We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Matches played in this edition: 2
1st innings average score: 167
2nd innings average score: 131
Type: Both games produced an even contest between the bat and ball.
Teams
Probable XI for West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy
Probable XI for Zimbabwe: Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Game Changers
Jason Holder’s efforts of 38 off 33 and 2 for 14 may have gone in vain for the West Indies, but they reaped rewards in fantasy cricket. With 47 points to his name, he was the vice-captain of the Ultimate Team. In his last 10 competitive T20s, he has scored 186 runs at an average of 37 and taken 12 wickets.
Sean Williams could not capitalise on a good start but later made amends for fantasy players with a wicket. In 2022, he has collected 252 runs at an average of 28 and taken 6 wickets in 9 games.
Smart Picks
Brandon King and Kyle Mayers, the top two run-getters in the Caribbean T20 League, have been a ray of hope amidst an out-of-form batting lineup. While King has scored 199 runs at an average of 50 in his last 5 professional T20s, Mayers has 120 runs and 2 wickets to his name and more importantly, has been opening the bowling for West Indies.
In his last 5 T20Is, Blessing Muzarabani has taken 8 wickets. Against Ireland, he not only produced bonus points for a three-wicket haul but also for maintaining an economy of under 6 RPO.
Obed McCoy bowls in the middle overs and at the death, exploiting his variations when the batters up the ante. He has taken 13 wickets in the last 10 T20s.
Richard Ngarava and Tendai Chatara produced identical bowling figures of 2 for 22 in 4 overs. The pace duo was accurate with their lengths, inducing the batters into playing false strokes. They have taken 22 wickets between them this year.
Power Players
In 2022, Sikander Raza has featured in the Ultimate Team in 11 of 17 T20Is. He has scored 598 runs at 42 and taken 16 wickets including the best figures of 4 for 8.
Ever since the Caribbean T20 League, Alzarri Joseph has taken 25 wickets in 14 games. Above all, he has been adding points with the bat too. He has a top score of 28* off 18 including four fours and a six.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
West Indies’ middle order has not been producing enough fantasy points, while Zimbabwe have been relying heavily on Raza and Williams. However, the even contests at the venue suggest that picking more all-rounders is likely to be more beneficial.