ICC World Cup 2019, Tournament Contest: Round 11 – Official Classic Fantasy Cricket Tips

The grand finale will be the only game in the 11th and last round of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 official classic fantasy. England and New Zealand will clash at the Lord’s where a new World Cup winner will emerge. England faltered in their three appearances at the World Cup finals, all until 1992. New Zealand, on the other hand, have qualified for the second consecutive CWC final after failing to win a semi-final even once until 2011.

Here is our fantasy guide for the 11th round of the ICC World Cup 2019 tournament contest:

(Can be played on ICC Cricket website)

Round 11 schedule:

Final 1 – England vs New Zealand at the Lord’s

Expert Advice and Free Hits:

The Lord’s has barely been a high-scoring ground in this tournament which makes Bowling Machine the ideal choice among Free-Hits. The risk of using the Super Fours Free-hit is worth taking if there are indications of a better batting surface prior to the start.

Wicket-Keepers:

Suggestions – Jos Buttler, Tom Latham

Tom Latham will be a direct choice from this category given he comes at a low cost and there is a chance that he will pick a couple of catches. Jos Buttler hasn’t been in the best of forms with the bat since his century against Pakistan. However, in case you are using the batting free-hit, the England keeper has to be picked.

Batsmen:

Suggestions – Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Jason Roy, Ross Taylor, Joe Root

Alternatives – Martin Guptill, Eoin Morgan

Jonny Bairstow has scored centuries in his previous three ODI innings against New Zealand. He will be looking to make it four in four at Lord’s and help his team win their maiden ODI World Cup. Kane Williamson has an impressive record as no bowler has dismissed him under 40 in an ODI in England since 2013. The duo will be the first choice while the remaining batsmen can be picked based on the type of Free Hit being used.

Ross Taylor is only batsman other than Williamson who has got runs for the Kiwis in this tournament. Jason Roy has made the most impact with the bat for England with his quick-fire knocks since recovering from an injury. Joe Root might underperform with the bat if New Zealand go in first and put up a mediocre total and England openers narrow the target. A gamble can be taken with Martin Guptill who has done nothing with the bat since the unbeaten fifty in the first match against Sri Lanka.

All-Rounders:

Suggestions – Ben Stokes, Jimmy Neesham

Ben Stokes and Jimmy Neesham are the only worthy picks among all-rounders who can come into the equation irrespective of the multiplier used. Neesham’s role is tilted towards getting wickets while Stokes makes runs.

Bowlers:

Suggestions – Jofra Archer, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Alternatives – Matt Henry, Liam Plunkett

Irrespective of whichever Free-Hit you use, Lockie Ferguson, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will suit the combination. The trio has the ability to take wickets with the pace and don’t rely on conditions. Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Matt Henry might need a bit of assistance from the track. In dry conditions, Woakes’ slower deliveries might work while Henry might get away with wickets despite conceding the runs. Liam Plunkett could emerge as the top bowler in such conditions.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Kane Williamson’s consistency in England deserves vice-captain while Jonny Bairstow’s record against New Zealand makes him worth as one of the multipliers. Ben Stokes has matched the consistency of the top-order in this tournament whenever he got an opportunity.

*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.