Singapore T20I Tri-series 2019, Match 1, Zimbabwe vs Nepal: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 1st match of the Singapore T20I Tri-Series 2019 will be played between Zimbabwe and Nepal at the Indian Association Ground in Singapore.

The match starts at 7:30 PM local time (5:00 PM IST) (11:30 AM GMT).

This game will be available on Fan code in India and will be streamed on Singapore Cricket’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Preview:

Zimbabwe and Nepal will be touring Singapore for a T20I Tri-series starting on Friday. The three teams will meet each other twice between September 27th and October 3rd at the Indian Association Ground. Nepal and Zimbabwe will face off in the tournament opener which will be the first meeting in international of these two sides. It was Singapore who defeated Nepal for sealing their place at the Men’s T20 CWC Qualifiers to be played later this month.

Zimbabwe lost the chance after the Zimbabwe cricket was suspended by the ICC. They can take confidence from the win over Afghanistan in the T20I Tri-series in Bangladesh. That win brought an end to Afghanistan’s record winning streak in Men’s T20I cricket. Hamilton Masakadza ended his International career in the same match. Sean Williams will now be leading Zimbabwe for the first time in his 15-year career.

Weather Condition/Report:

The tournament opener is likely to get a delayed start with the rain predicted till evening. The weather forecast looks better from 5 PM local time which is a positive sign.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The Indian Association Ground hosted the T20 CWC Asia Qualifier a couple of months ago. The games that were played in the morning had high scores and good chasing record. However, on used pitches, both the numbers saw a decline. This will be the first Men’s International game to be played under the lights at this venue. This could be a high scoring one with the chances of dew.

Average first innings score: 154 (unaffected T20I matches)

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

Injury and Availability News:

Ryan Burl has replaced Craig Ervine in the Zimbabwe squad.

Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe:

Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Peter Moor, Sean Williams (C), Ryan Burl, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Wellington Masakadza, Neville Madziva, Tendai Chatara, Daniel Jakiel.

Bench: Tony Munyonga, William Mashinge, Timycen Maruma, Richard Ngarava.

Nepal:

Paras Khadka, Pawan Sarraf, Dipendra Singh Airee, Md.Arif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Rohit Paudel, Binod Bhandari (WK), Karan Kc, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamicchanne, Abinash Bohara.

Bench: Sushan Bhari, Kushal Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Ishan Pandey.

Top Picks:

Brian Chari also had a couple of good knock during the domestic T20 tournament in March this year. Abinash Bohara has taken 12 wickets from 8 T20Is he has played. Sundeep Jora became the youngest player ever to score a T20I fifty this year but failed to get into the squad for T20 CWC Asia Qualifiers. He has had a couple of good knocks during the U19s Asia Cup.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Paras Khadka, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Pawan Sarraf

Vice-Captain Options: Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva

Sean Williams will be a good option as captain or vice-captain given the role he is expected to play in this match.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Regis Chakabva, Peter Moor

Batsmen – Paras Khadka (VC), Brian Chari, Richmond Mutumbami, Dipendra Singh Airee

All-Rounders – Sean Williams (C), Sompal Kami

Bowlers – Sandeep Lamichhane, Abhinash Bohara, Neville Madziva

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Binod Bhandari

Batsmen – Sundeep Jora, Richmond Mutumbami, Brian Chari (VC)

All-Rounders – Sean Williams, Pawan Sarraf (C), Tinotenda Mutombodzi

Bowlers – Karan KC, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Abhinash Bohara

Expert Advice:

Sandeep Lamicchanne has been quite poor with the ball in the T20Is recently. His economy rate has become the 2nd worst for Nepal among the players who bowled at least five overs. Most of the Zimbabwe players have never played Sandeep which could help his cause. Moreover, the leg-spinner has performed well in the CPL which will give him confidence.

Probable Winners:

Zimbabwe is expected to start the tournament with a win.

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.