India face confident Zimbabwe in a must win game for a place in the T20 World Cup 2022 Semi Final

India Vs Zimbabwe, MCG - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

India currently sit pretty at the top of the table with 6 points but must their last game against Zimbabwe to progress to the semi final since Pakistan and South Africa both can leapfrog them in the table with wins in their last games. India has the advantage of playing the last game tomorrow, so will know exactly where they stand before the match.

KL Rahul finally found some form against Bangladesh but it has been a tough run for Indian openers as skipper Rohit failed again. Kohli stuck another sublime 50 while Suryakumar Yadav also hit important runs. The lack of runs from the lower middle order will be a cause of concern for India though ahead of the big matches.

Zimbabwe batting has relied mainly on their stalwarts Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and the man in form Sikandar Raza and they will hope that the trio can all fire against a strong Indian bowling line up.

Zimbabwe have a couple of decent tall fast bowlers in Ngarava and Muzarbani who were brilliant against Pakistan and Netherlands. Raza and Williams have chipped in with important overs of spin in the middle overs as well.

Arshadeep Singh has been the pick of the Indian bowlers so far and has impressed every game. Shami bowled well against Bangladesh but Bhuvi has not been able to pick up wickets in the last two games now. Ashwin also looks to only concentrating on drying up the runs while India look for wickets in the middle overs.

Key Battles: India vs Zimbabwe

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Vs Blessing Muzarbani and Richard Ngarava

Arshadeep Singh Vs Sean Williams

Hardik Pandya Vs Sikandar Raza

Zimbabwe would want to cap off a highly successful World Cup with the scalp of another big fish. They have already beaten Pakistan and cannot be taken lightly. India should win the game but there remains a few chinks in Indian armour which the Zimbabwe players will be keen to take advantage off.

Probable India XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami

Probable Zimbabwe XI

Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva , Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarva, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for India v Zimbabwe at MCG

Sikandar Raza

Virat Kohli

Sean Williams

Arshadeep Singh

Hardik Pandya

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Can India progress to the semi final easily or will Zimbabwe give them a tough fight?

England search for win against Sri Lanka as semi final beckons, Australian hopes lie with the Asian Champions!

England vs Sri Lanka at Gabba in Brisbane: Nov 05, 2022 - Match Preview

This has what the group of death has finally come to, with New Zealand having already qualified for the semi finals (most likely taking the top spot) while England need to win their last game against Sri Lanka to qualify & Australia will proceed if Sri Lanka beat England.

Sri Lankan batting has left a lot to be desired in the super 12 stage with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka both failing repeatedly to give good starts. Dhananjaya de Silva played himself back into form with a brilliant half century against Afghanistan while Bhanuka has looked their most competent batter out there everytime he's walked out to the center. Sri Lanka will need a complete performance from the batting unit if they're to challenge the strong English line up.

The bowling too has had its ups and downs with the injuries not helping either. Hasaranga and Theekshana will remain the key at SCG while Sri Lanka might look to bring in Vandersay too for this last game of the World Cup for them.

Jos Buttler and Alex Hales finally found their hitting range against New Zealand in the last game with both smashing 50's. The middle order muddle is yet to be solved for England though with Malan, Brook, Stokes all looking short of runs and form.

The bowling unit of English, unlike their batting, has been functioning like a well oiled machine. Wood and Woakes have provided the pace while Curran looks like a upgraded version of himself nailing yorkers at death. Rashid and Livingstone have been performing the spin duties relatively well.

Key Battles: England vs Sri Lanka

Mark Wood vs Kusal Mendis

Maheesh Theekshana vs Jos Buttler and Alex Hales

Wanindu Hasaranga vs Dawid Malan and Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone

The weather in Australia looks to have finally cleared with another gorgeous day in store for cricket at the Sydney Cricket ground. The hopes and dreams of both England and Australia lie on the result of this game. Sri Lanka, although out of the tournament, would want to finish on a high and with no added pressure might finally pull that victory off which eluded them against both Australia and New Zealand earlier.

Probable England XI

Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Probable Sri Lanka XI

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Madhushan, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for England v Sri Lanka at SCG, Sydney

Ben Stokes

Sam Curran

Wanindu Hasaranga

Jos Buttler

Bhanuka Rajapaksa

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Who will join New Zealand out of the group into the semi finals? Will Sri Lanka come to the help of the hosts or will England prevail?

Clash of Pace as Pakistan chase pride, South Africa top spot in Group 2 at SCG

Pakistan Vs South Africa, SCG, Sydney - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

Pakistan, are as good as eliminated from the World Cup after back to back defeats to India and Zimbabwe while South Africa come into the match as the only remaining unbeaten team in the tournament.

The top order of Pakistan has stuttered and stumbled as both Babar and Rizwan have found the going difficult. Fakhar who played against the Dutch has been ruled out for aggravating the knee injury so Shan Masood must again come up to number 3. Ifthikhar, Nawaz and Shadab have played interchangeable roles in the middle order and that is likely to continue.

The Proteas batting has looked very good with QDK and Rossouw making big runs against Bangladesh while Markram and Miller did the scoring in a tense chase against India. Temba Bavuma is the player who's out of form though but South Africa seem to be sticking to him for the time being.

Although Sydney traditionally offers more help to the spinners but the quality of pace in both sides is enough to trouble the opposition batters. In the previous games at the venue, the ball has moved under lights making batting difficult with Australia and Sri Lanka both stumbling badly against the Kiwis.

Key Battles: Pakistan vs South Africa

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Vs Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi

Quinton deKock and Rillee Rossouw Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah

David Miller and Aiden Markram Vs Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan

While Pakistan are only playing for pride, South Africa have the top spot in their sights. A win here practically guarantees them the top spot with their final game against the Dutch. I'm looking forward to the battle between the two best pace attacks in this World Cup. It promises to be a fascinating contest.

Probable Pakistan XI

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim

Probable South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Pakistan v South Africa at SCG, Sydney

Kagiso Rabada

Quinton deKock

Anrich Nortje

Rillee Rossouw

Shadab Khan

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Will Pakistan manage a second win in the World Cup? Will South Africa continue their unbeaten streak?

India and Bangladesh to jostle for a place in the T20 World Cup 2022 Semi Final

India Vs Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

India, after beating arch rivals Pakistan and then brushing aside Netherlands faced their first defeat at the hands of South Africa at Perth. Bangladesh meanwhile have also managed to win against Netherlands and then that final ball thriller again Zimbabwe sandwiched between the crushing loss to South Africa.

There were hail storms in Adelaide today but the weather looks clear for tomorrow as of now.

Rohit hit a scratchy 50 against the Netherlands but KL Rahul now has 3 single digit scores and is under pressure to perform. Kohli has been at his best while Surya Kumar Yadav is currently one of the best batters going around. Hardik Pandya hasn't had much to do so far while Karthik might be out due to lower back issues and Pant might slot in as a replacement.

Bangladesh batting hasn't really strong together meaningful partnerships which has led to their recent lean run. Shakib hasn't been at his consistent best while Sarkar, Litton all blow more cold than hot. Opener Najmul Hossain Shanto and late middle order Afif Hossain have looked good and Bangladesh will be going for more good things from the duo.

Taskin Ahmed has been in scintillating form picking up 2 MoTM awards in both the wins while Mustafizur looks to be slowly coming back into form as well. Hasan Mahmud and Mosaddek Hossain will have to provide support to the main bowlers. Bangladesh might also consider playing Mehidy Hasan to strengthen their bowling attack in place of Yasir Ali.

Arshadeep Singh has been the pick of the Indian bowlers so far and has impressed every game. Shami and Bhuvi have looked good in patches and will hope to have a solid game overall. Ashwin has been totally ineffective unable to either pick wickets or stem the flow of runs when required. India could consider playing Chahal over him.

Key Battles: India vs Bangladesh

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Vs Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed

Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav Vs Shakib Al Hasan

Najmul Shanto Vs Bhuvaneshwar Kumar 

Bangladesh are still in the running for reaching the semi final and this added pressure might work against them. They've not been at their best for quite some time now but India always seems to bring that extra little from the men in green. That 2016 T20 World Cup match between the two sides remains fresh in the memory. India have a straightforward equation to top the group standings, beat Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in their next two games.

Probable India XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Y Chahal, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami

Probable Bangladesh XI

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for India v Bangladesh at Adelaide Oval

Shakib Al Hasan

Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav

Arshadeep Singh

Hardik Pandya

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Can Bangladesh get one over their neighbors? Will India complete an easy win?

Playing Official Season Long Dream11 Fantasy Cricket - Head here to read all about the Boosters

England face old foes New Zealand at Gabba to keep Semi Final hopes alive

England vs New Zealand at Gabba in Brisbane: Nov 01, 2022 - Match Preview

Group 1 is still wide open with all 6 teams mathematically in the race to qualify for the semi finals but while New Zealand might afford a slip up, England have no such luxury. England would not be totally out even if they loose but would then require miracles elsewhere to proceed.

Finn Allen and Devon Conway started like a run away train against Australia but both failed against Sri Lanka to spin very early. Kane Williamson remains short of form but the sensational century by Glenn Phillips and the return of Daryl Mitchell has definitely given New Zealand plenty of strength in that line up.

New Zealand have no reason to change their winning combination, Boult and Southee are running riot while Santner, Sodhi and Lockie are proving tough customers to handle for opposition batters in the middle overs.

Jos Buttler and Alex Hales are yet to fire and England would be hoping that the two find form quickly. The middle order is a bit of muddle as well with Malan, Stokes, Brook haven't looked convincing as well. England might do well to break that middle order up a bit by promoting Livingstone or Moeen up the order, both of whom looked good in their short stay against Ireland.

English bowling has been firing alright although they did give away cheap runs against Ireland. Wood, Curran and Stokes are picking wickets at regular intervals. Woakes, doesn't look like his usual self but he's just coming back from an injury and should be fine. Adil Rashid, though, isn't picking wickets in the middle and that is hurting England.

Key Battles: England vs New Zealand

Mark Wood vs Finn Allen and Devon Conway

Trent Boult and Tim Southee vs Jos Buttler and Alex Hales

Adil Rashid vs Glenn Phillips 

The weather prediction for Brisbane isn't the greatest for the match day but is expected to clear up by the time the match starts. As we move to the business end of the tournament, every match assumes greater importance as teams jostle to book their place for the semi final. These two teams have given us some magic games over the past few years, fans would be keeping their fingers crossed for one more.

Probable England XI

Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Probable New Zealand XI

Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for England v New Zealand at Gabba, Brisbane

Ben Stokes

Sam Curran

Devon Conway

Trent Boult

Finn Allen

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Who will come out trumps in Gabba? Will rain play spoilsport again?

South Africa face India in a must win game in T20 Men's World Cup 2022 at Perth

India Vs South Africa, Optus Stadium, Perth - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

India and South Africa meet again after going head to head in a 3 match series in India just before the World Cup started which India took 2-1. The stakes are high in this game especially for South Africa since their first game against Zimbabwe was washed out. India sit pretty with 2 wins from 2 and top the Group 2 but cannot get complacent just yet.

Rohit Sharma finally got some form back with a 50 against the Netherlands but KL Rahul looks out of sorts and short of confidence right now. Kohli and SKY have found their touch though and India will hope that they can continue with their rich vein of form. The lower middle order hasn't been tested yet but Perth should give them that opportunity.

The Proteas top order is firing on all cylinders with Quinton deKock and Rillee Rossouw both in cracking form. Although their skipper Temba Bavuma is under serious fire for the lack of runs. Markram and Stubbs also haven't exactly spent enough time in the middle but they've not got the opportunity to do that as the first match was abandoned and the second was all Rillee and QDK.

South African pace bowlers would be licking their lips at the Perth track which has offered generous pace and steep bounce along with subtle movement off the deck. They might opt to sit out Shamsi and play a pace quartret of Rabada, Nortje, Ngidi and one of Parnell or Jansen. Jansen on this track might be nigh on unplayable and I would like to see him start.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was on fire against the Netherlands and Arshdeep rattled the Pakistani batting in the opening game so India seem to have enough cover in fast bowling department of their own. Shami has been underwhelming but he should find Perth to his liking as well. Hardik Pandya would also love to bowl here since his stock ball is the short one. India too might consider replacing Axar Patel with Harshal Patel to give them an extra seam option.

Key Battles: India vs South Africa

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Vs Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi

Virat Kohli Vs Anrich Nortje

Quinton deKock and Rillee Rossouw Vs Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh

India have one foot in the semi finals but they are mathematically not there yet. Also, South Africa need a win here to progress so they will play hard and they've the resources that fit the ground and conditions better than India. We should have a great game at Perth, where a total of 140-150 has been very competitive.

Probable India XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami

Probable South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell/ Marco Jensen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for India v South Africa at Optus Stadium, Perth

Kagiso Rabada

Suryakumar Yadav

Arshadeep Singh

Anrich Nortje

Rillee Rossouw

The match will start at 04.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

How do you think India will fare at their first game at Perth? Will South Africa keep their semi final hopes alive with a win?

Playing Official Season Long Fantasy Cricket - Head here to read all about the Boosters

New Zealand and Sri Lanka meet in a crucial Group 1 encounter at SCG

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka at SCG in Sydney: Oct 29, 2022 - Match Preview

Group 1, which was rightly called the Group of Death, is proving harder and harder to call with each passing day as upsets and rain have created havoc. New Zealand had their last game against Afghanistan washed out so they will be keen to get on the field against the Lanka Lions. Sri Lanka would welcome the SCG pitch and conditions as well after their last outing against Australia at Perth didn't go according to plan.

Finn Allen and Devon Conway started like a run away train against Australia and the middle and lower order ensured that the black caps posted a daunting 200 score in their opening game. All batters got a decent hit out in the middle.

They left out Michael Bracewell out of the side at MCG but might decide to bring him in as Sydney favors spin generally. Santner, Sodhi are already there doing the job for them in the spin department. Boult and Southee continue to move the ball and pick wickets as and when they deem fit while Lockie Ferguson provides extreme pace. It's a nicely balanced bowling attack that New Zealand have right now.

Sri Lankan batters struggled at Perth apart from Asalanka who looked at home while Nissanka hung around for a scratchy 40. But their batters would be looking forward to batting on a friendly SCG track where big runs have been on offer so far in the World Cup.

Binura Fernando injury means that Sri Lanka would be again requied to make changes to their playing XI, they have a few options which they can fall back on. Vandersay can come in to join Hasaranga and Theekshana or they may bring in Madhushan or Rajitha. Hasaranga had an off day at Perth but I expect him to bounce right back against the Kiwis.

Key Battles: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka

Lahiru Kumara vs Finn Allen and Devon Conway

Trent Boult and Tim Southee vs Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka

Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana vs Glenn Philips and Kane Williamson

This is such a crucial match for both teams, it feels like a sure knock out match. The winner of this game should have enough breathing space to get to the semi finals. Weather at Sydney looks to be bright and clear too so it's all too play for.

Probable New Zealand XI

Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi

Probable Sri Lanka XI

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Madhushan/ Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for New Zealand v Sri Lanka at SCG, Sydney

Wanindu Hasaranga

Maheesh Theekshana

Ish Sodhi

Devon Conway

Kusal Mendis

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Who will come out trumps in Sydney?

Australia meet England in a crucial T20 World Cup 2022 encounter at MCG

Australia vs England at MCG in Melbourne: Oct 28, 2022 - Match Preview

Australia currently sit second from bottom while their opponents England sit 3rd in the Group 1 table in a turn off events which nobody would have predicted before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 began. Australia suffered a humiliating loss to New Zealand in their first match before scraping past Sri Lanka in their second. England started with a scratchy win over Afghanistan in their first match before being caught short by the Irish in their second. This clash between Ashes rivals could well be a knock out encounter.

Warner and Finch, both look out of sorts in the World Cup so far but they only need a spark to get going. Marsh has also not found his touch at 3 which Maxi was worked over by Lahiru Kumara at Perth. If not for the 50 by Marcus Stoinis, Australia might well have been on the losing side against Sri Lanka as well. Wade was detected with Covid but he seems alright to start as per the reports.

The 3 pacers, Starc, Cummins & Hazlewood should all start even though they're not firing on all cylinders yet. Zampa missed the last game due to Covid and if he's still not recovered, Ashton Agar should continue in the XI after doing a reasonable job at Perth.

For English, Buttler and Hales are yet to fire like like their opening counterparts. Malan struggled great deal to up the tempo against Ireland and Stokes too hasn't got any fluidity in his batting right now. Harry Brook, so good in the lead up to the World Cup is finding things difficult as well. Livingstone and Moeen Ali might be batting too low right now to have any positive impact on the England batting.

On the bowling front, Mark Wood has been bowling with fire while Sam Curran looks to have found nice rhythm picking wickets at key intervals. Stokes has supported them ably but both Woakes and Rashid have been unable to get themselves in the wickets thus putting pressure on the rest of the bowling unit.

Key Battles: Australia vs England

Mark Wood vs David Warner and Aaron Finch

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood vs Jos Buttler and Alex Hales

Ben Stokes and Sam Curran vs Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell

Both Australia and England are under tremendous pressure right now and both need a win desperately. England might walk into the clash with a little bit of optimism as they blanked Australia 2-0 right before the World Cup started. But the pressure of a big game might just bring the best out of Australia.

The most important factor in all this might be the fickle Melbourne weather which has already taken New Zealand Afghanistan game as its casualty. The weather for tomorrow doesn't look too good right now, with showers predicted for almost the entire day.

Probable Australia XI

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade,  Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa/ Ashton Agar

Probable England XI

Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Australia v England at MCG, Melbourne

Mitchell Starc

Josh Hazlewood

Jos Buttler

Ben Stokes

David Warner

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Who will come on top between these two traditional cricketing rivals? Will rain have the last laugh in Melbourne?

Pakistan face Zimbabwe in a must win match after India heartbreak

Pakistan Vs Zimbabwe, Optus Stadium, Perth - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

It was a case of so near yet so far for Pakistan last Sunday at a jam packed MCG against arch rivals India. That last over heartbreak would generally take considerable time to recoup but the World Cup offers no such solace. They must lift themselves up and face Zimbabwe, who came through the qualifiers topping their group and then saw their opening match against rivals South Africa abandoned due to persistent rain.

Perth, the venue for the game has had the best weather in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup so far and a pitch that has offered considerable pace and bounce to quicker bowlers. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka birth presented ample difficulty to England and Australia while defending modest totals. It might not be a bad idea to win the toss and bat first here as the pitch seems to offer considerably more in the second innings to the bowlers.

The Pakistan batting relies heavily on the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan; both of whom failed against India and will be looking to get into their groove quickly. Shan Masood played a mature innings at 3 but positions 4-7 changing depending on match and opposition. Ifthikhar also played a brilliant cameo on Sunday while Shadab, Nawaz and Haider all failed to get going like the openers. The batting unit will have to click on an expected spicy pitch for Pakistan.

Pakistan fast bowling trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf should find Perth to their liking and they'll be smacking their lips having seen the previous two matches being played here. Shadab should also get enough assistance from the pitch as demonstrated by Afghani, Aussie and Lankan spinners.

Zimbabwe batting usually revolves around Sikandar Raza these days and he'll have to bounce back quickly after getting out for a duck against South Africa in a match which was eventually abandoned. Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Wesley Madhevere and Regis Chakabwa will have to provide support to Raza in negotiating the Pakistani quicks.

Zimbabwe have a decent place attack of their own which can exploit Perth in the likes of Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe and Richard Ngarava. Zimbabwe would be hoping that Ngarava, who took a fall on the pitch after bowling the final delivery in the last game, is fit enough to start this game.

Key Battles: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine and Regis Chakabwa Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Vs Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava

Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams Vs Haris Rauf 

Zimbabwe toured Pakistan last year, so these two teams know each other a little bit. Zimbabwe haven't beaten Pakistan yet in an ICC event but they're a team who look well settled under Dave Houghton and Pakistan might well be susceptible after the events that transpired against India. All in all, we could be in for another close encounter!

Probable Pakistan XI

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah

Probable Zimbabwe XI

Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva , Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarva/Brad Evans, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Pakistan v Zimbabwe at Optus Stadium, Perth

Haris Rauf

Sikandar Raza

Mohammad Rizwan

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Luke Jongwe

The match will start at 04.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Which way do you see this match going? Can Zimbabwe pull off a heist?

Confident India to take on The Netherlands in T20 Men's World Cup 2022 at SCG

India Vs Netherlands, SCG - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

India, after the high beating arch rivals Pakistan on Sunday at MCG now face Netherlands, in their second of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.

There are showers predicted in Sydney but like what happened in Melbourne, fans would be hoping that we might get a full game.

India are on a high and with semi final place all but secured due to the rained off match between South Africa and Zimbabwe, the pressure will have eased a huge lot. Netherlands, on the other hand, have nothing to lose and they will be looking to give a good account of themselves against one of the cricketing powerhouses of the world.

Rahul and Rohit looked extremely tentative against Pakistan and both of them failed to get into double figures and will be looking to make amends against a friendly Netherlands attack. Kohli is back after playing a knock for the ages on Sunday against Pakistan having made an unbeaten 82 in only 53 balls to steer India to a famous victory. SKY played some good shots but couldn't get going and will be looking to spend more time in the middle.

Netherlands rely on Max O'Dowd to give them a good start with Ackermann and the talented Bas de Leede to follow. They've all scored important runs in this World cup so far. Tom Cooper has been a big disappointment so far though and Netherlands will be hoping that he can find some of his touch.

The stronger suit of Netherlands is definitely their bowling attack which seems to be firing nicely. Klassen and van Meekeren have been impressive while Pringle has shored up the spin department. Shariz, the 19 old leg break bowler, made his debut last game against Bangladesh and took the wicket of Shakib. Him and Pringle would be the key on a slow SCG track.

Bhuvi and Arshadeep started on fire against Pakistan and they should again fancy their chances against Netherlands. Shami, just getting back into his groove, bowled well. India might opt for 2 spinners at SCG given the history of the ground but it looks difficult that they'll want to change the winning combination. Axar Patel might be given more overs instead.

Key Battles: India vs Netherlands

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma Vs Paul van Meekeren

Virat Kohli Vs Tim Pringle

Max O'Dowd and Bas de Leede Vs Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami

With the pressure having lifted off the shoulders of Indian batters, we might see them unfurl the full range at a good SCG track. Netherlands will have to keep tight lines and try to stay in the game for as long as possible. 

Probable India XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami

Probable Netherlands XI

Max ODowd, Vikramjit Singh, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, Scott Edwards, Tim Pringle, Logan van Beek, Shariz Ahmad, Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for India v Netherlands at SCG, Sydney

KL Rahul

Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav

Arshadeep Singh

Bas de Leede

The match will start at 12.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Which way do you see this match going? Who will emerge victorious?

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Australia meet Resurgent Sri Lanka at Perth in a Mouth Watering Clash!

Australia vs Sri Lanka at Optus Stadium in Perth: Oct 25, 2022 - Match Preview

The hosts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and current champions, after losing their opening game New Zealand comfortably, face a resurgent Sri Lankan side in an important Group 1 clash at Optus Stadium in Perth. The two sides met recently in a 3 match T20I series in Sri Lanka which was closely contested but the Australian side won 2-1. Australia have won only 1 out of their last 5 T20I matches while Sri Lanka have won 4, including the Asia Cup final!

Even, with the above recent stats, Sri Lanka start as massive underdogs in Perth with their fast bowling resources having depleted with both Chameera and Madhushanka injured.

Warner and Finch are set to open for Australia once again with Marsh, Maxwell and Stoinis to follow. Tim David and Matthew Wade bulk up the finishing duties for the men from down under. The only change they might consider from the opening game is maybe give Cameron Green a run ahead of either Stoinis or Tim David. But I doubt the Australians would make drastic changes based on one loss.

The 3 pacers, Starc, Cummins & Hazlewood, literally pick themselves and should be a lethal force at Perth while Zampa is likely to be the lone spin option. 

For Sri Lanka, Nissanka missed their last game due to a groin niggle but that was only precautionary. He should slot straight in with Dhananjaya and Asalanka moving a place down at 3 & 4 respectively. Bhanuka Rajapakse and skipper Dasun Shanaka who played that blinder last time these sides met in Palekelle and Wanindu Hasaranga will have to provide support to the top order if Lanka are to triumph Australia at this venue.

Lahiru Kumara and Binura Fernando should be the pace bowlers that Sri Lanka played against Netherlands but they have Kasun Rajitha in their squad now. I doubt if they change that winning combination though. It will be intriguing to watch Hasaranga and Theekshana ply their trade on the pacy and bouncy Perth pitch.

Key Battles: Australia vs Sri Lanka

Lahiru Kumara vs David Warner and Aaron Finch

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood vs Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka

Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana vs Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell

The pace and bounce at Perth was there for all the see when England played Afghanistan here a couple of nights ago. The fall was flying off the pitch. It will not be easy for the Lankan batters to face high quality pace attack of Australia but as Afghani spinners showcased during the English chase, it wasn't easy to face spin here either. A fascinating battle of tact, wit and street smart cricket lies in store for us. The match is very important for Australia since they've already lost their opening tie and they'll look to come back strong. Sri Lanka on the other hand, don't really have much to lose here, they are in great form and they'll look to give it their all to cause a flutter down under.

Probable Australia XI

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade,  Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Probable Sri Lanka XI

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Lahiru Kumara

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Australia v Sri Lanka at Optus Stadium, Perth

Mitchell Starc

Josh Hazlewood

Wanindu Hasaranga

Maheesh Theekshana

David Warner

The match will start at 04.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Can Sri Lanka conjure something special in Perth? Will Australia get back to winning ways?

India Face Arch Rivals Pakistan in their opening game of T20 Men's World Cup 2022 at MCG

India Vs Pakistan, MCG - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview

India and Pakistan, the bitter arch rivals will take on each other to start their campaigns in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.

With the recent off field issues where India refuse to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, the match has some added spice although players from both sides seem to have mellowed down over the years.

Melbourne, which will host the crucial tie has had iffy weather conditions lately; with there being a 90% chance of rain till today morning. The weather forecast seems to have improved a little bit and the fans would be hoping that we can squeeze in a full game.

India and Pakistan faced each other twice during the recently concluded Asia Cup where both won a game apiece. Pakistan since then went on to lose to England at home 3-4 and win the tri series in NZ featuring Bangladesh as the third side. India, on the other hand, defeated Australia and South Africa at home comfortably.

Indian batting looks to be firing on all cylinders with Rahul and Rohit in decent form while Kohli also stuck the much awaited hundred recently. Suryakumar Yadav is currently one if the best T20 batsman in the world while Pandya is in good nick as well. DK should get the nod ahead of Pant.

The Pakistan batting relies heavily on the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Their middle order is often floating with Fakhar Zaman at 3 but positions 4-7 changing depending on match and opposition. Nawaz, Iftikhar, Asif Ali and Haider Ali have all played important cameos recently to get Pakistan over the line.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is back for them after missing the Asia Cup and he holds the key against Indian batters who often struggle against left arm quick bowling. There's also the impressive Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain and Haris Rauf completing the pace attack. Shadab Khan, along with Nawaz and Iftikhar bowling spin give a well rounded look to their bowling line up.

India will probably start with the experienced Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami along with death over specialist Arshadeep Singh. Chahal has to start over Ashwin considering Babar and Rizwan are both right handed batters. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya should complete the 5th over.

Key Battles: India vs Pakistan

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

Whoever wins this battle will go a long way towards winning this all important clash. 

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Vs Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami

The Pakistani openers are a little susceptible to the moving ball and if Bhuvi and Shami manage to nip them out early then Pakistan will be under huge pressure.

India vs Pakistan is a contest which goes way beyond a game! Fans from both sides get truly charged up for this particular clash. They will be hoping that the Melbourne weather can hold up and we get to witness a great game at MCG packed with over 75,000 people cheering on for their country.

Probable India XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

Probable Pakistan XI

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shan Masood, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for India v Pakistan at MCG, Melbourne

Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav

Babar Azam

Mohammad Rizwan

Shaheen Shah Afridi

The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)

Which way do you see this match going? Who will emerge victorious?

Rain Threat Looms Large over Men's T20 World Cup 2022 Opener

Australia vs New Zealand at SCG in Sydney: Oct 23, 2022 - Match Preview

The hosts of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and champions and the biggest favorites go head to head in the most anticipated clash of Group 1 at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The two sides met recently in a 3 match ODI series which the Australians clean swept. The two sides also met in the final of the last edition of the T20 World Cup in Dubai where Australia comfortably beat New Zealand.

However, there's almost 90% chance of rain and thunderstorm in Sydney tomorrow which could very well put a damper to the start of the prestigious tournament.

Australia added Cameroon Green to their already strong squad as a replacement for the injured Josh Inglis. Warner and Finch are set to open for them with Marsh, Maxwell and Stoinis to follow. Tim David should retain his place but Green might find a way into the starting XI considering his blistering form of late. 

The 3 pacers, Starc, Cummins & Hazlewood, literally pick themselves while Zampa is likely to be the lone spin option.

With Martin Guptill not in great form, New Zealand might stick with Finn Allen at the top to partner Devon Conway. Williamson at 3 provides the stability while Glenn Phillips should slot in at number 4.

The all rounders Jimmy Neesham, in form and man of the series Michael Bracewell and Santner should form the lower middle order. The strongest suit of the Kiwis is their pace bowling. Boult, Southee, Ferguson and Milne could all start looking at the damp weather conditions which could help pace at an otherwise spin friendly venue.

Key Battles: Australia vs New Zealand

Tim Southee and Trent Boult vs David Warner and Aaron Finch

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood vs Devon Conway and Kane Williamson

Adam Zampa vs Glenn Philips and Jimmy Neesham

We should witness a high octane clash between 2 sides with a lot of history. These two sides will not give an inch to the opposition and whoever wins this game will go a long way in the tournament because of the amount of confidence and self belief that such high pressure games can instill in you is immense. Keeping the fingers crossed that the rain stays away and we can squeeze in a near full game. In case the match is significantly shortened, I feel Australia has a significant advantage as they have powerful batsmen who can tee off from ball 1.

Probable Australia XI

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade,  Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Probable New Zealand XI

Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne

Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Australia v New Zealand at SCG, Sydney

David Warner

Devon Conway

Mitchell Starc

Trent Boult

Mitchell Marsh

The match will start at 12.00 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1/2)

Which way do you see this match going? Will rain wash it away completely?

Sri Lanka face must win UAE test in Geelong!

Sri Lanka face UAE in the second match of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia to put their campaign back on track after having lost the opening game to a spirited Namibian side.

Sri Lanka should be relatively confident but the loss in the opening game has surely put a spanner in their works and the loss of West Indies yesterday to Scotland has shown that no game can be taken lightly.

The spin twins will once again hold the key for Sri Lanka but it might be time to unsettle UAE with pace of Chameera and Kumara both. If Binura Fernando is available for the match, then he should start in place of Madhushan.

The place of Dhanushka Gunathilakha is also under scrutiny with him having failed in the Asia Cup and in the first match here. Asalanka needs to start over him.

United Arab Emirates have been driven by Junaid Siddique, who took 5 wickets in the warm up match against the Windies & then picked another 3 against the Netherlands in their opening game. The opener Muhammed Waseem has also been in good form scoring 69 & 41 in the two games so far.

The drop in pitch in Geelong proved to be slow and difficult for run scoring in the opening two matches, so bowlers will have to use change of pace and with shorter boundaries bowl to one side of the pitch.

Top Fantasy Picks from Sri Lanka v UAE

Sri Lanka

Mendis, Nissanka, Theekshana, Hasaranga

UAE

Waseem, Junaid, Zahoor

Key Battle

Sri Lankan spinners v UAE batsmen

How UAE batsmen handle the Lankan spinners will be the most important battle in this match, one that will most likely decide the outcome of the match.

Junaid Siddique v Sri Lankan batsmen

Siddique is very similar to Frylinck who wrecked them in their opening game, so he will be a big weapon for the UAE side.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Chameera, Kumara/ Binura

UAE: Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Basil Hameed, Zawar Farid, Aayan Khan, Kashif Daud, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan

The match will start at 1.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 2)

How do you see the match panning out?

Asian Champions Sri Lanka to take on Namibia in T20 World Cup Opener

So the big day has finally arrived with Sri Lanka taking on Namibia in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia to kick start their campaign!

Sri Lanka would be confident and raring to go but face a Namibian side that will be looking to impress once again after a stellar showing in the last edition.

They squared off in the qualifier stage in the T20 World Cup last year and Lankan Lions trumped Namibia easily.

Theekshana and Hasaranga proved too much for them as they folded for 96 batting first and Sri Lanka then chased down the total with ease.

The spin twins will once again hold the key for Sri Lanka especially as news is coming out that the impressive left arm pace bowler Madhushanka suffered an injury scare in their last practice session.  That could mean a coming together of last year's combo of fast bowlers for Sri Lanka - Dushmantha Chameera & Lahiru Kumara.

The batting is fairly settled with Asalanka making way for the multi faceted Dhananjaya De Silva at least to begin with. Kusal Mendis and Rajapakse will be the driving force for them as far as the strike rates are concerned.

Namibia will rely on their skipper Gerhard Erasmus along with all rounders Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit & the ever present David Wiese. Trumplemann, the left arm pacer, who impressed last year will be looking to put on another good showing.

Geelong is a very funnily shaped ground with some sides as small as 51 m. Bowlers will have to keep their line and restrict the batsmen to one side of the ground.

Top Fantasy Picks from Sri Lanka v Namibia

Sri Lanka

Mendis, Nissanka, Theekshana, Hasaranga

Namibia

Erasmus, Smit, Frylinck, Wiese

Key Battle

Sri Lankan spinners v Namibian batsmen

How Namibian batsmen handle the Lankan spinners will be the most important battle in this match, one that will most likely decide the outcome of the match.

Sri Lanka v Namibia Probable XI

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapasksa, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara

Namibia: Stephan Baard, Lohandre Louwrens, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus, David Wiese, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo

The match will start at 9.30 AM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports)

How do you see the match panning out?