ICC World Cup 2019, Tournament Contest: Round 5 – Official Fantasy Cricket Tips

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 official fantasy too has been affected by the rains much like the on-field battle. The 3rd and 4th round of the classic fantasy saw two games apiece washed out. The coming 5th round will be the shortest of all as only four games will be played in this. However, the games to be hosted by Manchester will either get abandoned or might just get enough overs to produce a result. Keeping this in mind, it will be better to pick players from the remaining two matches.

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

(Can be played on ICC Cricket website)

Round 5 schedule – The fourth round comprises of the four games (Match 22 to Match 25) of the tournament. Australia and Sri Lanka won’t be part of this round while the remaining eight teams play one game.

India vs Pakistan in Manchester

Windies vs Bangladesh in Taunton

England vs Afghanistan in Manchester

New Zealand vs South Africa in Birmingham

Wicket-Keepers:

Suggestions – Quinton de Kock, Mushfiqur Rahim

Quinton de Kock will always be the starting keeper given his form and the chances of claiming a couple of catches behind the wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim can be picked for this round if anyone wants to use the Super Fours free hit for the game between Bangladesh and Windies.

Batsmen:

Suggestions – Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Ross Taylor, Faf du Plessis, Kane Williamson, Rassie van der Dussen

Alternatives – Virat Kohli, Joe Root

Based on the chances of happening of India and England matches, one batsman among the two games can be picked. Kohli can be picked due to his record against Pakistan and Root from England based on the chances of his bowling. The remaining two games will be played at Taunton and Birmingham which are expected to be high-scoring ones. Batsmen from one of the two teams can be picked and utilized for the Super Fours free-hit.

All-Rounders:

Suggestions – Jimmy Neesham, Shakib Al Hasan, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jason Holder

Alternatives – Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite

Economical Picks – Mohammad Saifuddin, Chris Morris

Shakib Al Hasan was doubtful for their previous game against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has hit fifties in his previous four ODI innings and got more than a week since his century against England. He could be in line to play against the Windies. Jimmy Neesham and Andile Phehlukwayo will come handy if either of Super Fours and Bowling Machine Free Hit is used for the game involving both.

Bowlers:

Suggestions – Oshane Thomas, Imran Tahir, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Sheldon Cottrell

Alternatives – Mustafizur Rahman, Kagiso Rabada, Mehidy Hasan-Miraz

Ferguson, Henry and Tahir is a perfect trio from this category for using the Bowling Machine Free Hit on the game to be played in Birmingham. At the same time, this Free Hit can be used over the Windies-Bangladesh by picking three among Oshane, Cottrell, Mehidy and Mustafizur. One among Holder and Shakib will already be present in the multipliers to boost this choice.

Expert Advice:

With Shakib Al Hasan being doubtful for the game against the Windies, it will be better to pick Tamim Iqbal or Soumya Sarkar in case of using Super Fours for the WI-BAN game.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Virat Kohli has an exceptional record in the ICC events against Pakistan. In case of a shortened game, he could get a quickfire fifty. Making him captain and using Star Skipper Free-Hit will be justified in this case. Similarly, Joe Root could perform well against Afghanistan going by his current form. If Afghans bats first, Root could even add some value with the ball. Jimmy Neesham has been amongst wickets though he didn’t get much to bat. He is an ideal option as vice-captain along with Chris Gayle who has done well against Bangladesh in the previous ODI series.

Free hit options:

Super Fours – WIvBAN or NZvSA (Minimum four players from batsmen and keepers)

Bowling machine – NZvSA or WIvBAN (Minimum four players from all-rounders and bowlers)

Star Skipper – INDvPAK (Kohli) or ENGvAFG (Root)

*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.