National T20 Cup, 2019: Final, Northern vs Balochistan – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The Final of the National T20 Cup 2019 will be played between Northern and Balochistan 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 final of the Pakistan National T20 Cup 2019 features Northern against Balochistan in a repeat of the final league game on Thursday. Although their previous match was a dead rubber, the stakes in this game are very high with both teams in touching distance of the trophy. Both teams were run close by their semi-final opponents on Wednesday. While Northern had to dig deep in their defence of 148 against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amad Butt’s late-order heroics earned them a place in the final in Faisalabad.

The previous encounter between the two sides saw Northern walk out comfortable winners while sealing the top spot on the Points Table. With a very well balanced side and arguably the best bowling unit in the league, Northern will once again be considered favourites for this game. While Balochistan isn’t one to be taken lightly, they too have a resourceful roster led by Haris Sohail, who will look to lead his side to an emphatic win in this highly awaited final.

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather forecast on Thursday is expected to be clear without any chance of rainfall. The temperature will hover around 25 degrees Celsius with a few clouds making an appearance as well in Faisalabad.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch has offered loads of runs in the evening games with the average first innings score also being quite high. Pacers will get some help with the new ball while dew could be a factor in teams preferring to chase on this surface.

Average first innings score: 175 (Eight Day-Night Games in the tournament)

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

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Northern:

Umar Amin,  Ali Imran,  Sohail Akthar,  Rohail Nazir (WK),  Asif Ali,  Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim,  Shadab Khan,  Mohammad Amir,  Sohail Tanvir,  Haris Rauf

Bench: Musa Khan,  Shaheen Afridi,  Sadaf Hussain,  Hammad Azam

Balochistan:

Imam-ul-Haq,  Awais Zia,  Bismillah Khan (WK),  Imran Farhat,  Haris Sohail (C),  Amad Butt,  Hussain Talat,  Akif Javed,  Yasir Shah,  Ali Shafiq,  Umar Gul.

Bench: Mohammad Talha,  Mohammad Ashgar,  Imran Butt,  Shahbaz Khan,  Taimur Khan.

Top Picks:

Imam ul Haq has shown glimpses of what he is capable of in this tournament with 170 runs to his name. With two fifties and a strike-rate of 140, Imam ul Haq’s big match experience is sure to come in handy. Similarly, Mohammad Amir is another world-class player who churns out match-winning performances in such games. His sensational spell in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Final is still fresh in the minds of Pakistan supporters. Balochistan all-rounder, Amad Butt was the star of the show in the semi-final. He scored 29 runs off just 14 balls as he pulled off a heist. His tally of eight wickets also holds him in good stead heading into this game.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Imam ul Haq,  Umar Amin,  Amad Butt

Vice-Captain – Imad Wasim,  Hussain Talat,  Mohammad Amir

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Bismillah Khan

Batsmen – Imam ul Haq (C),  Umar Amin (VC),  Haris Sohail

All-Rounders – Imad Wasim,  Amad Butt,  Mohammad Nawaz,  Hussain Talat

Bowlers – Mohammad Amir,  Akif Javed,  Haris Rauf

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Rohail Nazir,  Bismillah Khan

Batsmen – Imam ul Haq,  Asif Ali,  Awais Zia

All-Rounders –Amad Butt (VC),  Shadab Khan,  Mohammad Nawaz

Bowlers – Mohammad Amir (C),  Akif Javed,  Ali Shafiq

Expert Advice:

Death-overs specialists tend to pick most of the wickets in evening games. The likes of Mohammad Amir and Amad Butt fit the bill.

Considering the nature of the pitch and their form, Umar Amin and Awais Zia, who have scored five 30+ scores each, are dependable options

Probable Winners:

Northern is expected to win the final of the Pakistan T20 Cup 2019

*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.