We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Probable XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Sohail, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell/Henry Shipley, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson
Pitch Report
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
(Based on the last 3 games)
1st innings average score: 285
2nd innings average score: 265
Wickets per innings: 6
Type: In the first game, batting got easier in the second innings.
Weather: Clear.
Wins
Batting 1st: 67%
Batting 2nd: 33%
Fantasy Tips of the Day
More wickets fall in the first innings than in the second at Karachi. Given the number of quality pacers featuring in the game, picking more bowlers from the team bowling first is likely to be beneficial.
Wicketkeepers
Finn Allen has featured in the Ultimate Team in 4 of 5 games. To further glorify him, he has registered a score below 20 only twice in 11 innings.
Mohammad Rizwan and Tom Latham’s recent numbers may not match that of Allen’s, but their composed knocks in the first game will see their selection percentage scale up. Given the conditions, they will play a key role in the middle overs.
Batters
Babar Azam has a hundred and a fifty in 3 innings at Karachi. Against New Zealand, he averages 44 in 12 games. There is no iota of doubt that he is one of the most consistent power players in fantasy leagues.
Fakhar Zaman’s scores at the venue read 54, 76, and 56. Against New Zealand, he has scored 5 fifties in 9 games.
Had it not been for Usama Mir’s brilliant leg-spinner, Kane Williamson could have gone on to play a long innings. Amidst a disciplined bowling, he managed 26 off 39, until he was cleaned up. A sheet anchor like him is more likely to fetch points consistently.
All-rounders
Although his team lost, Michael Bracewell had a good time with both bat and ball. Not only did he top-score (43 off 42) for his team but also fetched the most wickets (2 for 44). For that matter, he has impressive scores at No.7: 127*, 42*, 21*, 31, and 43.
The conditions demand Mohammad Nawaz’s skills. New Zealand could not dominate him on this wicket, giving him figures of 1 for 38. Given he bats at No.7, a few more handy points would please the fantasy players.
Bowlers
Fantasy players are spoilt for choice in this department.
There are as many as four bowlers whose Ultimate Team percentage in the last 5 games reads 80: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson.
Every one of them operates well in different match situations, but the player who overshadowed all was Naseem Shah. As a matter of fact, this was his second five-for in 4 ODIs.
