National T20 Cup, 2019: Match 9, Balochistan vs Southern Punjab – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 9th match of the National T20 Cup 2019 will be played between Balochistan 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:

Balochistan moved on to the top of the table with their 2nd straight win in the competition. The started the tournament with a 7-wicket defeat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They were good enough to bounce back in the very next game where they posted a big total of 233/6. They restricted the opponent Sindh to 180 and bagged a 53-run win. A collective all-round performance handed them a comfortable win against Central Pakistan.

In the game played on Wednesday night, the Balochistan team posted 164/8. The Central team started off the chase with a quick 59-run opening stand before Balochistan pull off a 27-run win. They will now face Southern Punjab who started their campaign with a 5-wicket loss against Northern Areas. A 4-wicket win while chasing down 155 against Khyber saw Southern Punjab add their first points in this Pakistan T20 Cup.

Weather Condition/Report:

There is a possibility of showers in the evening at the Iqbal Stadium which could interrupt the game. The isolated thunderstorms are predicted from 3:30 PM local time. At least 25 overs of play is expected to be completed by then.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Afternoon matches provide the best conditions for chasing a target. On Wednesday afternoon, the Khyber team fell short of the 177-run target by nine runs. It was more of a poorly executed last five overs by the Mohammad Rizwan-led team. We might even 170+ targets chased down here comfortably.

Average first innings score: 166 (Last 9 afternoon T20 games)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 6, Lost – 3

Injury and Availability News:

The availability of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik is still doubtful. They will surely be part of the last round games after a 2-day game.

Probable Playing XIs:

Balochistan:

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

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

Southern Punjab:

Shan Masood (C), Umer Siddique (WK), Sami Aslam, Saif Badar, Agha Salman, Sohaib Maqsood, Amir Yamin, Mohammad Irfan, Umaid Asif, Wahab Riaz, Zahid Mahmood.

Bench:  Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Irfan (LLS), Bilawal Bhatti, Rahat Ali.

Top Picks:

Amad Butt picked up seven wickets in this competition including two 3-fers in the last two games. He is capable of taking a couple of wickets regularly having claimed 16 wickets at an impressive average of 12.06 in 2018/19. Wahab Riaz had a near-perfect game against Khyber where he scored an unbeaten 42 after taking a 3-wicket haul.

Awais Zia is averaging close to 55 this year having scored 164 runs in three innings. He was consistent at getting starts in the last season but couldn’t convert them into big knocks. Awais has already scored two fifties in this tournament. Shan Masood is due a big knock and Thursday could be his day.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Awais Zia, Sohaib Maqsood

Vice-Captain – Amad Butt, Bismillah Khan, Saif Badar, Wahab Riaz

Awais Zia is assured of at least 30 runs every game and hence will be a perfect and safe option as vice-captain.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Bismillah Khan

Batsmen –Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Sohaib Maqsood (VC), Awais Zia (C)

All-Rounders –Amad Butt, Amir Yamin

Bowlers – Wahab Riaz, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Asghar, Umar Gul

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Umer Siddique

Batsmen – Imam-ul-Haq (C), Shan Masood (VC), Sohaib Maqsood, Awais Zia

All-Rounders – Amad Butt, Hussain Talat

Bowlers – Wahab Riaz, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Asghar, Umar Gul

Expert Advice:

The recent performances will shelve the idea of picking Haris Sohail in the fantasy team especially with his batting quite low down the order. He costs 10 credits and picking him could mean we have to sacrifice a player who is expected to perform much better.

Probable Winners:

Balochistan Central Punjab will start as favourites following his record run-chase.

*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.