We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for Edgbaston
The matches played at Edgbaston during the Commonwealth Games produced exciting contests. The pacers swung it enough in the powerplay, the spinners took the centre stage in the middle overs, and if the batters put a price on their wicket, they had enough opportunities to pile on runs. The pitch has been fair to batters and bowlers alike this summer.
Time: August 10, 11.00 PM
Probable Playing XIs for Birmingham & Brave
Matthew Wade felt unwell a day before the opening game. He, however, is likely to feature in this game.
Probable XI for Birmingham: Will Smeed, Miles Hammond, Moeen Ali (c), Liam Livingstone, Chris Benjamin/Matthew Wade (wk), Dan Mousley, Benny Howell, Graeme van Buuren, Tom Helm, Kane Richardson, Imran Tahir
Probable XI for Brave: James Vince (c), Alex Davies (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Ross Whiteley, James Fuller, Chris Jordan, Craig Overton, Jake Lintott, Rehan Ahmed, Michael Hogan
Power Picks
Moeen Ali’s purple patch continues. He provided bonus fantasy points by smashing three sixes and a four and at a strike rate of 167 in his knock of 35 runs. With the ball, he dismantled the defence of Dawid Malan. In the T20Is against India and South Africa this summer, he scored a fifty, two thirties, and a twenty, and with the ball, he managed six wickets in as many innings.
James Vince made a mockery of the chase against Welsh. 71 of 108 runs belonged to him. This came after his heroic performance in the English T20 League: 678 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 146.
Liam Livingstone hit as many as six sixes against Trent. He blasted 47 off 28 (his first 40-plus score in his last 10 professional games) and took 1 for 12. His dual skills fetch fantasy points one way or the other – and of course, there’s always the six-hitting ability the fantasy players rely on.
Also Read:
Trent vs Oval Top Fantasy Picks
India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head T20I stats
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI Fantasy Cricket Tips
West Indies vs New Zealand Fantasy Team & Top Picks for the 1st T20I
Smart Picks
Matthew Wade has not been doing anything noteworthy in T20s of late, but his role is such that, more than the amount of runs, the rate at which he scores matters. Plus, he generates additional fantasy points with his gloves.
Marcus Stoinis did not get much opportunity to contribute. He gave away eight runs off five balls and remained unbeaten on six. His recent form has not made any headlines, but his dual skills entice the world of fantasy cricket.
12 balls, 11 runs, and 2 wickets: Tom Helm could not have asked for a better start to the season. He could not show off his batting skills, but it is worth mentioning that he had scores of 50, 43*, and 51 in his last three First-Class games.
Kane Richardson and Imran Tahir both went wicketless but at least managed to contain runs. Playing in different leagues across the globe for several years makes them a popular pick. They won’t take time to rise up in the wickets column.
Chris Jordan finished the T20Is against India and South Africa with 10 wickets. He continued his form into the Hundred League with figures of 2 for 16.
Craig Overton not only picked wickets but also smothered the batters with tight lines. He scalped two wickets and gave only 21 runs in 20 balls on a batting wicket.
Birmingham vs Brave Match Preview
While Brave started the season with an easy nine-wicket win, Phoenix lost the game despite putting up a competitive total. It’s too early to make judgements, but Phoenix’s overall composition, experience, and numbers make them stronger on paper.