We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
1st innings average score: 178
2nd innings average score: 146
Type: Good batting wicket. Turn on offer as the game progresses.
Time: September 17, 3.30 PM IST
Teams
Playing XI for Bangladesh: Tushar Imran, Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Mehrab Hossain, Dolar Mahmud, Khaled Mashud, Dhiman Ghosh, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain, Abul Hasan, Elias Sunny
Probable XI for New Zealand: Anton Devcich, Ross Taylor (c), Neil Broom, Dean Brownlie, Craig McMillan, Aaron Redmond, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Jacob Oram, Shane Bond, Bruce Martin, Hamish Bennett
Form Concern
Although Neil Broom continues to play domestic cricket in New Zealand, he has been finding it tough to get runs. His recent scores read 2, 13, 9, and 2.
Game Changer
Jacob Oram’s dual role can be useful in fantasy leagues. Besides bowling a few overs, he can use the long handle to good effect in times of need.
Smart Picks
As several New Zealand batters fell prey for a single-digit score, Dean Browlie held fort for his side with a patient 48. He has done enough to attract eyeballs in fantasy leagues.
Aftab Ahmed will be the aggressor with the bat for Bangladesh. In the 2021 edition, he had scores of 13, 31, and 39. He can also be called upon to bowl a few overs.
As wickets kept falling at the other end in the game against New Zealand, Dhiman Ghosh finished as the highest run-scorer 22* for his side. His approach of holding one end up should be comforting for the fantasy players.
Abdur Razzak doesn’t turn the ball big but can get quick wickets by rushing through his overs. He finished with figures of 4-0-23-1 against the West Indies.
Alok Kapali can generate fantasy points with both bat and ball. He scored 19 off 20 and picked up the solitary wicket of Dwayne Smith.
Hamish Bennett has been playing competitive cricket in New Zealand and that should keep him in the hunt for wickets with the new ball.
Power Players
Unlike his teammates, Ross Taylor is fresh into retirement and should remain the biggest hope for New Zealand with the bat. Once he gets his eye in, he could cut loose. Interestingly, he bowled an over of off-break against South Africa earlier this week.
Shane Bond might not have the same hostility like he once did, but his ability to move the ball around could pose problems for the Bangladeshi top order.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
New Zealand have players who can generate more fantasy points than the Bangladeshis. If the Black Caps bat first, featuring more of their players in your fantasy teams is likely to reap more benefits.