ICC World Cup 2019, Tournament Contest: Round 2 – Official Fantasy Cricket Tips

The first round of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 official fantasy might have been a mixed one for many given the poor show of the South African players. The Saffers, who played two games during this round, ended up on the losing side in both matches. Their top-order batsmen got starts in both matches but failed to strike big. No player did make an exceptional performance with the ball either. They will take on India in the second round who will play their first match of the tournament.

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

(Can be played on ICC Cricket website)

Round 2 schedule – The second round comprises of the five (6-10) matches of the tournament. All ten teams play one game each during this round.

Wicket-Keepers:

Suggestions – Quinton de Kock

Options – Shai Hope, Jos Buttler

Economical Picks – Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera

Quinton de Kock had decent outings in the first round. He can be retained as Saffers play against India in this round. De Kock has a good record in ODIs against them but got to see how he excels at the big stage. England will be playing Pakistan in Nottingham during this round. Jos Buttler has a good record against Pakistan and also in Nottingham. He can be picked if England will be batting first.

Batsmen:

Suggestions – Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Babar Azam, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Virat Kohli, Jason Roy

Alternatives – Faf du Plessis, David Warner, Martin Guptill

Economical Picks – Rassie van der Dussen, Dimuth Karunaratne

Virat Kohli becomes an automatic choice against South Africa given what he did against them in the last year’s ODI series. His recent form and the build-up into the tournament warrants a big knock from the Indian captain. His deputy can also strike big in this fixture if they bat first. Rohit Sharma has a mediocre record against the Proteas but can go well if he survives the opening spell of Kagiso Rabada.

Lungi Ngidi seems doubtful for this game who is another bowler who can trouble the No.2 ranked ODI batsman. Despite his struggles against the leg-spinners, Rohit has managed to see through Imran Tahir on most occasions. Any two top-order batsmen from England-Pakistan game can be picked as it will be played on the World record totals producing pitch.

All-Rounders:

Suggestions – Andre Russell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Shakib Al Hasan

Alternatives – Ben Stokes, Mohammad Nabi

Economical Picks – Mohammad Saifuddin, Chris Morris

Andile Phehlukwayo had two decent outings in the first round and his low cost makes him an easy choice. Shakib Al Hasan batting at No.3 increases his value while Andre Russell is determined to making most with his pace. Bangladesh’s Mohammad Saifuddin, at seven credits, will be useful as he bowls more at death and has chances of taking wickets regularly.

Bowlers:

Suggestions – Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Yadav, Adam Zampa, Oshane Thomas

Alternatives – Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc

Economical Picks – Trent Boult, Lungi Ngidi, Shadab Khan

India plays in Southampton where the long boundaries could benefit their wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal especially against the Saffers who have few players who often struggle against spin. Jofra Archer showed a trailer of what he can provide in the previous game. Oshane Thomas and Adam Zampa will also be useful pickings when they face off.

Expert Advice:

The Cardiff track, in general, provides a good amount of seam movement. This makes picks from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka bit risky. With two games in Nottingham and one in Southampton during this round, it will be preferable to take most of those from these three matches only.

Free hit option:

The Super Striker and Star Skipper Free Hits can be used on the batsmen from England-Pakistan and India-South Africa matches. The bowling machine will be ideal for Indian wrist spinners especially if they are bowling second.

*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.