AL vs INDM Match Preview
The top-order has done a good job for the Lions so far, with the openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga both getting runs under their belt. However, the Lions will need Mohammad Hafeez and Thisara Perera to put up a big partnership with Misbah ul-Haq, who has been in sublime touch.
The Lions have a good depth in their batting with Shahid Afridi coming into bat at number 6. The likes of Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, and Paras Khadka can bat too, giving the team an extra edge. The Lions have a strong pace attack consisting of Abdul Razzaq, Sohail Tanvir, and Mohammad Amir. However, except for Tanvir, none of the quicker bowlers have managed to have a big impact.
Gautam Gambhir has led his side from the front and has scored half-centuries in all his 3 outings so far. The Maharajas will once again need him to play a big inning here. Robin Uthappa played a blistering knock of 88 in their previous meeting with the Lions, and together with Gambhir, will look to give his team a good start.
However, the form of other batsmen remains a cause of concern. Despite getting good starts, the likes of Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif, and Yusuf Pathan have failed to capitalize and put up a big scores. The bowling too has been pretty average so far, with Harbhajan Singh being the only one who has shown consistency.
Harbhajan and Praveen Tambe have picked up 10 wickets between them and the team will depend on them to stop the Asia Lions’ batsmen from hitting the big shots.
Weather Report
The skies will remain a bit cloudy but there is no chance of rain and the temperature will hover around the 25-degree mark.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Doha is well-balanced and offers something to the batsmen as well as the bowlers. The average first-inning score here this season is around 150, which is a par score.
Notable stats
Abdul Razzaq's All-Round Performance
One of the most complete all-rounders for Pakistan in ODI cricket, Abdul Razzaq has adapted well to the T20 format too. He has scored a total of 2578 runs at an average of 27.13 and has also picked up 135 wickets.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
AL vs INDM Probable 11
AL Playing 11
- Upul Tharanga (Wk)
- Misbah ul-Haq
- Tillakaratne Dilshan
- Mohammad Hafeez
- Thisara Perera
- Shahid Afridi (C)
- Paras Khadka
- Abdul Razzaq
- Abdur Razzak
- Mohammad Amir
- Sohail Tanvir
INDM Playing 11
- Gautam Gambhir (C)
- Robin Uthappa (Wk)
- Suresh Raina
- Mohammad Kaif
- Yusuf Pathan
- Irfan Pathan
- Harbhajan Singh
- Ashok Dinda
- Stuart Binny
- Praveen Tambe
- Manvinder Bisla
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Asia Lions to win here. They have a good record against the Maharajas and have generally enjoyed an upper hand in head-to-head contests. The Lions have a well-balanced side with some powerful hitters and some good all-rounders. On the other hand, the Maharajas haven’t been in the best of forms and will find it difficult to overcome their opponents.
Top Picks
Gautam Gambhir: Gambhir is in excellent form this season and has scored 3 half-centuries in as many outings. He is quite reliable at the top of the order and is likely to play a big inning in this match.
Shahid Afridi: Shahid Afridi is one of the most reliable all-rounders on the team and his big-hitting skills are legendary. He has picked up 347 wickets in T20s and has scored 4399 runs at a strike rate of 153.91.
Upul Tharanga: Upul Tharanga has been a consistent performer for the Lions this season. He scored an excellent half-century when the Lions faced the Maharajas in the previous match and we expect him to carry on with good form.
AL vs INDM Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: U Tharanga, R Uthappa
Batters: Misbah-ul-Haq, S Raina, G Gambhir (C)
All-rounders: T Dilshan (VC), T Perera, S Afridi, I Pathan
Bowlers: S Tanvir, H Singh
