We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for Southern vs Manchester
1st innings average score: 127
2nd innings average score: 123
Time: August 18, 11.30 PM IST
Probable Playing XIs for Southern & Manchester
Probable XI for Southern: James Vince (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Alex Davies, Marcus Stoinis, Ross Whiteley, Tim David, James Fuller, George Garton, Rehan Ahmed, Jake Lintott, Michael Hogan
Playing XI for Manchester: Jos Buttler (c), Philip Salt (wk), Andre Russell, Tristan Stubbs, Laurie Evans, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Sean Abbott, Tom Hartley, Mitchell Stanley, Matthew Parkinson
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Power Players
The responsibility of resurrecting Manchester’s fortunes will be on Jos Buttler. Although he has added 135 runs in 4 innings, including the highest score of 59, he hasn’t gone berserk yet. One wonders, for how long?
Meanwhile, his opening partner Phillip Salt has scored 144 runs in his last 3 innings, including the highest score of 70* against Trent. While he has inflicted only one dismissal with the gloves, he will eventually make a difference in this department going forward.
Before being bowled out for a golden duck against London at Southampton a few days ago, James Vince had blasted a match-winning knock of 71* off 41 balls at the same venue against Welsh.
Smart Picks
Michael Hogan might have gone wicketless in the previous game, but he has enjoyed bowling at the Rose Bowl. In his first visit, he generated bonus fantasy points for his economical spell of 10-6-7-1. He followed that up with another impressive spell of 20-7-31-2 in the last match.
Barring the last match, Alex Davies has got starts in his other three games (26, 33, and 36). The onus will be on him to accelerate the scoring in the powerplay. If the out-of-form de Kock gets dropped, Davies is in the line to don the gloves.
Matthew Parkinson hasn’t run riot with his leg-spinners in this tournament, but he has kept fantasy players interested by picking a wicket in all four games.
After losing three games in a row, Manchester finally got back to winning ways, thanks to a match-winning spell of 4 for 8 by Sean Abbott against Welsh. He also generated fantasy points for pouching 3 catches.
In 4 outings, Andre Russell has only managed 2 wickets and scored 67 runs. That said, given his reputation of being a game changer, it will be a folly to ignore him from fantasy leagues.
Form Concerns
Quinton de Kock’s lean patch will be a matter of concern for Southern. His scores in this edition read 15, 2, and 8. In fact, he even failed to cross the 20-run mark in the T20Is against Ireland and England.
Tim David too has been experiencing an extended drop in form. His recent scores in the shorter form of the game read 10, 8, 11, 3, and 22.
Fantasy Tip Of The Day
While both sides have struggled, their respective top order has shown promise lately. Besides, there are quite a few match-winning all-rounders available for selection. Focusing on them could help you stay ahead in the race.