National T20 Cup, 2019: Match 3, Northern vs Southern Punjab – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 3rd match of the National T20 Cup 2019 will be played between Northern and Southern Punjab at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The match starts at 1:30 PM local time (2:00 PM IST) (8:30 AM GMT)

Preview:

Northern and Southern Punjab teams will take the field for the first time in this tournament on Monday afternoon. The Northern team, led by Imad Wasim, is a mixture of all-rounders and top-class bowling attack. Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Sohail Tanvir are in the side and are hopeful of putting on a good show.

Their opponents Southern Punjab is led by opener Shan Masood. The Punjab team also has International bowlers on their side. Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz are the three left-arm pacers in Southern Punjab side. They also have Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Abbas in their squad but both are unlikely to feature in their first match.

Weather Condition/Report:

Faisalabad is expected to have a sunny on Monday afternoon like it was during the tournament opener. It will be clear throughout the duration of the game and no rain is expected.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The teams chasing do have a good record during the afternoon games at this venue. It is due to the teams batting first on a fresh pitch not making enough scores to defend and win.

Average first innings score: 160 (Last 6 afternoon T20 games)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 2

Injury and Availability News:

Mohammad Abbas will need to pass a fitness test to be part of the playing XI.

Shoaib Malik will be returning from CPL and might be available to play from 2bd match.

Probable Playing XIs:

Northern:

Sohail Akhtar, Rohail Nazir (WK), Naveed Malik, Umar Amin, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Sohail Tanvir.

Bench: Musa Khan, Zaid Alam, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Ali Imran.

Southern Punjab:

Shan Masood (C), Mohammad Hafeez, Saif Badar, Sohaib Maqsood, Umer Siddique, Mohammad Irfan (LLS), Sami Aslam, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz.

Bench:  Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Abbas, Amir Yamin, Bilawal Bhatti, Zahid Mahmood.

Top Picks:

Naveed Malik played only four games in the previous edition but scored 206 runs with help of two fifties at an average of 51.5 including a score of 90. Hammad Azam scored 182 runs across 8 innings last season alongside picking up 9 wickets from 9 games. Umaid Asif picked up 16 wickets in the previous edition of the T20 Cup.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Mohammad Nawaz, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shan Masood

Vice-Captain – Imad Wasim, Sohail Akhtar, Saif Badar, Mohammad Irfan (LLS)

Mohammad Hafeez is likely to bat in the top-order which makes him a perfect option as captain or vice-captain.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Rohail Nazir

Batsmen – Shan Masood (C), Sohail Akhtar, Saif Badar

All-Rounders – Mohammad Hafeez, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Nawaz (VC), Imad Wasim

Bowlers – Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Umer Siddique

Batsmen – Shan Masood, Sohail Akhtar, Asif Ali

All-Rounders – Mohammad Hafeez (VC), Hammad Azam (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan

Bowlers – Rahat Ali, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz

Expert Advice:

A lot of players who are expected to feature in this game and all are of at least 9 credits. Hence, gamble has to be taken on excluding those big names such as picking only one among Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan.

Probable Winners:

Southern Punjab is expected to begin their tournament with a win.

*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.