Indian T20 League 2019: Match 11, Hyderabad vs Bangalore – Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide

It will be a huge challenge for Bangalore to face Hyderabad at their home.

Published - 30 Mar 2019, 23:44 IST | Updated - 30 Mar 2019, 23:44 IST

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Hyderabad at home is an irresistible force and going by their first two performances, Bengaluru is no immovable object. It would appear to be shaping up as a one-sided affair at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, and from a fantasy point of view, your best bets are the Hyderabad batting and the, well, Hyderabad bowling.

Kane Williamson’s lot have won 12 out of their last 15 games and it is hard to see them being unseated by a Bengaluru team that is yet to find its right balance. The only thing that could upstage them would be a Virat Kohli or an AB de Villiers special. And if DeVilliers’ touch at the Chinnaswamy on Thursday night is anything to go by, you are better off not counting on it. Bengaluru’s best hope is that some of the Hyderabad bowlers have an off day. And speaking of off days, Bhubaneshwar Kumar would be looking to recover from his nightmarish outing at the same stadium Friday night.

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad

Conditions: The pitch seems impeccable for batting and almost 400 scored runs on Friday is a testimony to that. It’s a day game so the spinners might have some assistance in the second innings.

Injury updates: Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile are not available for Bengaluru.

Fantasy Tips: If you are looking for possible captain choices for a head to head contest, you could go with these ‘Safe Captain Choices’

Top picks

Virat Kohli: He scored 39 off 30 in a low scoring encounter the last times these two sides met at Hyderabad and his current form seems to suggest that he is ripe for a big inning. His success incidentally might be what is needed to unlock a victory for Bengaluru.

Jonny Bairstow: The incredible top order strength of Hyderabad this season has not been just about Warner, but Jonny Bairstow has been silently and rather rapidly racking up the points. With possibility of wicketkeeping points, he becomes a crucial pick who’s a double threat.

David Warner: Given his current rich vein of form and a hot streak that has seen him get the Orange Cap once already, David Warner is currently one of the sure picks amongst batsmen in the league.

However if you are willing to take a bit more risk in a grand league contest, maybe consider these ‘Risky Captain Choices’

Vijay Shankar: He was in blistering touch on Friday night before his innings was cut short but Vijay Shankar is coming into his own as an all-rounder, as he looks to seal an India World Cup spot.

Kane Williamson: He just got back from an injury and may take a bit to get back into the groove but the fact that he averages 48.00 in this encounter is hard to ignore.

Shimron Hetmyer: Hetmyer was supposed to be the spark that kick starts Bengaluru’s middle order batting but didn’t get off to a great start in both games so far. However given his proclivity to hit the ball hard from the get go, Hyderabad’s pitch may be the perfect launch pad.

Expert Advice

Keep an eye out for the all-round prowess of Rashid Khan who has been consistently excellent and never wastes an opportunity to make an impact. On the other side, Bengaluru might have their hopes pinned on not just Yuzvendra Chahal in the spin department but also Washington Sundar who might even bowl during the powerplay.

The Prediction

On a batting deck, it will be the Hyderabad batting line up stepping to the plate and delivering another explosive masterclass. Barring a Hetmyer or Kohli special, Hyderabad to cruise in a batting battle.