Champions League T20 - Game #1 is over!

[Bevab]

Bengal Rajshahi Royals​

Andre Russell Ravi Bopara Samit Patel Shoaib Malik Mohammad Nawaz Afif Hossain Alok Kapali Nahidul Islam Farhad Reza Hazratullah Zazai Liton Das Irfan Sukkur Mohammad Irfan Abu Jayed Kamrul Islam Rabbi Taijul Islam Minhajul Abedin Afridi

Star players :

Andre Russell

If you were to ask someone to create the perfect T20 player, Andre Russell would be the closest approximation. A flamboyant all-rounder capable of influencing any game with bat, ball and even on the field, Russell is the type of player who makes things happen and is arguably the only player who would walk into any side without question.

Mohammad Irfan

The tall Pakistani pacer has a rapid stock ball and effective bouncer which he used to full extent as seen by him being one of the only three bowlers to have an economy below 6. The only other pacer anywhere near him is his compatriot Riaz who concedes nearly an extra run per over.
​

Watch out for :

Afif Hossain

An all-rounder with a five wicket haul on his T20 debut including the prized wicket of Gayle, Hossain was in sublime form during the 2018 U19 World Cup and even if he has failed to establish himself as a senior national player yet due to inconsistency, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a star.

Replacement(s)?

Without the services of both Pakistani all-rounders, the Royals have opted to replace Mohammad Nawaz with Samit Patel after the latter's decent BBL stint. It remains to be seen if he can match Nawaz's death over cameos with the bat.

Prediction : ​

The presence of Russell alone makes this side one to ignore at your own peril. However, he will need all the support needed if the Royals are to win more than the odd game and reach the knockout stages.​

 

[Bevab]

Wellington Firebirds​

Michael Bracewell Tom Blundell Lauchie Johns Jakob Bhula Devon Conway Michael Pollard Andrew Fletcher Fraser Colson Rachin Ravindra Jimmy Neesham Malcolm Nofal Jamie Gibson Hamish Bennett Jeetan Patel Peter Younghusband Ben Sears Ollie Newton Iain McPeake Michael Snedden Logan van Beek

Star players :

Devon Conway

The prince that was promised, Conway has been tearing it up in the New Zealand domestic system for years while he patiently waits to fulfill the eligibility criteria to represent his new country internationally. A talented opener who struggled to step up from provincial cricket to the first-class setup in South Africa, Conway has found better luck in New Zealand and is the most important batsman in this lineup.

Hamish Bennett

For years Bennett has toiled and starred on domestic pitches for an international recall which he got versus India. He is a mid 130 kph operator with a variety of deliveries which keep the batsmen guessing.
​

Watch out for :
​

Rachin Ravindra

Ravindra is one of the most talented youngsters to emerge through the New Zealand cricketing system in recent years. Carefully managed throughout his formative years, he is equally skilled with both bat and ball. A technically composed batsman capable of aggressive cricket, do not be surprised if Ravindra stars in the tournament and earns international honours.

Replacement(s)?

None.

Prediction : ​

They are the weakest side due to the lack of overseas stars and only two Black Caps members in the squad. It will be a major surprise if they were to finish anywhere apart from the bottom.​

 

[Bevab]

Essex Eagles​

Simon Harmer Cameron Delport Ryan ten Doeschate Aron Nijjar Paul Walter Moises Henriques Daryl Mitchell Nick Browne Varun Chopra Sir Alastair Cook Dan Lawrence Feroze Khushi Rishi Patel Tom Westley Adam Wheater Michael Pepper Will Buttleman Aaron Beard Sam Cook Adam Zampa Peter Siddle Ish Sodhi Jamie Porter Matt Quinn Shane Snater Jack Plom

Star players :

Cameron Delport

The aggressive opener has a huge list of clubs that he played for over the years and he is just thirty! One of the most destructive openers in T20 history, Delport is capable of part-time medium pace too. Without any doubt, Essex will need to rely on him for quickfire starts.

Simon Harmer

Despite being primarily a red ball spinner, Harmer led Essex to T20 Blast victory by being the team's leading wicket-taker. The South African spinner is not one to shy away from conversation and his spells will be vital in the absence of the regular spinner Zampa.
​

Watch out for :

Aaron Beard

An exciting albeit injury prone quick pacer who shocked Sri Lanka in a warm-up game four years ago, Beard has since failed to nail down a consistent run of games owing to form and fitness. Can he provide the decisive impetus like he did all those years ago if given a chance?

Replacement(s)?

With both Moises Henriques and Adam Zampa representing their BBL franchises, Essex have moved quickly to sign Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi as their replacements.

Prediction : ​

While the bowling lineup isn't anything special for a T20 game, their batting is a lot better and even in the absence of Bopara they are likely to be dark horses for the knockout stages.​

 

[Bevab]

Worcestershire Rapids​

Mooen Ali Daryl Mitchell Brett d'Oliveira Mitchell Spencer Zain ul-Hasan Joe Leach Ed Barnard Wayne Parnell Josh Dell Jake Libby Jack Haynes Ollie Westbury Ross Whiteley Hamish Rutherford Ashton Turner Riki Wessels Tom Fell Alex Milton Ben Cox Pat Brown Andy Carter Adam Finch Charlie Morris Dillon Pennington Josh Tongue Ben Twohig

Star players :

Moeen Ali

Aggressive with the bat and economical with the ball, Mooen Ali was an instrumental figure in the Rapids' run to the finals despite playing for only half of the tournament. If the Rapids are to cause a few upsets, they will need their captain on top of his game.

Pat Brown

Two wonderful seasons in the T20 Blast led to a T20I call-up and BBL stint, the latter of which Brown had to miss due to a lower back stress fracture. Despite his lack of experience in the other formats of the game, the 21 year old has generated a lot of hype around him due to his variations and death bowling skills.
​

Watch out for :

Ed Barnard

Barnard is a competitive all-rounder who started out initially as more of a bowler before improving well enough with the bat to be considered a legitimate all-rounder. Despite a lack of wickets coupled with a concerning economy, Barnard has shown enough potential to prove that he is worth persisting with.

Replacement(s)?

None.

Prediction : ​

Arguably the weakest side in their group, a bottom placed finish beckons.​

 

[Bevab]

Chennai Super Kings​

MS Dhoni Narayan Jagadeesan Ambati Rayudu Ruturaj Gaikwad Murali Vijay Faf du Plessis Shaun Marsh Kedar Jadhav Suresh Raina Ravindra Jadeja Karn Sharma Piyush Chawla Sam Curran Mitchell Santner Shane Watson Dwayne Bravo KM Asif Harbhajan Singh Deepak Chahar Shardul Thakur Monu Kumar Ravi Sai Kishore Josh Hazlewood Lungi Ngidi Imran Tahir

Star players :

MS Dhoni

Dhoni turned the clocks back and ended up as the leading run scorer for his side, often taking the side home or providing late flourishes in the low scoring Chepauk ground with carefully constructed knocks. Can he launch a successful defence of their title?

Imran Tahir

The best player in CSK colours last season was Tahir as proven by him taking home the purple cap. A successful CPL campaign after a disappointing World Cup showed that Tahir still had it in him to be a top class performer even if he will soon be forty one years of age!
​

Watch out for :

Ruturaj Gaikwad

After a controversial and very poor season from Rayudu and with Vijay in the twilight of his career, do not be surprised if the young India A star forces his way into the lineup and stays there. He has already been praised by the captain years ago in a domestic game and if he can bring his form for the A side to CSK, they will have unearthed a match winner.

Replacement(s)?

With an incredible four players being lost to other franchises, CSK unfortunately get to make only one replacement and the management has opted to replace Faf du Plessis with Shaun Marsh, a seasoned veteran in the T20 circuit capable of playing spin competently.

Prediction : ​

Had the CLT20 begun a year ago, you would have banked your house on CSK defending the title. A year later and with nearly every domestic player out of form in addition to the overseas losses, a semi-final spot might be the best achievement they can hope for, but never say never to a team captained by Dhoni in favourable conditions.​

 

[Bevab]

Mumbai Indians​

Rohit Sharma Suryakumar Yadav Saurabh Tiwary Amnolpreet Singh Chris Lynn Sherfane Rutherford Kieron Pollard Hardik Pandya Krunal Pandya Anukul Roy Ishan Kishan Aditya Tare Quinton de Kock Mitchell McClenaghan Nathan Coulter-Nile Trent Boult Jasprit Bumrah Dhawal Kulkarni Rahul Chahar Digvijay Deshmukh Jayant Yadav Lasith Malinga

Star players :

Hardik Pandya

Last season was arguably Hardik's best in IPL as he starred with the bat as a world class finisher and a strike bowler with a decent variety of deliveries ending up as the side's third highest run scorer and wicket-taker. Can he keep up that form in this tournament without any fitness concerns?

Jasprit Bumrah

Teams these days simply choose to not target Bumrah for runs, preferring to play him sensibly and take their chances elsewhere. Such has been the impact of him that if you were to even travel five years ago when India had one of the worst bowling attacks in the World Cup for a top side and tell them tales of this wonderful talent, you would be called delusional. Bumrah has changed the expectations of what to expect from an Indian pacer and will without any doubt go into history as a trailblazer for Indian pacers.
​

Watch out for :

Anukul Roy

Roy is the only backup on the bench for the trio of all-rounders in MI's starting XI and if any one of them were to need a rest or in the event of an injury, expect to see this former U19 star slot straight into the XI. A left-arm spinner who focuses on control and is capable of cameos down the order with the bat, it is easy to understand the Jadeja comparisons.

Replacement(s)?

Despite having the opportunity, MI have declined to name a replacement believing in the adequacy of their current depth.

Prediction : ​

Anything short of a semi-final spot will be deemed a failure and if you were told to back a side in blind faith to win the trophy, Mumbai Indians would be the side you would choose. Expect them in the final and do not be surprised if Rohit Sharma lifts the trophy.​

 

[Bevab]

Round 1 - Group A



Peshawar Zalmi vs Mumbai Indians

M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

Spoiler: Preview

The most eagerly awaited event in T20 history for a while will begin at the home of the defending champions who are unfortunately not in attendance today or in this round. Instead, it will be up to the IPL 2019 Champions to act as the 'home side' for today as they take on the PSL 2019's runners-up. Both sides will look to start their campaigns in the best way possible with a victory here. Despite a history of several high scoring games on this pitch in previous years, most of the games last season produced lower totals where even the likes of 140-160 can be defended.

Malik has a very good record versus India in international games and is well known to be prolific versus spinners with the bat. With the ball, he is capable of economical spells himself which will prove handy on this ground.
Hardik many not bowl spin like his brother but he is a much more destructive batsman versus spin due to his unorthodox technique and style of batting. Despite his higher economy, he is also an intelligent bowler capable of varying his deliveries to rely more on cutters and slower balls which are useful on this ground.

Predicted Lineups

Mumbai Indians : Rohit, de Kock, Kishan, Suryakumar, Hardik, Pollard, Krunal, R Chahar, Boult/Jayant/Roy, Bumrah, Malinga

The key question will be if Rohit goes with the domestic spinner instead of an overseas pacer like he did in both away games versus CSK last season.

Peshawar Zalmi : K Akmal, Banton, Imam/Haider, Malik, Livingstone, Dawson, Sammy, Mohsin, Wahab, Hasan, Rahat

Mohsin is almost certain to play while both the U19 bowlers will have to miss out.

Spoiler: The Toss

Mumbai Indians have won the toss and have chosen to bat first.

Rohit : It looks like a typical Chepauk wicket, (we) will bat first and get some runs on board. Jayant is in like the last time (IPL 2019 semi-finals) instead of Boult, we needed an extra spinner.

Sammy : We wanted to chase anyways, good toss to lose. Mohsin and Haider (Ali) will play today, the rest of it is the usual line-up. Excited to see what Banton can do for us.

Spoiler: First Innings

Powerplay
Middle Overs #1
Middle Overs #2
Death Overs

Spoiler: Second Innings

First ten overs
Second ten overs

Spoiler: Overall Scorecard

Spoiler: Post-match presentation

Sammy, the losing captain : I thought we were good for the first fifteen overs of the game but our plans in the end failed and we did not adapt well enough. I don't think we were missing an extra spinner, (I) wanted to bowl an over before handing it over to Shoaib (Malik) but I found that they were struggling against me and so decided to give myself a go (laughs). Their spinners were a class above, we could have chased it down had it not been for their impact. It is always tough playing against an IPL side and especially the champions in their home conditions, credit to the boys for giving their best today. We will return a better side from this experience.

Rohit, the winning captain : Full credit to our spinners, they played really well. We knew from experience that even the likes of 140 could be defended here (Chepauk) and decided to target a score around 150-160. Jayant and Krunal definitely made a big impact today with both bat and ball, had it not been for their late game heroics we would have struggled. Peshawar (Zalmi) were good today and I believe they will be formidable opponents as they get used to the conditions.

Krunal Pandya, man of the match : Kieron (Pollard) told me to hang around in there while he looks for the boundaries but that is not really my style (laughs). I was worried when he got out but Jayant (Yadav) came in and took his time to score which eased my nerves. I believed that he would still do a job if I got out and that gave me the confidence to go all out in the end. With the ball, it was all about keeping it tight, varying each delivery to keep the batsman guessing. We will take this confidence into the next game and improve on areas were we could have done better.

​

 

[Bevab]

Noteworthy events in the powerplay​

• Hasan Ali having a LBW shout called not out after which he was clobbered by de Kock.
  
• Rohit Sharma making his usual sedate start before scoring a few boundaries.
  
• de Kock's aggression eventually costing him his wicket after one leg glance too many.
  
• Kishan coming in and looking steady for a good knock.
  
• Plenty of boundaries but no sixes so far.
  
• Can the Zalmi's spinners restrict the run rate before it is too late?

Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

Spoiler: Bowling Scorecard

Spoiler: Quinny's dismissal

 

[Bevab]

Middle Overs #1
​

• Just 27 runs were scored in the next five overs as the Mumbai Indians lost three of their wickets! Is a collapse on the cards?
• Kishan will have to take the blame for initiating this fall. After an initial struggle to keep the boundaries flowing, Kishan called for a suicidal second run which ended up with Rohit being run-out at the opposite end. His captain was justifiably disappointed.
  
  Spoiler: Rohit's run-out

  
  
  
• As if to rub salt in the wounds, Kishan struggled to rotate the strike after that and Sammy got him holing out to the covers region for a simple catch.
  
  Spoiler: Oh Kishan!

  
  
  
• Suryakumar Yadav very nearly got out after a referral by the Zalmi for caught behind wicket but the umpire's controversial soft signal saved him.
  
  Spoiler: Oh if only!

  
  
  
• Dawson continued his economical spell and despite ending up with no wickets, the pressure he applied in tandem with Sammy resulted in the mini collapse. However, did concede two massive sixes to Hardik and Pollard.
  
  Spoiler: Finally!

  
  
  
• Sammy continued to frustrate Hardik with dot ball after dot ball, the result of which was a caught behind wicket to leave the dugout frustrated.
  
  Spoiler: Such a soft dismissal!

  
  
  
  
  
  Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

  
  Spoiler: Bowling Scorecard

  
  
  
  

 

[Bevab]

Middle Overs #2
​

• A much better recovery from Mumbai largely due to Pollard but they continue losing wickets and have no recognized batsmen left. Can Krunal take his side to a respectable total single handedly?
• Suryakumar was the third victim of Sammy's dibbly dobblers after Rahat Ali took a stunning acrobatic catch at the boundary. Early contender of fielding moment of the season?
  
  
  Spoiler: That catch alone deserved a wicket!

  
• Mohsin's entry into the game proved to be an expensive mistake initially as Krunal was able to score easily off him with some innovative shots. Sammy also dropped Pollard in his first over, much to the disappointment of the rookie.
  
  
  Spoiler: Watch me now Hardik!

  
• Pollard was also able to get the better of Sammy as his final two overs were more expensive. The effect of training for years with Sammy in international and Zalmi colours has helped him here after all.
  
  
  Spoiler: Oh yeah!

  
• And then, on the very final ball of Mohsin's expensive second over... this happens.
  
  
  Spoiler: What have I done?

  
• Fear not Mumbai, for Wahab 'extras' Riaz is back to gift some runs with a no ball and one of the worst wides one could have ever imagined!
  
  
  Spoiler: Bruce

  

Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

Spoiler: Bowling Scorecard

 

[Bevab]

Death Overs

​

• Incredible scenes here at the Chepauk as Krunal and Jayant combine for a 50+ run partnership to take their side to a comfortable 171.
  
  
  Spoiler: Let us show these batsmen plebs how it is done

  
• Poor death bowling from the Zalmi pacers gave an opportunity to Jayant who eventually started nailing those deliveries pitched at his leg for boundaries.
  
• Further, Krunal went berserk and targeted Hasan Ali in particular whose over went for 14 runs!
  
• The Zalmi pacers simply kept bowling full tosses and length balls without variation under pressure and conceded 57 runs in the last five overs. Should they have bowled an extra over of spin or two?
  
• In the end, Mumbai have a total that they can be confident of defending while the Zalmi management will have to rethink their death over strategies. Will there be enough dew to aid them in their chase?

Spoiler: The Scenes

How long are you going to keep bowling at my toe and escape punishment?

And again!

Even the covers aren't immune to my assault!

Picture perfect six!

I hope you're watching this little brother.

A job well done!

Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

Spoiler: Bowling scorecard

 

[Bevab]

First 10 Overs

​

• Akmal scored a boundary of Malinga's very first delivery but the Sri Lankan legend had the last laugh as he deceived Akmal with a slower ball to bowl him after an edge.
  
  
  Spoiler: Bowled!

  
• Tom Banton went on a rampage in the powerplay, targeting the frontline Mumbai pacers.
  
  
  Spoiler: Banton!

  
• Krunal then took the wicket of the inexperienced Haider, deceiving him with an arm ball. Was Imam harshly excluded for a youngster after a good PSL season?
  
  
  Spoiler: Young Ali departs

  
• The younger Pandya then one-upped his brother by dismissing the dangerous Banton after containing him for runs in a very similar dismissal to that of Akmal's.
  
  
  Spoiler: Banton!

  
• Malik started brightly with a couple of boundaries to put the pressure back on Mumbai alongside Livingstone who smashed a six in his first ball. It was short-lived though as the faintest of dithers resulted in a run-out by the barest of margins to end what was looking to be a very promising partnership.
  
  
  Spoiler: What if

  
• Sustained pressure from the Mumbai spinners choked Dawson and Malik who struggled to rotate strike and score boundaries, resulting in a DRS referral by Rohit that was spot on to dismiss Malik. The great all-rounder and master of spin was himself dismissed by a finger spinner!
  
  
  Spoiler: That's how you do the DRS lads

  
  
  
• While Dawson continued to struggle for runs, Sammy came in and straightaway dispatched spinners for boundaries to keep the run-rate afloat. His team is still in the chase but it all depends on how long this duo bats as the rest of the line-up can only be relied on for some death overs slogging.
  
  
  Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

  
  Spoiler: Bowling Scorecard

  
  
  

 

[Bevab]

Last 10 Overs
​

• The pressure was too much on captain Sammy with Dawson completely tied up by Chahar's leg breaks and he could only try to slog and get caught.
  
• Dawson soon followed him after Krunal was brought back into the attack. The Englishman edged behind and de Kock made no mistake.
• With the onus on the Zalmi bowlers, they started making mistakes in simple running and one of them proved costly as Mohsin was run-out.
• Wahab Riaz provided entertainment for a few moments before being dismissed in a similar manner to Dawson. At least the Pakistani bowler managed to get a few people off their seats!
• Rahat and Hasan managed three boundaries between them but it was all for nought in the end with Jayant bowling Rahat with a classic off break.
  
• Rohit made full use of his spinners on a typical Chepauk wicket and they repaid his faith with six wickets and tight spells. A total of 10.4 overs of spin were bowled in the second innings while the Zalmi only chose to bowl 6 overs of spin. Could this have been the decisive factor?

Spoiler: The Scenes

Please please please over the rope please...

That was.. unexpected.

Did I just get the skipper out with this cameo of mine?

..oh yes I did.

No Bumrah, I'm saving you for their finisher Hasan Ali. Stay where you are.

Not again.

All I wanted was to see the score above 100.

Presenting to you my best straight drive....

...at least I outscored Liam. Will I get to bat above him next game?

Swing....

...and a miss.

Hooray we won it lads!

I'm the finisher for a reason. [HASHTAG]#unbeatenknock[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#onlyifihadapartner[/HASHTAG]

Mumbai! Indians! Mumbai! Indians!

Spoiler: Batting Scorecard

Spoiler: Bowling Scorecard

 

[Na Maloom Afraad]

This result was expected, although I'm a little surprised that Sammy bowled his full quota and even picked-up two wickets given how reserved he's been about bowling in the past few years.

 

[Bevab]

A huge thanks to @Na Maloom Afraad who was kind enough to provide logos in the style of the old Champions League format for use and for the constant support of this endeavour. I would be lying if I didn't admit to being heavily inspired by his own take on the Champions League right from the beginning of T20 history.