Indian T20 League 2019: Match 6, Kolkata vs Punjab – Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide

Kolkata have a superior head-to-head record against Punjab at the Eden Gardens.

Published - 27 Mar 2019, 11:46 IST | Updated - 27 Mar 2019, 11:46 IST

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After the fireworks against Hyderabad in their opening match, Kolkata’s batting battery moves to the more familiar surroundings of the Eden Gardens, where they take on another team in red hot batting form – Punjab. A second win on the trot is on offer for both teams, and it is their batting that might decide the game. Here we take a look at the Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide for Match 6.

Venue

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Conditions

It has larger boundaries than most grounds in India, but the Eden track is typically a batsman’s dream, so look out for a high scoring shootout.

Injury updates

There aren’t any injuries, but expect changes in terms of batting order; Punjab may send Nicholas Pooran ahead of Sarfaraz Khan depending on the game situation.

Fantasy Tips

If you are looking for possible captain choices for a head to head contest, you could go with these ‘Safe Captain Choices’

Andre Russell: The red hot form he demonstrated against Mumbai was not just spectacular, but also an indicator of how well he is batting right now. He bowls too, making him that perfect double threat you need to be a difference maker in a game like this.

KL Rahul: He didn’t really get going in Jaipur but KL Rahul’s performance in this corresponding fixture last season – a sublime 60 off 27 balls – should make him a strong candidate.

Ravichandran Ashwin: He was in the headlines for controversial reasons in Jaipur but the Punjab skipper is wily with the ball and should be able to use the conditions in Eden to his advantage

However, if you are willing to take a bit more risk in a grand league contest, maybe consider these ‘Risky Captain Choices’

Chris Gayle: The ultimate ride or die fantasy pick candidate, he has already showcased that he means business this season and rumours of the demise of his form were exaggerated. If Punjab bat first, he could be a bonanza.

Chris Lynn: A similar candidate is Chris Lynn, who looked iffy against Mumbai but lit up Eden in this fixture last season with a 41 ball 74.

Mohammed Shami: He bowled a key couple of overs in the match against Rajasthan even though he went wicketless. Couple that with Eden being a happy hunting ground of sorts for him, and he could be a game-changing candidate for you.

Expert Advice

A batter’s battle usually means picking the batsmen who will have the most opportunity to rack up a good total, and that usually means the openers are automatic picks, but you may want to steer clear of Chris Lynn who hasn’t looked in his best touch. One of Chris Gayle (a blistering 79 off 47 in the last game) or Sarfaraz Khan (7 boundaries in a knock of 46) could be an important pick. One can also look at someone like a Yusuf Pathan.

The Prediction

This has been a historically high scoring encounter so expect another run-fest. Kolkata’s confidence from their opening win and their dominance in home conditions carries the day through in a high octane encounter.

Likely XIs

Kolkata

Keeper – Dinesh Karthik (C)

Batsmen – Chris Lynn, Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill

All – Rounders- Andre Russell, Sunil Narine

Bowlers – Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna

Punjab

Keeper – Nicholas Pooran

Batsmen -Lokesh Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh

All- Rounders- Sam Curran, R Ashwin (C)

Bowlers- Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami, Ankit Rajpoot

Fantasy Team Preferred for Dotball Head or Tails/Small Contests:

Wicket Keeper: Lokesh Rahul (VC)

Batsman: Robin Uthappa, Chris Gayle, Chris Lynn

All Rounders: Andre Russell (C), Ravichandran Ashwin

Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Mujeeb Ur Rahman