The biggest prize in cricket is up for grabs this summer as the top 10 teams battle it out in the 2019 ICC World Cup in England.
As fans, it’s not just watching the best players battle it out to look forward to. Fantasy cricket means you have the opportunity to get involved as well.
Dream11 is the official partner of the ICC tournament’s fantasy league. And we are with you every step of the way with our tips and picks to guide you through each round.
Here, we help you navigate through the seventh round which includes five matches and begins on Monday with Bangladesh’s clash against Afghanistan.
TOP TIP
Afghanistan and Bangladesh all-rounders look good
The last game in Southampton featured India and Afghanistan in what was a nail-biting contest. The slow pitch got the better of an unsuspecting Indian batting line-up and ensured they had to settle for a modest total of just 224 runs.
The 2011 champions defended the meagre total after a Mohammad Shami hat-trick in the last over capped an exciting game that saw the fall of 18 wickets.
It would be logical to stock up on some of the all-rounders from either side in yet another Asian encounter between Afghanistan and Bangladesh on Monday.
Mohammad Nabi was sensational as he picked up two wickets and hit a crucial fifty. At the other end, Shakib Al Hasan continues to be among the top run-getters in the tournament and also has five wickets.
BATSMEN
Joe Root (10 credits)
One of the most consistent wielders of the willow this World Cup will be leading the batting line-up for the hosts on what looks like a batsman-friendly pitch at the Lord’s against Australia. Aussies’ lethal bowling attack led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins can cause trouble but if the Englishman sticks around, he can go big. Root is one of the most picked players and there appears no need for a change in the winning formula.
Aaron Finch (9 credits)
David Warner, Finch, both, or a coin-flip? The Aussie opening duo has shown great consistency so far and will continue to do so, in all likelihood. Finch has scored at least 50 runs in each of Australia’s last three games. The captain registered 82 against Pakistan before powering to 153 against Sri Lanka and followed it up with a 53 against Bangladesh.
Warner has scored tons against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Going by the pattern, it’s now Finch’s turn to reach triple digits.
Kane Williamson (10.5 credits)
Back-to-back tons for Kane Williamson.
After two match-winning performances decorated by world-class centuries, Kane Williamson could be in for a rough evening against a fiery Pakistani bowling attack led by Mohammad Amir. But the Kiwis skipper has laughed at the face of adversity and almost single-handedly lifted his team to the top of the table.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s side will be a force to reckon with, thanks to the confidence that has kicked in after their win over the Proteas. But Williamson has momentum on his side and will look to lead by example like he has done so far.
BOWLERS
Mujeeb Ur Rahman (8 credits)
After a near-flawless performance against an in-form Indian side, Mujeeb Ur Rahman will shift his gaze to Bangladesh. The familiar turf in Southampton could inspire a similar performance, but with more wickets to his name.
Should the 18-year-old spinner provide an early breakthrough, there is a good chance he will claim a couple more in the same spell.
Mohammad Amir (8.5 credits)
The joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament will be up against an unpredictable batting line-up that has proved to be overly reliant on Williamson.
A win over South Africa has provided Pakistan with an outside chance to qualify for the semis and a lurking Amir will be looking to make the most of it.
Mohammed Shami (8.5 credits)
Shami becomes second Indian to take a World Cup hat-trick.
Having announced his arrival into the tournament with a match-winning hat-trick against Afghanistan, Shami will be motivated to top it by rattling West Indies’ top-order and subsequently inch closer to cementing his place in the starting line-up over a recovering Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
With momentum, hunger and potentially overcast conditions to assist him, Shami could shine against the Windies.
Lasith Malinga (8.5 credits)
After producing one of the best bowling performances in Sri Lanka’s shocking win over England, Lasith Malinga will be licking his lips at the prospect of crushing a few South African toes with his yorkers.
The Proteas have been woeful with the bat and are likely to fall prey to the red-hot Sri Lankan pacer.
ALL-ROUNDERS
Mohammad Nabi (9 credits)
When Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi looks back at his performance against India years down the line, he will be staring at the highlight of his career. That is, unless he tops it with match-winner against Bangladesh.
Nabi troubled India with the ball and scalped two wickets before following it up with a half-ton with the bat. On paper, he will be up against a weaker opposition and is likely to assert himself on the fixture.
Shakib Al Hasan (9 credits)
Shakib has been the man for Bangladesh.
As established already, the Bangladesh v Afghanistan is likely to produce wickets and both sides are gifted with a couple of quality all-rounders. Shakib is currently the player with the highest fantasy point and he could take it higher on Monday.
It’s highly unlikely that the 32-year-old will underperform in both the innings, making him a safe pick for this round.
WICKETKEEPER
Kusal Perera (8.5 credits)
A wicketkeeper-batsman who opens the innings should logically fetch a good amount of points, given he will be enjoying a good chunk of the power-play overs. A win against England has provided Sri Lanka a good chance of breaking into the top four with the hapless Proteas up next.
The fight needs to start at the top of the order and Kusal Perera – who has been unusually quiet so far – could be in for a big innings.
Captain: Shakib-Al-Hasan
Vice-captain: Mohammad Amir
