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.
Teams
Probable XI for India: Sachin Tendulkar (c), Naman Ojha (wk), Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Stuart Binny, Manpreet Gony, Munaf Patel, Rahul Sharma, Pragyan Ojha/Harbhajan Singh
Probable XI for West Indies: Dwayne Smith, Dave Mohammed, Brian Lara (c), Kirk Edwards, Narsingh Deonarine, William Perkins (wk), Sulieman Benn, Devendra Bishoo, Marlon Black , Krishmar Santokie, Daren Powell/Jerome Taylor
Game Changers
Yuvraj Singh’s numbers in the Safety League are outstanding: 200 runs at an average of 50 and five wickets in eight games.
Dwayne Smith top scored for West Indies in the first game: 51 off 42. Although he went wicketless in the only over he bowled, their bowling combination would demand a few more overs out of him. He can be wily with his slow medium pace.
Irfan Pathan provides fantasy points in all departments. He bowls in the powerplay and end overs. He accumulates runs at No. 7. Besides, he is a terrific fielder and a safe catcher in the deep. To cut a long story short, he is a delight in the world of fantasy sports.
Smart Picks
On a batter-friendly wicket, Krishmar Santokie managed figures of 3 for 7 in 2.4 overs – of which two wickets came at the death. It will be a challenge for the southpaw to produce an encore against the quality batters of India.
Narsingh Deonarine has scored two fifties – of which one came against India – in four games of the Safety League. He does not rush through the gears, playing the ball to its merit.
Stuart Binny surprised the fantasy world by scoring 82 runs, providing bonus points for a strike rate of 195 and hitting 11 boundaries (4×5 and 6×6). Batting at No.4 suited his brand of cricket. Although his bowling services weren’t needed, he can roll his arm even with the new ball. After all, his 6 for 4 are the best bowling figures for India in ODIs.
Munaf Patel was as accurate, economical, and effective as ever, finishing with figures of 2 for 24. If anything, he is one of the safest picks in fantasy leagues.
Power Players
In his last 10 T20s, Yusuf Pathan has – in literal sense of the word – hammered 326 runs at an average of 65 and a strike rate of 180. His approach has not changed one bit despite retiring from the game.
In the previous edition of the Safety League, Brian Lara smashed 133 runs at an average of 33. Against India, he scored a fine knock of 46 off 28 including four fours and two sixes.
In the same game, Sachin Tendulkar had scored 65 off 42 in the first innings to take India to a competitive total of 218 for 3. The master blasters will be eager to square off on what has been a paradise for batters at Kanpur.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
Players from India have been producing more fantasy points than the West Indians since the last three editions. Given the conditions, all-rounders are likely to give you the edge.
