We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Matches played in the edition: 6
1st innings average score: 157
2nd innings average score: 141
Type: Even battle between the bat and ball.
Teams
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
Probable XI for Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little
Game Changers
George Dockrell bowls only when the main bowlers fail to deliver. However, his bat has been talking consistently. In his last 10 T20Is, he has smashed 260 runs at an average of 64, thanks to six unbeaten knocks.
By his standards and the overall numbers in 2022 (456 runs at 30), Dasun Shanaka had a quiet Qualifiers. Nonetheless, Sri Lanka have no option but to rely on their captain to provide brisk runs at the death.
Smart Picks
Not only was Joshua Little the highest wicket-taker (4) in the Qualifiers but he has taken the most wickets (32) for Ireland in 2022. Striking with both new and old ball is his forte.
It has become a painful task to attack Maheesh Theekshana. He provides absolutely no room or no margin for error to cut loose. He took 5 wickets at 13.4 in the Qualifiers.
Paul Stirling hadn’t done anything significant before his breathtaking 66* off 48 against the West Indies. However, that’s the nature of his game: an aggressive approach, if not controlled, leads to inconsistency. That being said, the experienced lad has played enough to put up timely performances.
Andy Balbirnie’s careful approach has been helping Ireland lay solid foundations this year. He has batted at a decent average of 24 and a strike rate of 132. Expect safe cricket from the Irish captain.
Power Players
Amongst both teams, Wanindu Hasaranga generated the most fantasy points (98.5) in the Qualifiers. In three games, he collected 6 bonus points for two three-wicket hauls and 3 points for an economy of under 3 RPO in the contest against the UAE.
For Ireland, Curtis Campher topped the fantasy chart in the Qualifiers. He provided 90.5 points for an all-round show. He smashed 99 runs at a strike rate of 183 and picked 2 wickets.
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have scored the bulk of the runs for Sri Lanka in 2022. While Nissanka (74) took charge against the UAE, Mendis (79) led Sri Lanka to a competitive total against the Netherlands. It is their safe approach that makes them safe picks in fantasy cricket.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
Sri Lanka’s openers and spinners have been fetching the most points for fantasy players, while Ireland’s performance has been a mixed bag. All in all, although the conditions favour the batters, the bowlers have been time and again taking the centre stage in Hobart.