ICC World Cup 2019, Tournament Contest: Round 8 – Official Classic Fantasy Cricket Tips

The 7th round of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 official fantasy witnessed quite a few low-scoring matches. Not even one of the five matches witnessed a 300+ score says a lot about the domination of the bowlers. Only Babar Azam and Aaron Finch could score centuries in this round. The 8th round will witness the newly crowned No.1 ranked ODI team, India, playing two matches. South Africa, who already are out of semi-final contention will have to stay a week more for playing their last match.

Here is our fantasy guide for the eighth round of the ICC World Cup 2019 tournament contest:

(Can be played on ICC Cricket website)

Round 8 schedule – The 8th round comprises of the five games (Match 35 to Match 40) of the tournament. India play twice in this round while South Africa get rest. All the remaining eight teams play one game apiece in this round.

Wicket-Keepers:

Suggestions – Alex Carey, Kusal Perera

The wicket-keepers have been quite disappointing with the bat barring Mushfiqur Rahim. Picking up keepers who consume fewer credits will be ideal for this round to fit in some big names. Alex Carey is having a good time behind the stumps. He will be playing on a green tinge at the Lord’s and could be batting earlier than expected. Kusal Perera has been consistent in producing quick 30-40s and can get away with one against the Windies.

Batsmen:

Suggestions – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Joe Root

Alternatives – Eoin Morgan, KL Rahul, Babar Azam.

The game between India and England potentially seems to be the only high-scoring game for this round. After Jonny Bairstow’s criticism for not getting enough batting surfaces, they could finally be playing on one. However, only Joe Root can be trusted among the Brits and Eoin Morgan to an extent. With India playing two matches in this round, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma become a must.

KL Rahul also can be picked as he is consistently scoring 30-40s but hasn’t got a big one. Babar Azam is more likely to have a good match if Pakistan bat first against Afghanistan. The left-handed openers could be troubled by the off-spinners in the Afghanistan camp. Skipping the costly batsmen from the NZ v AUS match will be ideal given the chances of a green pitch.

All-Rounders:

Suggestions – Hardik Pandya, Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Stokes

Hardik Pandya will be a perfect inclusion if Free-Hits are used on England-India and India-Bangladesh matches. The all-rounder is valuable for the Indian team with both bat and ball. Shakib Al Hasan’s sensational run could come to a halt against India but still the best option from Bangladesh in that game. Ben Stokes will be a good choice given his recent form and comes into play for the Super Fours free-hit.

Bowlers:

Suggestions – Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav

Alternatives – Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Trent Boult

The two matches that are ideal for using Bowling machine are India-Bangladesh and New Zealand-Australia. With India playing two matches, the likes of Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav can be picked with Shakib and Pandya already present in the all-rounders’ category. On a green track at the Lord’s, the inform pacers from Australia and New Zealand can wreak havoc.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Rohit Sharma scored centuries both times he faced Bangladesh in the ICC ODI tournaments. With Edgbaston pitch playing slow at best, Rohit could well score big knocks in both the matches. If Rohit survives the first ten overs, he will end up scoring 125+ more often. Virat Kohli is a safe pick given his four successive fifties and can be made vice-captain. Babar Azam could be top performer against Afghanistan and he can be appointed captain for using Star Skipper free-hit.

Free hit options:

Super Fours – ENGvIND

Bowling machine – NZvAUS or INDvBAN (Minimum three bowlers)

Star Skipper – PAKvAFG (Babar Azam) or INDvBAN (Rohit Sharma if bowling machine used on NZvAUS)

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.