress.


Key to a South Africa win:


What more can I say than “keep doing what you’re doing?”
South Africa’s batsmen have just been far too strong for Bangladesh, whose bowling is looking more and more timid under Courtney Walsh.
South Africa’s predicted top 3 – Quinton De Kock, Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers were all in the runs in the ODIs, and the key to another victory for South Africa would be these three players taking it to Bangladesh.

Key to a Bangladesh win:

Shakib Al Hasan.
Without Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s top order looks frail. Without Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh lacks even more bowling confidence and experience. Shakib is arguably the world’s best allrounder, and has to show it here.
The skipper needs to bat at 3, and play a big innings if Bangladesh are to be any chance. With the ball, he not only needs to be economical, but take wickets, too.
If Shakib has a quiet game, I just can’t see Bangladesh winning.

Predicted line ups:

For South Africa, Faf du Plessis has been ruled out for six weeks with injury, and David Miller is in doubt. Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir have been rested, so that might be some respite for Bangladesh. However, South Africa’s fringe players will be itching to get going.
Predicted South Africa lineup: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 AB de Villiers, 4 JP Duminy (c), 5 David Miller, 6 Mangaliso Mosehle, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Robbie Frylinck, 9 Dane Paterson, 10 Beuran Hendricks, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
For Bangladesh, they are without Tamim Iqbal, Mossadek Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza and Mustafizur Rahman. Who will step up? 
Predicted Bangladesh lineup: 1 Soumya Sarkar, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Shakib Al Hasan (c), 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Sabbir Rahman, 7 Nasir Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Rubel Hossain

Stats & Facts:

  • South Africa’s batsmen have hammered 2,320 runs at an average of 100.87 across the Tests & ODIs.

  • Bangladesh are coming off conceding 1000+ runs in a three match ODI series for the first time in their history.
  • South Africa & Bangladesh have played each other in four T20Is, with South Africa winning all four.
  • Both sides will be looking for a bit of a form-reversal. South Africa have lost 3 of their last 5 T20Is, and Bangladesh have lost 4 of their last 5.
  • AB De Villiers has a lower strike rate against Bangladesh (113.58) than he has against India (131.64), England (160.49), New Zealand (119.46), Pakistan (122.03) and Sri Lanka (144.82)
Prediction:

The shorter format always means the underdog has a greater chance of winning. For Bangladesh to compete, everyone must contribute, but Shakib has to be the player to get them over the line.
Still a very tough ask though, with South Africa just looking too strong, especially for Bangladesh’s bowling. South Africa to go 1-0 up.

Thank you for reading my Preview. Be sure to follow CricBlog at @cricblog on Twitter and Instagram!

Stats highlights: India respond with comfortable win in 2nd ODI

Charbel Coorey
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India did what they’ve done so often – bounce back from a first up defeat.

On the back of six straight ODI series wins, the Indians were not going to go down without a fight. There was no way back for New Zealand, after India put on a clinic with the ball to have the Black Caps in recovery mode for nearly the entire 50 overs.

New Zealand finished with 230/9, and it was never going to be enough. Led by Shikhar Dhawan, who was surprisingly Man of the Match (should have been Bhuvneshwar Kumar), India then made pretty light work of the run chase, winning with four overs and six wickets to spare.

Here are the statistics that I found interesting in India’s series-levelling win:

Table of Contents

7

India’s fast bowlers took 7 wickets between them. Not since 2014 have India had fast bowlers take 6 or more wickets in an ODI at home.

Virat Kohli has instilled a focus in Indian cricket around the important role that seam bowlers play, even at home, and can hold them in good stead for the tour of South Africa a little further down the track.

8

New Zealand had 8 batsmen reach double figures, yet only managed 230/9 off 50 overs. Out of these 8, none managed to reach a half-century. 
Henry Nicholls top scored for New Zealand, scoring 42. This came at a strike-rate of 67.74.

4.82

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s economy rate in 20 matches this year. 
Out of the top 15 wickets takers in ODIs in 2017, Bhuvneshwar has the second-best economy rate for seamers, only behind Kagiso Rabada (4.80). Safe to say Kagiso Rabada has been helped out by playing a listless Bangladesh recently, enjoying an economy rate of just 4.30.

38 v 35

Tom Latham’s score vs. the combined score of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
New Zealand’s “quartet” failed to fire in this match, and was a big reason why they lost.


26.75



Kedar Yadhav’s bowling average after 18 innings, with an economy rate of just 5.04. 
Seemingly innocuous, Yadhav makes it very difficult for batsmen to get him away, and was key in keeping Tom Latham quiet, especially on the sweep.
Pretty dominant win from India, and sets us up nicely for the decider on Sunday.

2nd ODI Preview: India v New Zealand, Pune

Charbel Coorey
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How good is it when the underdog gets a victory?

I’ll admit that I didn’t expect New Zealand to get a victory in the 1st ODI, and with good reason…

  • New Zealand are not used to the heat and humidity of Mumbai. They even had a player, Colin de Grandhomme, throw up on the field.
  • India have been strong in ODIs since the Champions Trophy and especially strong at home.
  • New Zealand had to chase down the highest total to win at the Wankhede.
  • It was Virat Kohli’s 200th ODI, with a huge Mumbai crowd behind him and Team India.
However, New Zealand came out on top in a 1st ODI filled with records. Can they repeat it?
Tom Latham and Ross Taylor followed up Trent Boult’s brilliant effort with a record-breaking 200 stand that took the game away from India. That would’ve hurt the Indians, and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from that.
They would want more from their top order (except Kohli) this time around, as much of their innings was spent rebuilding. Trent Boult was superb with 4/35 in nightmare conditions for fast bowlers. Still, 280 was a fair total, and New Zealand chased it expertly.
Tom Latham showcased how good he is against spin. If the spinners were a touch too full, he would be strong on the sweep. Once the length was brought back, he was quick to get on the back foot and work the ball into gaps. Expert innings from a talented cricketer, and a masterstroke by New Zealand to put him in the middle order, where they’ve really struggled in 2017. He was well supported by Ross Taylor (95) who showed his experience, and finally stepped up in India.
So which way will the 2nd ODI go? Can New Zealand pull off an unlikely series win?

Key to an India win

Overcoming the quartet of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham. Guptill and Williamson had quieter outings, but India still must realise how dangerous these two players are.
What adjustments in line and length will the Indian spinners make in the 2nd ODI? 
India usually bounce back really well after losing the first ODI of a series at home, and will still be confident of putting the New Zealand batting line up under stress.

Key to a New Zealand win

This seemed near impossible when writing the preview of the 1st ODI. 
The Black Caps really stood up, and for them to take the series, it’s their bowlers that need to keep India relatively quiet for the second game in a row.
Out of New Zealand’s star quartet, you can expect at least two will score well. If the likes of Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner can repeat their heroics, it will go a long way to securing a famous New Zealand win.

Who needs to step up?

For India, Rohit Sharma. His problems against left-arm seam has been well documented, and he will be put to the test once against by Boult.
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson. Kane’s had a solid year with the bat in ODIs, but will be keen to avoid to failures in a row. He needs to lead from the front, with a great opportunity presenting New Zealand.

Predicted line-ups:

India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (c), 4 Kedar Jadhav, 5 Dinesh Karthik, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal
New Zealand: 1 Colin Munro, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Kane Williamson (c), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Colin De Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Adam Milne, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult


Stats & Facts


  • India’s last loss in a home ODI series was in 2015 v South Africa.

  • India have won their last six ODI series, home and away.
  • Virat Kohli needs 112 runs to reach 9,000 ODI runs. He is well on track to be the fastest to the mark. AB de Villiers reached this milestone after 205 innings. Kohli has 8,888 runs in 192 innings.
  • Tom Latham’s last four scores in ODIs: 54, 104, 84, 103*
  • Ross Taylor in ODIs in 2017: 755 runs, avg. 58.07, SR 83.33
  • Since the January 2013 series against England, India have lost the first ODI in a bilateral series at home on five occasions. On all but one occasion, they won the series.
Can New Zealand do the unthinkable and get a win no one was expecting? Or can India bounce back, as they have done regularly at home since January 2013?
Should be an interesting clash in Pune.

Stats highlights – New Zealand’s upset win over India (1st ODI)

Charbel Coorey
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1st ODI, India v New Zealand, Mumbai

New Zealand overcame the heat, humidity and huge crowd to upset India in Virat Kohli’s 200th ODI in Mumbai.

Here are some great stats to come out of New Zealand’s awesome win:

5

This is the 5th time India have lost the first match of a bilateral ODI series at home, since 2013. However, in this period, India haven’t lost an ODI series at home, so New Zealand still have plenty to do.

3

This was India’s 3rd loss in their last 15 completed ODIs.

8,888

The most runs scored by any player in ODI history at the 200 game mark. Virat Kohli went past AB De Villiers as the highest run-getter after 200 matches. Kohli also has the best average (55.55) and most centuries (31) out of any player at 200 games.

200

The highest ever partnership in a chase against India, in India. 
Ross Taylor and Tom Latham were superb in dealing with India’s spinners, Latham in particular really strong on the sweep. 
Taylor and Latham went past 189* by Graeme Smith and Andrew Hall for South Africa in 2005, and 188 by Dilshan and Tharanga for Sri Lanka in 2009.

3rd highest partnership for New Zealand when chasing

Not only did Ross Taylor and Tom Latham achieve the highest ever stand whilst chasing in India, they scored the third highest partnership for New Zealand when chasing. 
Latham is involved in the highest ever partnership – 236* with Martin Guptill v Zimbabwe in 2015. Taylor is involved in the second highest partnership – 206 with Kane Williamson v England, also in 2015.

31

Virat Kohli has now gone to outright second for most ODI hundreds by any batsman. His 121 in Mumbai saw him overtake Ricky Ponting. Only Sachin Tendulkar (49) is ahead of Virat Kohli.

4 years

It has been 4 years since India last failed to defend a total at home. Their last such instance was against West Indies in 2013. India had successfully defended 10 scores at home before the 1st ODI.

4/35

Trent Boult’s 4/35 was his best ever bowling performance v India. A brilliant effort considering the conditions. In 5 ODIs in India, Boult has taken 10 wickets at 23.30, with an economy rate of just 4.69. A great return.

1

Tom Latham scored just one run through mid-off against India’s wristspinners. Latham was really strong on the sweep – a really excellent player of spin.

Highest chase ever at the Wankhede

New Zealand’s chase was the highest ever total achieved in a chase at the Wankhede. The previous highest was 275 which delivered India the World Cup against Sri Lanka in 2015.
This was a superb effort by New Zealand in tough conditions, against a good ODI side at home. They’re in with a chance of an unlikely series win.

1st ODI Preview – India v New Zealand

Charbel Coorey
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1st ODI, India v New Zealand, Mumbai

Expect the Wankhede in Mumbai to be packed for such a momentous occasion – one of their best ever ODI batsmen reaches a huge milestone!

India captain and World No. 2 ODI batsman Virat Kohli plays his 200th ODI, as India reach their next assignment, vs New Zealand.

While this series has been hastily arranged, and might not mean a lot to the neutral, both teams will be motivated to get going.

For India, they would not only want to mark Virat Kohli’s 200th ODI with a win, but also build on their great run since the Champions Trophy. Since the tournament, India have won 12 out of 15 ODIs, against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia. It is an opportunity to continue experimenting with their side, despite the 2019 World Cup being played in vastly different conditions in England.

For New Zealand, their ODI performances in 2017 have been a little disappointing, highlighted by missing the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. Brendon McCullum has been a huge loss for them, and their middle order just doesn’t seem to ever click. However, they’ll have hope that they can do well in these conditions in the limited-overs format. Remember what their spinners did to India in the World T20 last year? They’d love to spoil the Virat Kohli party.

Key to an India win

It’s easy to say “keep doing what you’re doing”, but India have been getting many things right lately.

You expect India’s batting to do well, but it will be the ability of their bowlers to test New Zealand which holds the key. India’s late innings bowling was brilliant against Australia – there were times you thought Australia would reach 380+, but India held things back.

India possess great variety in their attack and will be a handful for the New Zealand batsmen. Hardik Pandya has added so much to this side, and will have a role to play again. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are excellent ODI bowlers, and will be complimented very well by Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Add the sneaky low arm off spin of Kedar Yadav, and New Zealand have a big challenge on their hands.

Key to a New Zealand win

A lot will have to go right for the Black Caps to win this. 
Namely, their middle order has to finish off the work from their top order. However, the top order needs to perform first. In the Champions, the top four for New Zealand contributed very well, but were let down by the middle-late order. Will the shift of Colin Munro to opener and Tom Latham to 5 work?
Also, the Black Caps need Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner to deliver, and get regular breakthroughs in the middle overs. In the World T20 last year, these two took 7/29 between them in 8 overs. It won’t be as extreme this time, but they need to keep India in check.

Possible line ups:


India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (c), 4 Kedar Yadav, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Manish Pandey, 8 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (c), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent Boult


Stats & Facts:

  • Virat Kohli, playing his 200th game, is the fastest ever to reach 30 ODI Hundreds, 81 innings quicker than Sachin Tendulkar and 163 quicker than Ricky Ponting.
  • A big series for Virat Kohli could see him reach 9,000 ODI runs. He is 233 runs away. AB De Villiers is currently the quickest to the mark (205 innings). Kohli has 13 innings to score 233 and break this record.
  • In 2017, Kane Williamson has highlighted his class in ODIs. He has scored 480 runs at 48.80 and strike rate of nearly 90.
  • Since the Champions Trophy, India have won 12 of 14 completed ODIs.
  • In the Champions Trophy, New Zealand’s top four batsmen contributed 559 runs at an average of 46.58. The remaining batsmen contributed 191 runs at 10.61.

Prediction



New Zealand seem to have too many holes to plug in their middle order. India look to have the complete ODI side for these conditions, and look good to go 1-0 in the series. India to win in Virat Kohli’s 200th ODI.

3 Burning Questions from the Proposed ODI & Test Leagues

Charbel Coorey
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The ICC recently agreed in principle a plan to introduce a Test League after the 2019 World Cup, and an ODI league in 2020-21.

In the Test League will comprise of the top nine nations, where each team will play six series, three home and three away, over a period of two years.

The ODI League will comprise of top 13 teams, where the 13th team will be the winner of the ICC Cricket League Championship. The top 10 teams gain automatic entry into the World Cup.

It all sounds exciting, but is it likely to work? Here are three burning questions I have about how successful these leagues can be, in an attempt to keep Test & ODI Cricket alive in the face of T20.

In the Test League, will all teams still get a fair chance?

Will teams play the same amount of matches? No. Will some teams play more games against higher ranked opponents? Yes. Some teams might not even play each other at all – e.g. Pakistan and India.
So how will the points system & ranking work? All series will be a minimum of two Test matches, but up to five Test matches are possible, to cater for series like the Ashes.
What does this mean for teams such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe who rarely play series above 2-3 matches? 
If a team has plays their minimum of 12 Test matches across two years, what is their way of competing in the table against a team like Australia, India and England who might play 20+ Tests? Also, teams like India, Australia and England will likely play more games against higher ranked opponents, so what is their way of competing with teams who play less games against high ranked teams?
For example, Bangladesh might win 5 Tests across three two-match home series against West Indies, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka (six Tests, two series wins), whereas England might win 4 Tests across ten matches against Australia and India (two series losses). Bangladesh have won more games in this period, in less games, but England have played higher ranked opposition. So how will the points system ensure that both Bangladesh and England won’t be left feeling disappointed?
The ultimate solution is to have a three-match series, every series, including The Ashes. Yes, The Ashes is incredible and has been five Tests since the 19th century, but every series will be relevant and the same length. Introducing a points system that works will be a lot more engaging and understandable for fans, as all teams have equal opportunity.

Will the ODI League give less power to the governing bodies of the top nations?

Unlikely. 
The ICC needs to step in somehow. There must be a view that some immediate revenue should be sacrificed, to allow the lesser nations greater opportunities against the top nations. This is especially considering there will be context in these games, as the top teams can’t afford to slip up, because a World Cup spot is up for grabs.
Imagine Ireland or Afghanistan engaged in a three match series against India. It gives these nations a chance to get better, and cricket will be better for it. 
What’s that you say? It won’t be a great “product”?
Well surely it’s better than seeing India and Australia play each other all the time. It gives us something different. In this situation, short-term revenue should be put to the side, with long-term gain the focus. Our game will become more global. 
Like the Test League, all teams need an equal chance. This means the length of series, as well as the number of series that each teams plays against each other, needs to be equal, but this won’t be the case.
In the proposed ODI League, each team will play 8 out of the 12 teams in the league, and governing bodies might still have power to choose the series they play. This doesn’t encourage further global expansion of the game, and means that the ODI League is unlikely to be successful.

How do you get the most out of these Leagues, with the T20 Leagues all around the world?

It comes down to the length of series, and how they are promoted. You must keep fans engaged. 
Some teams playing longer series and more matches than others won’t keep fans interested.
Cricket is enjoyed by millions all over the world, but the Leagues need to give all fans the chance to enjoy it. 
If each team plays 12 Test matches across two years, it means there will be greater demand. Why? Because there is less of it. Plus, each game has meaning. There is a chance to be crowned World-Test Champion. A Test match comes along, and people will be excited by it.
It’s the same with the ODI League. If it is positioned correctly, it can be quite successful, even in the face of T20 domination across the world. Each game needs to be given meaning.
However, with short-term revenue the big focus, it’s hard to see how these Leagues will see a big revamp in International Cricket.

Preview: 1st Test – Zimbabwe v West Indies

Charbel Coorey
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Zimbabwe v West Indies, 1st Test, Bulawayo

Low key series? Try telling that to Zimbabwe and West Indies fans.
Both teams have plenty to prove. For Zimbabwe, they would love to mark the return of one of their most favourite sons Brendan Taylor, as well as Kyle Jarvis with a win. This is especially after such a positive tour of Sri Lanka, where they nearly pulled off an upset in the Test match. For Zimbabwe to see a rise in the rankings in the future, it’s times like these where they need to stand up and be counted.
It’s a similar story for the West Indies, after taking England to a decider in their own backyard recently. The men from the Caribbean will be looking to build on that famous win in Leeds, and a tussle in unfamiliar conditions against a keen Zimbabwe will be a good test for the West Indies. Can Shai Hope give the West Indies more hope again? Can Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel threaten Zimbabwe with their pace?
This contest promises to be quite interesting.

Key to a Zimbabwe win

Get ahead in the Test Match.

In the England series, West Indies struggled in the first and third Tests as they fell behind early. Zimbabwe were ahead of Sri Lanka for much of that recent Test in Sri Lanka, but couldn’t finish the job.

However, do the West Indies have the ability to fight back from behind here? This is Zimbabwe’s best chance. The likes of Kyle Jarvis and Graeme Cremer will be difficult to handle from in front. Brendan Taylor being back in the team can help Zimbabwe push ahead of their opponents.

A great opportunity awaits.

Key to a West Indies win

West Indies’ bowlers + Shai Hope.
West Indies face a challenge penetrating the Zimbabwe lineup on what is expected to be a decent batting track on the first few days at least. Jason Holder’s accuracy can work well with Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel’s pace, while Devendra Bishoo is capable of taking wickets. Just ask Pakistan in Dubai last year – the Windies will need Bishoo more here.
Shai Hope also holds a lot of responsibility. Top players around the world have struggled in England – i.e. Virat Kohli – but Shai Hope was tremendous. He was the top run scorer from both sides, and the West Indies will be hoping for more of the same.


Possible line ups:


Zimbabwe: 1 Solomon Mire, 2 Hamilton Mazakadza, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Brendan Taylor, 5 Sean Willians, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Regis Chakabva (wk), 8 Graeme Cremer (c), 9 Tendai Chisoro, 10 Kyle Jarvis, 11 Chris Mpofu
West Indies: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Kieran Powell, 3 Kyle Hope, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Roston Chase, 6 Jermaine Blackwood, 7 Shane Dowrich (wk), 8 Jason Holder (c), 9 Devendra Bishoo, 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Shannon Gabriel
Stats & Facts:



  • Shai Hope is coming off the back of 375 runs in three Tests in England, at an average of 75.00
  • Zimbabwe have won just one Test in Bulawayo – way back in 2001 v Bangladesh
  • West Indies are undefeated in Tests v Zimbabwe
  • Graeme Cremer nearly took his first 10-wicket haul against Sri Lanka earlier this year (9/275)

Prediction:

Very tough to choose a winner here. Zimbabwe can be competitive at home, especially against a team ranked near them. West Indies showed great promise in England, and would want to build on it.
The West Indies will win this in a tight match, considering they have just that little more firepower with their quicks, and with their batsmen wanting to prove a point.

4th ODI – Pakistan look good for 4-0

Charbel Coorey
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Match Preview: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 4th ODI, Sharjah

The last few months have captured the beauty of Pakistan Cricket.
In my review of the 3rd ODI, I wrote about Pakistan’s turn of fortunes during the Champions Trophy, and how no one surely could’ve predicted it. Pakistan were slammed for their performance in the Group B game vs India, which they lost by 124 runs.
Here they are, on the brink of 8 straight ODI wins, and if we’re being serious, on the verge of 10 straight wins, with 2 ODIs still remaining.
Sri Lanka look shot for confidence. Their 2017 continues to go downhill. They remain stuck at 4 wins, with only one against a team other than Zimbabwe or Bangladesh.

Key to victory for Pakistan

Encourage the youngsters to keep expressing themselves.
The 4th ODI, already a dead-rubber with the series won, is the perfect chance to tell the youngsters to keep the momentum.
How good was Imam Ul Haq on debut? 
Hasan Ali continues to rise.
Shadab Khan is just 19 years old. 19 years old!
Pakistan in the space of a few months have completely turned around their fortunes.

Key to victory for Sri Lanka

Throw caution to the wind.
Enough is enough for Sri Lanka. It’s time to play without the pressure of losing.
The fact that the 4th ODI is a dead-rubber may actually be a blessing for Sri Lanka. With the series gone, this is an opportunity to go out and play with more freedom.
Upul Tharanga has been superb in this series, but the middle order really needs to show more steel. The bowlers have been OK, especially in the 2nd ODI, and are probably Sri Lanka’s best chance of ending their awful ODI run.

Who needs to step up?

Want to see more from Junaid Khan for Pakistan. He has deserved more than just two wickets at 40.50 in this series – his talent suggests he should be taking more wickets.
For Sri Lanka, it’s Dinesh Chandimal. His 49-ball 19 in the 3rd ODI, at a crucial stage, wasn’t pretty at all. Throw caution to the wind, Dinesh.


Possible teams


Pakistan look stable, despite the news Mohammad Hafeez has been reported for a suspect bowling action yet again. He is expected to play.


Pakistan: 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Shoaib Malik, 5 Mohammad Hafeez, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (c and wk), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Rumman Raees, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Junaid Khan




Sri Lanka: 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Upul Tharanga (c), 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Lahiru Thirimanne, 5 Dinesh Chandimal, 6 Milinda Siriwardana, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Dushmantha Chameera, 9 Akila Dananjay, 10 Jeffrey Vandersay, 11 Lahiru Gamage

Stats & Facts:

  • Upul Tharanga has scored 191 runs at 90.50 this series, including carrying his bat through Sri Lanka’s loss in the 2nd ODI. The rest of the Sri Lankan team have scored just 379 (excluding extras).
  • The 3rd ODI was the first time in six matches in the UAE that Babar Azam failed to score a century
  • Imam-ul-Haq became the first Pakistani in 22 years to score a century in ODI debut, while Hasan Ali became the fastest Pakistani to reach 50 ODI wickets.
  • If Sri Lanka lose this game, it will be their 2nd ever worst losing streak in ODIs (11). Their worst is 14 straight losses in 1987-88.
  • Last five ODIs for each team reads: Pakistan WWWWW Sri Lanka LLLLL
Can’t see how Sri Lanka will win this game. Pakistan have all the running and look good for another comfortable victory. In a disappointing series so far, let’s hope for a competitive game of cricket…

Hasan Ali & Imam Shine! Stats highlights from Pakistan’s series deciding win

Charbel Coorey
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Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi

After Sri Lanka shocked the world by chasing 322 in the Champions Trophy v India (the same team that thrashed an awful Pakistan just days earlier), you would’ve been forgiven for thinking Sri Lanka turned a corner and Pakistan would continue to struggle.

In fact, had you said Pakistan would win the Champions Trophy, en route to 7 straight ODI wins, you would have been accused of having rocks in your head.

But here we are. That’s the beauty of International Cricket. That’s the beauty of Pakistan.

Pakistan wrapped up the series in emphatic fashion in Abu Dhabi, and consigned Sri Lanka to their 10th straight ODI defeat. In all honesty, what challenge were Sri Lanka going to mount in the 3rd ODI, after losing in such a manner in the 2nd ODI? The Lions have no confidence at the moment.

In saying this, Sri Lanka made a good start, but the Pakistan bowlers, after the introduction of the incredible Hasan Ali, started to put the squeeze on the Sri Lanka batsmen. From overs 10-25, Sri Lanka went from 53-0 to 101-1, scoring at just 3.20 per over in this period.

Tweet at 12 overs:

After that, it was curtains. Sri Lanka lost 9-106 in the remaining 23.2 overs to effectively surrender the series. Afterwards, Imam Ul-Haq, nephew of the great Inzamam, showed us all why he deserved an opportunity, despite murmurs about Inzamam being chief of selectors. His hundred on debut was a great innings, and showed that Ahmed Shehzad’s time is probably up.

It was another great day for Pakistan, and another miserable one for Sri Lanka.

Here are some great stats from Pakistan’s win:

  • Beauty from Hammad Ammad @dot7HS on Twitter: Pakistan have now played 4 consecutive ODIs with at least one batsman scoring a century, their joint-longest streak since 1992.
  • Hasan Ali became the fastest Pakistan bowler to reach 50 ODI wickets, taking just 24 matches to reach the milestone. He overtook Waqar Younis (27 matches). Saqlain Mushtaq achieved the feat in 28 matches.
        
  • In 2017, Hasan Ali has taken 40 wickets at an average of 17.77. What’s so impressive is that he has done a lot of bowling on flat batting pitches. Incredible prospect.
  • Hasan Ali has taken the most wickets between overs 11 and 40 this year (23 wkts, 4.34 econ. 18 avg) which has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s ODI success in 2017.
  • Youngster Imam Ul Haq became the first Pakistan player in 22 years to score a century on ODI debut. Saleem Elahi was the first, also against Sri Lanka, way back in 1995.
  • Sri Lanka’s worst run of losses in ODIs is 14 from 1987-1988. Sri Lanka currently sit at 10 straight losses.
Can Pakistan make it 8 in a row in the 4th ODI? 5-0 looks on the cards.

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