New Zealand A vs India A, 2020: 3rd Unofficial ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 3rd unofficial One-Day match between New Zealand A and India A will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The match starts at 10:00 AM local time (3:30 AM IST) (10:00 PM GMT – Previous Day). There is no live telecast of this match.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

After having been shellacked by India A in the first game, the Kiwi A outfit came back strongly in the last game to enforce a decider in the three-match Unofficial One-day series. Batting first, it was opener George Worker who set the platform for New Zealand A as the young batsman shellacked the Indian attack to the tune of 135 off 144 balls- an innings which included 12 fours and six monstrous sixes.

Barring Worker, none of the top-order batsmen could register any substantial score and it was only a 149-run-stand between the 0pener and James Neesham [33 not out] and a half-century from McConchie [56] that propelled them to a total of 7-297 after 50 overs.

Chasing 296, India A needed one of their batsmen to play a substantial knock and even though a majority of them barring Prithivi Shaw [2] got to 30s or 40s, none of them could kick on and post a three-figure score. Consequently, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and a valiant effort from Vijay Shankar [41] and Krunal Pandya [51] lower down the order wasn’t enough, as they eventually fell short by 29 runs.

Weather Report/Condition

It is expected to be a clear day with periodic clouds in Christchurch on Friday. According to AccuWeather, the Hagley Oval is set to be bathed in the sunshine followed by overcast spells throughout the day. While the temperature is set to be between 16 and 23 degrees Celsius, the humidity is set to hover around 73%. Chances of rain- minimal.

Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval has always offered a fair balance between the bat and the ball. And, with Friday expected to have overcast spells throughout the day, the fast bowlers may come into play initially. That said, batsmen are expected to get full value for their shots.

Average first innings score: 317 (List A matches in 2019/20)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 0; Lost – 4

Injury and Availability:

Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the tour after fracturing his wrist.

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand A

George Worker, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (WK), Tom Bruce (C), Mark Chapman, Cole McConchie, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Ollie Newton

Bench- Todd Astle, Ajaz Patel

India A

Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad/Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), Vijay Shankar, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj/Sandeep Warrier, Ishan Porel

Bench – Sandeep Warrier/Mohammed Siraj, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Shubman Gill

Top Picks

India A- The Indian batting unit has been in cracking form ever since they stepped foot in New Zealand. And, the likes of Prithvi Shaw [48, 2], Mayank Agarwal [29, 37], and Suryakumar Yadav [35 & 20]  will be the ones to watch out for. As far as bowling is concerned, Ishan Porel [3-50] chipped-in with three wickets while Axar Patel [1-33] and Krunal Pandya [1-5-] were handy in the middle-overs. These players can be picked in your Dream11 Fantasy team.

New Zealand A– The Kiwis will hope that the likes of Rachin Ravindra [49], Glenn Phillips [24] and Tom Bruce [47], who racked up impressive starts in the first game, gave support to George Worker, who racked up a match-winning 135 in the last game. James Neesham [2-25 & 2-24] has claimed wickets in both games and he also chipped in with a vital 33 in the last game. As far as bowling is concerned, Kyle Jamieson [2-69] and Jacob Duffy [2-35] will lead the attack.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Rachin Ravindra, George Worker

Vice-Captain – James Neesham, Suryakumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Krunal Pandya

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Glenn Phillips, Ishan Kishan

Batsmen – Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw (C), George Worker

All-Rounders – Krunal Pandya (VC), James Neesham, Axar Patel

Bowlers – Ishan Porel, Jacob Duffy, Rahul Chahar

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Ishan Kishan

Batsmen – Mayank Agarwal (C), Tom Bruce, Suryakumar Yadav, George Worker

All-Rounders – Vijay Shankar, Axar Patel, James Neesham (VC)

Bowlers – Ishan Porel, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy

Expert Advice

Mayank Agarwal has got through starts in the first two games but hasn’t been able to convert them into a substantial score. Picking him as captain of your Grand League team can be a good punt.

Krunal Pandya and James Neesham have chipped in with handy contributions down the order and has also claimed wickets with the ball. The duo can also be another good option in your fantasy XI.

India A are likely to make a couple of changes to their playing XI with Sandeep Warrier also likely to get a game. Wait for the playing XIs to be announced before finalising your Dream11 Fantasy team.

Probable Winners

India A are expected to win this match.

*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.