We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for New Zealand Legends vs South Africa Legends
Matches played in this edition: 3
1st innings average score: 178
2nd innings average score: 146
Type: Excellent for batting. Some turn for spinners as the game progresses.
Probable Playing XIs for New Zealand Legends & South Africa Legends
Probable XI for New Zealand Legends: Jamie How, Aaron Redmond, Ross Taylor (c), Craig McMillan, Dean Brownlie, Neil Broom, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Jacob Oram, Hamish Bennett, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond
Probable XI for South Africa Legends: Andrew Puttick, Morne van Wyk (wk), Alviro Petersen, Jacques Rudolph, Henry Davids, Jonty Rhodes (c), Johan Botha, Eddie Leie, Johan van der Wath, Garnett Kruger, Makhaya Ntini
Game Changers
Johan van der Wath took the all-important wickets of Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in the middle overs. Although he could not contribute anything with the bat, he can pack a punch down the order. He also took a catch, helping fantasy players nudge ahead in the race.
Jacob Oram does it all. With the bat, he sends the ball soaring into the stands. With the ball, he can break crucial partnerships. His dual abilities help captains employ him in any situation.
Smart Fantasy Picks
For South Africa, Jonty Rhodes generated the most fantasy points (30.5) in the tournament opener. He scored 38 runs, also collecting bonus points for a strike rate of 140 and six boundaries.
Makhaya Ntini got the better of Sachin Tendulkar. The age naturally may have sucked some pace out of his bowling, but his enthusiasm to play the game has not faded one bit. More importantly, he was used as South Africa’s premier bowler for death overs.
Shane Bond is likely to play the same role as that of Ntini, that is, to bowl with both new and old ball. His T20 numbers make a good reading: 51 wickets and an economy of 7 RPO in 40 games.
Jamie How and Aaron Redmond have a hundred to their credit in the format. To make matters more interesting for fantasy cricket, both like to deal in sixes. There are some bonus points up for grabs.
Power Players
Morne van Wyk has hammered 254 runs at an incredible average of 42 and pouched four catches in seven games of the Safety League. He started this edition with a fine knock of 26 off 24 including four fours and a six.
The same has been the case with Andrew Puttick: 208 runs at 42 in six games including the highest score of 82*. He may not give points with his strike rate, but an average of 26 in 83 T20s is enough encouragement for fantasy players.
Only four months ago did Ross Taylor play his final international game and will be eager to play the game again. He is a veteran of 292 T20s, scoring 6,429 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 131.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
In all three games, batters have been the captain of the ultimate team on the My11Circle fantasy app. The pitch has been nothing but a featherbed.