We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
(Based on last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 182
2nd innings average score: 167
Type: Decent batting wicket.
Time: October 17, 1.30 PM IST
Teams
Probable XI for Zimbabwe: Regis Chakabva (wk), Milton Shumba, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams (c), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza
Probable XI for Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy
Form Concerns
Paul Stirling has managed only 51 runs in his last 5 competitive T20s. The wickets column also remains dry.
When these two teams last met in a five-match T20Is series in 2021, Andrew Balbirnie was dismissed for a single-digit figure on three occasions.
Although Milton Shumba’s role is to go hammer and tongs, he has scored only 44 runs in his last 5 T20Is.
Game Changer
Harry Tector might have added only 55 runs in his last 5 T20Is, but given his clean striking, one can expect a bunch of bonus points from him. Remember his 64* off 33 balls against India?
Smart Picks
In the ODI series against India and Australia, Brad Evans proved how he could help fantasy players through his dual skills: 77 with the bat and 8 wickets with the ball. He thrives in the death overs.
In the recently concluded ODIs against Australia, Ryan Burl turned out to be a surprise package in fantasy leagues. He picked 8 wickets in 3 outings.
Ireland will bank on Mark Adair for wickets with the new and old ball. A year ago, he finished as the highest wicket-taker (10) in the five-match series against Zimbabwe.
Power Players
Joshua Little has been Ireland’s best strike bowler lately. He has bagged 17 wickets, including the best figures of 4 for 35 in his last 10 T20Is.
In the five-match Series against Ireland, Craig Ervine added 160 runs at 40, including the highest score of 67.
Besides picking 5 wickets, Sean Williams has accumulated 240 runs at 30, including 2 half-centuries in 2022.
Much like his teammate, Sikandar Raza has also been a hot pick in fantasy leagues. His scores in the last 5 T20Is read 22, 19, 65*, 62, and 0. In the same period, he also grabbed a four-wicket haul.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
Both sides have quality all-rounders in their mix. Given the recent history, they are likely to generate the maximum fantasy points.