We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
1st innings average score: 140
2nd innings average score: 129
Type: The wicket offers pace and bounce.
Teams
Probable XI for New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Probable XI for Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Game Changer
There wasn’t much turn in the India-Pakistan game at the MCG, but Rashid Khan does not rely on any. His accuracy and the bounce from the wicket are enough to pose threats. If anything, he often provides bonus points for economy.
Smart Picks
Fazalhaq Farooqi is the highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan in 2022: 18 wickets in 14 games. In the opening game, he took 1 or 24, maintaining his tight lines and lengths.
In the only T20I between these teams, Najibullah Zadran scored 73 off 48 including 6 fours and 3 sixes. His numbers in domestic T20s of late may not be impressive, but his international stats for the year are encouraging: 348 runs at an average of 28.
Also Read:
Australia vs England, T20 World Cup Top Fantasy Picks
India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2022 Fantasy Tips
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2022: Fantasy Tips
Finn Allen’s approach is clear, that he is going to hit the ball right from the word go. Ever since the tri-series at home, he has hammered 177 runs at 30. His career strike rate reads 167 in 19 games. Potential bonus points up for grabs!
Facing Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be a challenge for the New Zealand openers. His ability to maintain accuracy makes it tough for batters to clear the infield. He finished with figures of 1 for 22 against England.
His strike rate may be bothersome by the modern-day standards, but Kane Williamson’s consistent run-making rejoices the fantasy players. In his last 8 innings, he has generated bonus points for three thirties and a fifty. His Ultimate Team percentage reads 75% this year.
Power Players
Devon Conway was the captain of the Ultimate Team in four of his last 5 T20Is. In 2022, he has scored 431 runs at a staggering average of 72 and taken 7 catches in 9 games.
Given the conditions, the pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult will be smacking their lips. There’s swing, pace, bounce, and whatnot on offer. Between them, they racked up 15 wickets in the last 5 T20Is.
Ibrahim Zadran has featured in the Ultimate Team in the last 5 T20Is, giving bonus points for four thirties and one fifty. He has been in an incredible touch.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
In the first game at the MCG, an all-rounder was the captain and a batter who plays the ball to its merit was the vice-captain of the Ultimate Team. The pacers, otherwise, dominated the fantasy leagues through and through. It’s all about discipline at “The G”.