ICC World Cup 2019, Tournament Contest: Round 9 – Official Classic Fantasy Cricket Tips

Rohit Sharma was notch above everyone during the 8th round matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 official fantasy. The Indian team vice-captain couldn’t score big hundreds like he usually does. But his 102 against England and 104 against Bangladesh could have benefited everyone who trusted him for captain or vice-captain considering India played twice during the round. The last five league matches have a lot at stake as they will decide the semi-finalists and the positions of each team.

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

(Can be played on ICC Cricket website)

Round 9 schedule – The 9th round comprises of the five games (Match 41 to Match 45) of the tournament. All the ten teams play one game apiece during this round.

Wicket-Keepers:

Suggestions – Quinton de Kock, Jos Buttler

Quinton de Kock and Jos Buttler will be among the preferred one in this round. The two players serve well in case of using the Super Fours Free-Hit. Buttler’s England faces New Zealand while De Kock plays against Australia on the last day of this round.

Batsmen:

Suggestions – Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Joe Root

Alternatives – Virat Kohli, David Warner, Aaron Finch, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen

The ideal chances of a high scoring game in this round are in Chester-le-Street where England faces New Zealand and in Manchester where South Africa takes on Australia before bowing out. Based on the requirement, three players from each match can be picked. Jason Roy has poor numbers against New Zealand which is why he has been left out. Rohit Sharma faces Sri Lanka on Saturday where the Indian opener could get his 3rd straight World Cup ton.

All-Rounders:

Suggestions – Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Stokes

Alternatives – Carlos Brathwaite

Shakib Al Hasan will be an easy choice given his recent form while Ben Stokes will come in handy to maximize the Free-Hit options. With credits permitting, Stokes will be useful for Super Fours and also Bowling Machine. Carlos Brathwaite and Mohammad Nabi offer a similar purpose in case of bowling machine in Windies-Afghanistan game.

Bowlers:

Suggestions – Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman

Alternatives – Lockie Ferguson, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Trent Boult

Leeds has been a low scoring venue in the tournament and the game between Afghanistan and Windies could be same. Mujeeb ur Rahman will enjoy bowling to the left-handers in the Windies line-up. India and Sri Lanka will also play at this venue towards the end but the line-ups of both teams are uncertain. The Chester-le-Street is quite inconsistent and the game on Wednesday might end up producing totals around 230.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan are currently the leading run-getters of the tournament despite playing one game less than the players near to them. Rohit will face Sri Lanka in an inconsequential game while Shakib will take on Pakistan who are desperate for their win. One of the two players can be made captain for using the Star Skipper Free-Hit while the other one as vice-captain.

Free hit options:

Super Fours – ENGvNZ or SAvAUS

Bowling machine – AFGvWI or ENGvNZ

Star Skipper – PAKvBAN (Shakib Al Hasan) or INDvSL (Rohit Sharma)

*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.