National T20 Cup, 2019: 2nd Semi-Final, Balochistan vs Southern Punjab – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 2nd Semi-Final of the National T20 Cup 2019 will be played between Balochistan and Southern Punjab at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The match starts at 5:30 PM local time (6:00 PM IST) (12:30 PM GMT)

Preview:

The second semi-final sees two very strong sides in Balochistan and Southern Punjab lock horns with a place in the final hanging in the balance. Both teams have done well in the tournament with only one point separating the two sides. Although they started the tournament slowly, the arrivals of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik has rejuvenated the Southern Punjab roster which saw them beat Sindh in a virtual knockout earlier in the week. Wahab Riaz’s transformation into a pinch-hitting all-rounder bodes well for them as well.

However, they will be wary of their opponents, Balochistan, who beat them convincingly by seven wickets in Match 9. While an Imam ul Haq fifty did suffice in their cause, Balochistan would hope for a better performance after being put to the sword by Northern in the last league game. Their top three of Imam, Awais Zia and Bismillah Khan have scored heavily with Amad Butt starring with the ball in hand. With both teams having a strong roster and tactical know-how as well, a close thrilling encounter beckons in Faisalabad

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather forecast for the Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday is expected to be clear without any threat of rain. Temperature will hover around 26 degrees Celsius with a few clouds making an appearance as well.

Pitch Condition/Report:

A decent batting tracks both sides with bowling first being the preferred trade over the course of the tournament. There is some swing on offer for the pacers to exploits while the pitch eases as the game progresses.

Average first innings score: 176 (Seven Day-Night Games in the tournament)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3; Lost – 4

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Balochistan:

Imam-ul-Haq,  Awais Zia,  Bismillah Khan (WK),  Imran Butt,  Haris Sohail (C),  Amad Butt,  Hussain Talat,  Akif Javed,  Yasir Shah,  Mohammad Asghar,  Saif Badar,  Umar Gul.

Bench: Mohammad Talha,  Ali Shafiq,  Imran Farhat,  Shahbaz Khan,  Taimur Khan.

Southern Punjab:

Shan Masood (C),  Mohammad Hafeez,  Wahab Riaz,  Sohaib Maqsood,  Shoaib Malik,  Umar Siddiq (WK),  Aamer Yamin,  Bilawal Bhatti,  Zahid Mahmood,  Mohammad Irfan

Bench: Adnan Akmal,  Sami Aslam,  Rahat Ali,  Mohammad Abbas,  Umaid Asif,  Zain Abbas

Top Picks:

Balochistan opening duo of Imam ul Haq and Awais Zia is key to their fortunes on Wednesday. With 172 and 217 runs respectively, they are in decent form coming into his crucial game. While Wahab Riaz has made his name through his searing yorkers and pace, it is his batting that has seen him win games for Southern Punjab this season. With 130 runs to his name, he is their highest run-scorer although much is expected with the ball in hand.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Imam ul Haq,  Mohammad Hafeez,  Wahab Riaz

Vice-Captain – Haris Sohail,  Awais Zia,  Zahid Mahmood

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Bismillah Khan

Batsmen – Imam ul Haq (VC),  Sohaib Maqsood,  Haris Sohail

All-Rounders – Mohammad Hafeez (C),  Wahab Riaz,  Amad Butt,  Hussain Talat

Bowlers – Zahid Mahmood,  Akif Javed,  Mohammad Irfan

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Bismillah Khan

Batsmen – Awais Zia (VC),  Imam ul Haq,  Shan Masood

All-Rounders –Wahab Riaz (C), Mohammad Hafeez,  Amad Butt,  Aamer Yamin

Bowlers – Zahid Mehmood,  Mohammad Ashgar,  Akif Javed

Expert Advice:

Wahab Riaz has enjoyed a good tournament with the bat for Southern Punjab. He is being promoted by the team management as well which makes him a dependable pick for the Dream11 contest.

Death-overs specialists rank high on the list for most wickets taken in the competition. The likes of Aamir Yamin and Amad Butt fit the bill.

Probable Winners:

Balochistan is expected to win the semi-final and compete for the Pakistan National T20 Cup later in the week

*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.