Ford Trophy, 2019-20: Match 19, Auckland vs Northern Knights– Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 19th match of the Ford Trophy 2019-20 will be played between Auckland and Northern Knights at the Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland.

The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (10:00 PM GMT – Prev Day) (3:30 AM IST).

Preview:

Auckland got off to poor start to their year 2020 as they suffered a close defeat in their previous game. They would be eager to come back on the winning track in the upcoming clash against Northern Knights. In batting, they have Jeet Raval, Ben Horne and William O Donnell, who will be having the responsibility to pile some good runs with the bat in the upcoming match. On the other hand, their bowling unit looks quite up to the mark as they have restricted the opponents from scoring well and the same would be expected in the clash against Northern Knights.

Northern Knights got off the mark with a win in the ongoing year. They did exceedingly well in the previous game on the back of brilliant performances given by their players. They would be expected to come up with much more stronger effort against the league toppers. They will certainly bank on Anton Devcich, HR Cooper and Joe Carter as the trio has put forward some impressive show with the bat in the ongoing tournament. Anurag Verma, the right-handed medium pacer will be an important player, who is currently the leading wicket-taker for his side in Ford Trophy 2019-20.

Weather Condition/Report:

It might be a cloudy day on the matchday as the sun will play hide and seek during the game. There are no chances of rain with wind expected to blow at a rate of 17 to 30 km/hr. Meanwhile, the temperature is expected to hover between 20 and 26 Degree Celsius throughout the day according to Accuweather.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at Eden Park Outer Oval is expected to go in the favour of the fast bowlers. They will get good support from the wicket at this venue. Moreover, the windy conditions will make them more dangerous with the ball and the batsmen will probably find it difficult to play their strokes against them.

Meanwhile, the side winning the toss will look to bat first as far as the trends of Ford trophy 2019-20 are concerned. A total of three games have been played on this ground and the team batting first emerged as winners on two occasions.

Average first innings score: 265 (Games played at this venue in this season of Ford Trophy)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 1

Injury and Availability:

(Will update if there is any news)

Probable Playing XIs:

Auckland:

Jeet Raval, Will O’Donnell, Craig Cachopa (C), Finn Allen, Kyle Jamieson, Robert O’Donnell, Ben Horne (WK), Matthew McEwan, Danru Ferns, Louis Delport, Ben Lister

Bench – Ryan Harrison

Northern Knights

Anton Devcich, Katene Clarke, Henry Cooper, Joe Carter (C), Peter Bocock (WK), Zak Gibson, Brett Hampton, Brett Randell, Anurag Verma, Neil Wagner, Joe Walker

Bench – BJ Watling

Top Picks:

HR Cooper will be an obvious pick in the ongoing tournament. He has muscled 310 runs in his six games with three half-centuries. The right-handed batter will be an obvious pick for any Dream11 Fantasy Side. Anurag Verma is another important player to watch out with the ball as he has grabbed 12 wickets with one four-wicket haul. Ben Horne smacked a brilliant ton in the previous game and he can turn out to be a surprise inclusion in any fantasy side.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Brett Hampton, Jeet Raval, Henry Cooper

Vice-Captain – Anton Devcich, Anurag Verma, Ben Horne

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Ben Horne

Batters – Jeet Raval, Craig Cachopa, Robert O’Donnell, Henry Cooper (C), Katene Clarke

All-Rounders – Anton Devcich (VC), Brett Hampton

Bowlers – Ben Lister, Anurag Verma, Zak Gibson

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Ben Horne, Peter Bocock

Batters – Jeet Raval (C), Robert O’Donnell, Katene Clarke

All-Rounders – Anton Devcich, Brett Hampton (VC), Kyle Jamieson

Bowlers – Matthew McEwan, Neil Wagner, Zak Gibson,

Expert Advice:

Jeet Raval smacked a brilliant half-century in the previous game for Auckland. It was his first game after returning from Australia tour. He showed some glimpse of his good form with the bat but he always had a problem with his consistency. The left-handed opener can be a risky pick but he will be worth for any Fantasy side.

Probable Winners:

Auckland is expected to win their 3rd successive 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.