Moneyball9 Fantasy guide: West Indies v South Africa, 9th ODI

Today’s Moneyball9 Fantasy guide is for the last league game of the tri-series 2016 between West Indies and South Africa. A lot of tri-series end up being just a ‘two-horse race’. But this one has had entertainment galore, with all three teams playing a blend of delightful and obnoxious cricket.

The final game of the group stage is upon us and we still don’t know what the billboard/poster for the final of the Carribean tri-series will look like.

Australia progressed to the final with a thumping victory over the West Indies when they chased down a target of 283, with 8 balls to spare. Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell showed why they are among the most feared lower order batsmen by striking a wonderful 60-run partnership to finish off the game well before the scheduled number of overs.

With this Australian win, the last game of the tri-series between West Indies and South Africa becomes a knockout game, with the winning team progressing to the finals.

Also read – Tri-Series 2016, Match 9 Preview: West Indies, South Africa gear up for a do-or-die clash

The Proteas would be banking on the fact that they are better rested and have had much more time to prepare for this knockout game. Windies on the other hand, will be hoping that they could carry their batting form and momentum from the previous few games into this one.

Let’s get to business now!

West Indies vs South Africa 9th ODI:

Batsmen

Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla are going to be mainstays of my batting unit anytime South Africa play. They can accelerate, they can defend and they can improvise. Whatever be the conditions, they have the required ammunition and skill to deal with it and thus you can always count on them.

Andre Fletcher will be my third batsman for this game, primarily because he helps with the budget issues, as he is worth just Rs 6000 in the Moneyball9 Fantasy game and also because he opens the batting and thus gets a lot of time to make a significant impact.

Wicketkeeper

AB de Villiers- He has been a little off-colour in this series but the big games are for the big players to step up. Get him in!

All Rounder

Between Chris Morris, Carlos Brathwaite and Keiron Pollard, I opt for Chris Morris.

Brathwaite hasn’t done anything in the last few games; neither with the ball nor with the bat. Pollard is way too expensive for what he brings to the table.

Morris, at Rs 6500 is a brilliant pick as he has performed in both the departments, whenever called upon.

Bowlers

Imran Tahir was amazing in the last game for the Proteas, picking 7 wickets and gifting the game to his side. Not going with him for this game would be foolish, get him in!

Kagiso Rabada gets to bowl at the death and comes in for just Rs 5000 in the Moneyball9 Fantasy game, which helps me with my budget issues.

Flex player

Aaron Phangiso is my choice for the flex player. A couple of things went in his favor while I was taking the call. One he has picked a wicket every time he has turned up with the ball in hand. Second for 5000 he is the best pick for the position. If you have some more cushion in your wallet you can opt for others.

Happy picking!