We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Although we have seen sides getting bowled out cheaply at the Brabourne Stadium in this edition, only 32 wickets have fallen in the last three games at the venue. In the same period, 47 sixes have also been smashed.
Teams
Probable XI for Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis* (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell*, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga*, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood*
Probable XI for Punjab: Jonny Bairstow*, Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal (c), Bhanuka Rajapaksa*, Liam Livingstone*, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada*, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma/Vaibhav Arora
Also Read:
Kolkata vs Hyderabad Fantasy Cricket Tips
Chennai vs Gujarat Fantasy Cricket Tips
Power Players
It’s been a turbulent ride for Faf du Plessis this season. That said, he will be oozing with confidence after his match-winning knock of 73 in the last game. He will also have fond memories of scoring 88 in the opening game against Punjab.
With 10 wickets to his credit, Kagiso Rabada has been the best bowler on show for his team in the last four games. Interestingly, both his 4-wicket hauls have come when Punjab have bowled first.
Liam Livingstone has single-handedly won games for Punjab in this edition. In three appearances at Brabourne, he has added 126 runs, including two half-centuries.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s 5 for 18 not only destroyed Hyderabad’s batting order but also made him the highest wicket-taker (21 at 15.33) for Bangalore this season.
Smart Picks
One way or the other, Glenn Maxwell finds ways to help fantasy players. If he fails with the bat, he makes it up with the ball. On the field too, his anticipation and agility stands out.
Rajat Patidar has been a great addition to the Bangalore squad. His scores in the last three innings read 48, 21, and 52.
Although Shikhar Dhawan is the leading run-getter for Punjab, his strike rate of 122.12 remains a matter of concern. Moreover, he is yet to get past 35 in three outings at the Brabourne.
Barring two single-digit dismissals, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been a regular contributor for Punjab. His orthodox shots, coupled with calculated slogs, have fetched handy fantasy points.
Bangalore will continue to pin their hopes on Virat Kohli to set the stage on fire in this all-important clash. His last 5 scores against Punjab read 41, 25, 35, 48, and 1.
Fantasy Flops
2 wickets in 5 games clearly indicate Sandeep Sharma’s struggles this season. Furthermore, he has also been plundered for runs in a few games.
Mohammad Siraj’s wickets column has gone dry for three consecutive matches. He was also hammered for 59 runs when these two teams met earlier in the competition.
Match Preview
Bangalore and Punjab have a realistic chance of making the playoffs. Given the firepower on both sides, we could be in for a cracker of a contest.
When these two teams met earlier in the tournament, Punjab beat Bangalore by 5 wickets. On the head-to-head too, Punjab lead Bangalore 16-13.
Time: 13 May, 7.30 PM IST
