2016 ICC World T20 Fantasy Guru: Spoilt for choice
I didn’t do any transfers yesterday, as it was pretty obvious from the reports and forecasts that hardly any play would be possible. It doesn’t, however, mean I should consider myself fortunate.
While most of them would have carried players who were fastest to second match (one of the most misunderstood fantasy theories), I took players who I considered were my best scoring options – Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Tamim Iqbal, and all of them have now played a match less, which is quite a blow.
Coming to today’s fixtures, with 13 transfers remaining, I can basically get in every player I want. And 13 is not too many by any means if the last two matches don’t face any rain interruptions.
I haven’t used the traditional player in/player out format for this article, as with things not going according to plan yesterday, it wouldn’t make much sense. It will, however, be back for the second stage of the competition.
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan
Captain: Mohammad Shahzad
My first two picks for the match would be Mohammad Shahzad and Hamilton Masakadza (yes, the same Hamilton Masakadza). Sean Williams is not an out-and-out hitter, so for him to succeed, there has to be a top order collapse yet again.
His bowling is not something you would like to depend on, especially against Afghanistan who will have no problems against his non-spinning deliveries.
Given what happened in the last match, it wouldn’t be wise to leave him out though: get him in if you don’t have. There are a couple of reasons why I say this: one, Afghanistan are flirting with danger by playing Samiullah Shenwari as their 5th bowler, thereby weakening their bowling attack; two, with that half-century of his in the last match, he is likely to bat at No.4 irrespective of the situation.
Richard Mutumbami played some clean shots in his short stay at the crease last game, but his inability to dig in and play a longer knock makes him undependable at this stage. Malcolm Waller bats too low, and Sikandar Raza hasn’t done anything of note.
That takes me to their bowling attack. With Tendai Chatara being cut off his fourth over last game, Donald Tiripano seems to be the best bet unless you believe Wellington Masakadza would be able to replicate his fluke-show yet again.
For Afghanistan, Asghar Stanikzai could help himself to a slow-paced 40-odd runs if he finds enough time at the crease. Noor Ali Zadran is a risk worth taking, He has looked pretty comfortable at the crease while finding it difficult to force the game forward outside the powerplay.
This team’s middle order is a mystery – it’s not easy to predict who will bat where given their rotation policy. I really don’t think Mohammad Nabi will have a say in this fixture in his usual role. The most I would expect is a couple of wickets.
Rashid Khan is easily the best bowling option. Dawlat Zadran and Hamid Hassan could break their wicket-droughts; if I will have to, I would pick Dawlat of the two.
Top 3 picks: Mohammad Shahzad, Hamilton Masakadza, Rashid Khan
Safe bets: Sean Williams, Mohammad Nabi, Donald Tiripano
Differentials: Noor Ali Zadran, Vusi Sibanda, Dawlat Zadran
Risky but worth it: Richard Mutumbami
My normal picks (not 13-transfer based): Shahzad, Masakadza, Rashid, Noor Ali, Williams
Scotland vs Hong Kong
Captain: Ryan Campbell
We are talking about teams with pretty weak bowling attacks here, which makes Ryan Campbell, Jamie Atkinson, Kyle Coetzer strong contenders for scoring points. Mark Chapman and Matt Machan would come into the game too if they get enough deliveries.
There is a reason why I didn’t mention Tanwir Afzal in the last article. It is not advisable to expect someone who is inconsistent, bats low, and bowls all his dibbly dobblies up front to click every single time.
There are no outstanding options as far as bowling is concerned, so you can go by history. Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif and Aizaz Khan seem to be the best picks for me.
Top 3 picks: Ryan Campbell, Jamie Atkinson and Kyle Coetzer
Safe bets: Safyaan Sharif and Alasdair Evans
Differentials: George Munsey, Matt Machan, Mark Chapman
Risky but worth it: Matthew Cross (if he bats at 3)
My normal picks (not 13-transfer based): Ryan Campbell, Jamie Atkinson and Kyle Coetzer