Fantasy Cricket – World Cup 2015 – Pool B

Fantasy Cricket – World Cup 2015 – Pool B

Just when you thought that FPL and WooFBet was taking over your life, we have a little treat for you as the Cricket World Cup begins this Friday evening in New Zealand and Australia. As most of you will be aware, there’s a good few on us on FF247 that love our cricket, there’s a few that just love being part of any fantasy game going and then there’s a few, well Mito, who knows dick all about cricket, but somehow seems to do well in the competitions. So, Fantasy Cricket is here and we want to take these two days to bring you some information on the tournament, how to play and primarily a very basic rundown on all the teams and some of the names you should maybe look to build into your squads.
We have created a FantasyFootball247 league – all you need to do is click on https://fantasy.icc-cricket.com to register and then join the FF247 league using the code 3480. Then it’s time to read the rules and choose your opening squad!

As we have already said, the tournament starts on Friday evening (UK time) – there are 14 countries participating and for the first round they have been split into two pools:

Pool A
Afghanistan
Australia
Bangladesh
England
New Zealand
Scotland
Sri Lanka

Pool B
India
Ireland
Pakistan
South Africa
United Arab Emirates
West Indies
Zimbabwe

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Each team plays the others in their group once and at the end of the group stage the top 4 from each group will progress to the Quarter Finals – at which point the tournament becomes a knockout competition. All the rules and scoring methods are detailed on site, but we thought it prudent to highlight some of the basic ones.

Your squad composition:
You may pick a maximum of 6 players from a single team.

Balance of squad:
Batsmen – you must select 4 or 5
All-rounders – you must select at least 1
Wicketkeeper – you may only select 1
Bowlers – you must select at least 2.

Changing your squad
Before Match 1 – Unlimited transfers
Match 1 to Match 21 (Stage 1) – 42 transfers
After Match 21 and before Match 22 – Unlimited transfers
Match 22 to Match 42 (Stage 2) – 42 transfers
After Match 42 and before Quarter Final 1 – Unlimited transfers
Quarter Final 1 to Quarter Final 4 (Stage 3) – 18 transfers
After Quarter Final 4 and before Semi Final 1 – Unlimited transfers
Semi Final 1 to the Final (Stage 4) – 10 transfers.

Captain – or as Fantasy Cricket call it: “Power Player”
As per FPL, nominate a Power Player who will gain you double points.

All the other rules and what you need to know are on the site, but if you do have any questions please ask on the chat below and we will do our best to answer them!

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Today we will concentrate on Pool B

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[/three_fourth]South Africa
Fixtures;
February 15 v Zimbabwe, Hamilton
February 22 v India, Melbourne
February 27 v West Indies, Sydney
March 3 v Ireland, Canberra
March 7 v Pakistan, Auckland
March 12 v United Arab Emirates, Wellington

Where do we begin with South Africa? They are one of the pre-tournament favourites and deservedly so, but, and it’s a big BUT, they have qualified for five World Cup knockout matches – two quarter finals & two semi-finals and not won any of them. So it is with good reason that they are constantly labelled as chokers! Yet again, they boast a very strong team under the captaincy of AB de Villiers, and if they play as a unit they can surely go all the way. Their recent form has been excellent, they’re coming off the back of 4-1 victory over the West Indies who admittedly were understrength but a number of the South Africans turned in some excellent performances. So who’s worth some consideration for your squad? They have match winners throughout their squad but it really is their top six which sets them apart. Here are just a few whom I feel could go well in the tournament.

AB de Villiers – Batsman/Wicketkeeper – price 110k. We often talk about ‘must haves’ in fantasy circles, well for me AB de Villiers is a must have. He is currently ranked as the leading ODI batsman in world cricket and recently smashed the fastest ODI century off just 31 balls. He has an ODI average of 52 with a strike rate of 97. He’s got all the shots in his locker and plays the games at his own pace, he can come in early if South Africa have lost early wickets and anchor the innings or he can come in when a solid platform has been built and smash the bowlers around the park. With a price tag of 110,000 he is the game’s most expensive player, but believe me, he’s worth every penny. While he’s listed as a batsman/wicketkeeper he’s unlikely to take the gloves unless de Kock picks up an injury.

Hashim Amla – Batsman – price 95k. While Amla doesn’t hit the headlines as often as de Villiers he shouldn’t be ignored. He oozes class and while power hitting has become a modern day requirement, Amla caresses the ball around the park while accumulating his runs. And boy does he accumulate runs, he became the fastest man to reach the 5,000 run mark in ODI cricket. To say he is in form would be an understatement, against the Windies he smashed 413 runs in just four innings, including two centuries and two half centuries. If money is tight ahead of one of the South African matches you could possibly include Amla ahead of de Villiers as he’s 15,000 cheaper.

Dale Steyn – Bowler – price 100k. The leader of the South African attack and the leading fast bowler in ODI’s. He bowls fast, but more importantly he bowls fast and accurately. The great thing about Steyn is that he will not only pick up wickets, he’ll do it without leaking too many runs, and he has an average of just over 25 with an economy rate of 4.80. The surfaces they will play on in Australia are not unlike those back in South Africa so he is likely to feel right at home. At 100,000 he’s one of the most expensive bowlers but his consistency will reward you.

Imran Tahir – Bowler – price 90k. With a number of the ‘wizards of spin’ ruled out for one reason or another the stage is set for Tahir to be the leading spinner at this year’s World Cup. He can control a game on pitches which do not assist him, while he has the variations to trouble even the best batsmen.

Two others who are worth a mention are Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper – price 85K) and JP Duminy (All-rounder – price 90k). De Kock has been injured of late and as a result hasn’t played much cricket but if he can prove his fitness in a number of warmup games he will open the batting with Amla and at just 85,000 he could prove great value for money. Duminy can score quickly, will pick up the odd wicket and is one of the best fielders in the game. He might not play every game but when he does he has the ability to score big.

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[/three_fourth]India
Fixtures;
February 15 v Pakistan, Adelaide
February 22 v South Africa, Melbourne
February 28 v United Arab Emirates, Perth
March 6 v West Indies, Perth
March 10 v Ireland, Hamilton
March 14 v Zimbabwe, Auckland

India has a population of somewhere in the region of 1.25 billion people and for most of them cricket is a religion, so you can only but imagine the pressure on this Indian team. Add into the mix the fact that they’re the reigning world champions and the pressure multiplies significantly. They’ve been in Australia since late November which you would think would be ideal preparation, but alas it has been the opposite. They started with a four match test series against the Aussies which they lost 2-0, they then moved onto a triangular ODI tournament involving the Aussies and England playing three and losing three, two of which were against England and that says a lot! They’re shot and their confidence has to be at a very low ebb, but despite this they are still 2nd in the ODI rankings and as reigning champions they cannot be taken lightly. Like so many teams at this World Cup India’s batting is certainly their strong suit whereas they might just struggle to take wickets. So who’s worth including in your team?

Virat Kohli – Batsman – price 105k. Without a doubt he has taken over from Sachin Tendulkar as India’s talisman. He started off the recent tour of Australia in great form and scored 692 runs across the four tests, unfortunately that form has since deserted him and he scored just 24 in the subsequent triangular tournament. However he has the quality to turn things around and should he find the form he demonstrated throughout the majority of 2014 he will surely be one of the top run scorers in the competition.

Shikhar Dhawan – Batsman – price 80k. Dhawan managed just 167 runs across six innings against Australia in the recent test series and things didn’t get much better in the followings ODI series where he managed just 49 runs in four innings! However in a warm-up against Oz he scored 59 off of 71 balls to suggest he might be coming into some form.

Ravichandran Ashwin – Bowler – price 90k. Just like their batsmen the Indian bowlers have struggled on their Australian travels over the past few months and none of them have impressed, although Ashwin did as well if not better than the rest. He has taken 120 ODI wickets and if he gets the opportunity with the bat he is more than capable of smashing some quick runs.

Also worth a mention are Ajinkya Rahane (Bowler – price 80k), Ravi Jadeja (All-rounder – price 95k) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler – price 90k). Rahane probably doesn’t get the attention of either Kohli or Dhawan but he shouldn’t be ignored and was India’s leading run scorer in the recent tri-series and is possibly in the best form of all Indian batsmen. Jadeja isn’t a great batsman or bowler but he can do a good job at both and if he can find some form he will pick up crucial wickets and score important runs. Kumar isn’t exceptionally quick but he compensates by generating swing and using his intelligence to stifle bowlers. He won’t take a huge amount of wickets but he is sure to have a decent economy rate.

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[/three_fourth]Pakistan
Fixtures;
February 15 v India, Adelaide
February 21 v West Indies Christchurch
March 1 v Zimbabwe, Brisbane
March 4 v United Arab Emirates, Napier
March 7 v South Africa, Auckland
March 15 v Ireland, Adelaide

The word mercurial is often used to describe the Pakistan cricket team and it’s hardly surprising as you just never know which Pakistan team will turn up, on their day they’re a match for anyone but at the same time you wouldn’t be overly surprised should they lose to one of the lesser nations at this World Cup. Their preparation hasn’t been ideal, the played 18 ODI’s in 2014 and won just six of them, while they also lost 2-0 to New Zealand just a matter of weeks ago. Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hafeez both of whom are key players have been ruled out through injury, although star bowler Mohammad Amir could be set for a stunning return, the sinner was suspended due to an illegal action back in early September. Their unpredictability is one of their strengths while historically they have been at their best when backed into a corner. Perhaps this could be their year, after all the last time the World Cup was held in NZ & Oz it was the Pakistani’s who raised the trophy aloft. So are any of them worth a spot in your team? On their day they can all be match winners, but we’ll highlight just a few of them.

Shahid Afridi – all-rounder – price 105k. Afridi who will turn 35 during the tournament has been a consistent match winner with his hard-hitting batting and fast leg breaks since he entered international cricket as a 16 year old way back in 1996. His recent form has been superb, since the start of 2014 he has played 18 ODI’s showing form in both departments, scoring 432 runs and scoring 18 wickets. In a recent ODI against New Zealand he smashed 67 off just 29 balls. If Ajmal doesn’t make Afridi is likely to be his sides main spin option.

Misbah-ul-Haq – Batsman – price 90k. Misbah will be forever be remembered for losing Pakistan the inaugural T20 World Cup against India. He has been in great form of late with scores of 45, 58, 47 & 13 in the recent series against New Zealand while he made 91 not out in a warm match against England.

Haris Sohail – Batsman – price 70k. If you’re looking for a cheap option who has the potential to go well then Sohail could be your man. The 25 year old has scored runs under his belt and impressively he’s recently chipped in with a number of wickets.

Wahab Riaz – Bowler – price 85k. Riaz has the pace to trouble the best, but hasn’t always combined it with consistency, in fact his inconsistency basically embodies the Pakistan team! Not only is he fast but he can also get the ball to move around. If you get him on a good day you’ll reap the rewards, unfortunately if you catch him on a day it could spell trouble!

Saeed Ajmal – Bowler – price ?k. At the time of writing Ajmal isn’t even in the squad but he could yet be called up. If he is called up I’d suggest allowing him to play one game before including him in your squad as this will allow you if he’s still the bowler he was before his suspension. It’s unlikely he’ll be as effective as he once was, but I suspect he’ll still take wickets.

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[/three_fourth]West Indies
Fixtures;
February 16 v Ireland, Nelson
February 21 v Pakistan, Christchurch
February 24 v Zimbabwe, Canberra
February 27 v South Africa, Sydney
March 06 v India, Perth
March 15 v United Arab Emirates, Napier

It’s hard to believe that the West Indies once dominated world cricket, admittedly it’s a long time ago now when they won the inaugural World Cup in 1975 and followed that up with another win in ’79. Their reputation has been tarnished as a result of their aborted tour of India due a contracts dispute led by Dwayne Bravo who along with all-rounder Kieron Pollard have been omitted from the World Cup squad. Do they have the depth to absorb the loss of these two? No! Just like Pakistan they are unpredictable and on their day they can trouble the best, unfortunately those days are very few & far between. If they can build up some early momentum and build confidence they could do well but it’s unlikely.

Chris Gayle – Batsman – price 105k. The fact that the West Indies will place of their hopes in the hands of Gayle says it all. He’s the most experience player in their line-up and has scored over 10,000 runs in 263 ODI’s. However don’t get too excited, he’s woefully out of form and since January 1st 2013 he has averaged just 19.52 in ODI’s although he did manage scores of 90 & 77 in two recent T20 internationals against South Africa. Selecting him will be a gamble but I reckon there’s a big score around the corner!

Marlon Samuels – All-rounder – price 95k. Samuels will in all likelihood bat at 4 which means he’ll see plenty of action with the bat, although these days he’s rarely entrusted with the ball. In the recent five ODI’s he only bowled in two and failed to take a wicket. So if you pick him don’t rely on many bowling points, however his form with the bat should make up for that, he struck two 50s in that series.

Jason Holder – Bowler – price 85k. Holder was made captain of the West Indies prior to the recent ODI series, he’s only 23 and had only played 21 ODI’s. Holder certainly has great potential, he’s taken 37 wickets from his first 26 ODI’s, and however his economy rate is somewhat on the high side at 5.55.

Also worth a mention are Darren Sammy (All-rounder – price 90k) and Denish Ramdin (Wicketkeeper – price 80k). Sammy has struggled with the ball of late taking just one wicket in four games against South Africa. He bats at 8 or 9 in the order meaning he often gets little time at the crease but on his day he can smash some very quick runs. Ramdin is undoubtedly a talented cricketer both with the bat & gloves, unfortunately he doesn’t always use these talents. However if you’re on the hunt for a cheap Windies player for any given game Ramdin could be your man.

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[/three_fourth]Zimbabwe
Fixtures;
February 15 v South Africa, Hamilton
February 19 v United Arab Emirates, Nelson
February 24 v West Indies, Canberra
March 1 v Pakistan, Brisbane
March 7 v Ireland, Hobart
March 14 v India, Auckland

In a country mired by controversy thanks to the despot that is Robert Mugabe, their cricket board stumble from one problem to another. Preparation for the World Cup hasn’t been ideal, they lost a recent ODI series 5-0 to Bangladesh while they also missed their flight because of arguments over payments for the tournament. This will be their ninth World Cup appearance but their best results were back in ’99 & ’03, their fortunes have since plummeted. In Dav Whatmore they have an experience coach who has picked a squad based on experienced but punctuated with youth and he has spoken of their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages but in reality if they can manage victories over Ireland & UAE they will consider themselves to have had a successful World Cup. So who’s worth some consideration?

Brendan Taylor – Wicketkeeper – price 90k. No longer their ODI captain, Taylor is still their marquee player. He has scored over 6,500 ODI runs, with his high score of 145 not out coming against South Africa back in 2010. His experience will be key for Zimbabwe, while he has the ability to read & adapt to a match situation.

Elton Chigumbura – All-rounder – price 90k. Having played over 160 ODI’s Zimbabwe’s captain is an experienced all-rounder. He’s a hard hitting batsman and a medium pace bowler, although he has only bowled 65 overs in his last 27 ODI’s. Batting at 6 or 7 he could very well be required to score runs quickly.

Hamilton Masakadza – Batsman – price 85k. Masakadza is 31 and made his ODI debut back in 2011, yet this will be his first World Cup due to poor form in previous years. He has over 5,000 ODI runs to his name including three centuries and 25 half centuries while he has also taken 36 wickets. He’s bang in form in well having struck 117 not out as Zimbabwe best Sri Lanka in a warm-up game earlier this week. Any opening batsman who may bowl a few overs is always worth a gamble.

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[/three_fourth]Ireland
Fixtures;
February 16 v West Indies, Nelson
February 25 v United Arab Emirates, Brisbane
March 3 v South Africa, Canberra
March 7 v Zimbabwe, Hobart
March 10 v India, Hamilton
March 15 v Pakistan, Adelaide

There are a total of 10 countries who have full membership of the ICC, outside of these countries Ireland are the top ranked team. They have always been the ‘surprise package’ since making their World Cup debut in 2007, during which they beat Pakistan and in 2011 they pulled off a memorable run chase in defeating England. Unfortunately for the Irish they don’t get the chance to test themselves against the best very often and therefore go into this World Cup more in hope rather than expectation. Their strength is certainly their batting where they can rely upon the likes of the experiences William Porterfied and Ed Joyce. The bowling is somewhat of a concern having lost Trent Johnston to retirement, Tim Murtagh to injury and Boyd Rankin to England! Brett Lee has signed a short-term contract for the duration of the warmup games and his knowledge will hopefully prove beneficial for the Irish bowlers. You’re unlikely to load up on Irish players for any one game but against UAE, Zimbabwe and maybe even the West Indies you might want to consider one, two or maybe even three if you’re brave. So who’s worth some consideration?

Ed Joyce – Batsman – price 85k. In my opinion he’s their best and most dependable batsman. In last season’s English County Championship he scored 1,398 runs at an average of just over 66 and while it’s a different form of the game he will hope that form hasn’t deserted him. He will start every game for the Irish and coming in at 3 will mean he has every opportunity to build a good score.

Paul Stirling – All-rounder – price 90k. At his best Stirling is both aggressive & powerful, and if he can find his top form, sit back and enjoy the ride. In 51 ODI’s he has five centuries and six half centuries, while he also bowls a useful right-arm off break. His form of late has been a little patchy, but for me he is probably the one to have from the Irish team.

Kevin O’Brien – All-rounder – price 90k. Who will ever forget the century (the fastest in World Cup history) that O’Brien smashed in 2011 against England as the Irish chased down 327 to secure a memorable victory. Like Stirling he can smash the bowl as well as pick up important wickets, but also like Stirling his form has been a little patchy of late.

George Dockrell – Bowler – price 90k. Dockrell may only be 22 but he has a good deal of experience under his belt, having played 42 ODI’s and three full seasons for Somerset. At the last World Cup Dockrell picked up seven wickets with an economy rate of just 4.43 runs per over and although conditions were more conducive to spin it shows that he has the temperament for the big occasion.

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[/three_fourth]United Arab Emirates
Fixtures;
February 19 v Zimbabwe, Nelson
February 25 v Ireland, Brisbane
February 28 v India, Perth
March 4 v Pakistan, Napier
March 12 v South Africa, Wellington
March 15 v West Indies, Napier

UAE are set to make only their second ever World Cup appearance, its last and only appearance was way back in 1996. They have qualified via the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament, losing just twice with both defeats coming at the hands of Scotland who beat them in the final. 2014 was a good year for UAE and it was topped off when they beat Afghanistan 3-1 in an ODI series, while they also beat a Pakistan A side back in October. There are no expectations on the team and they will be eager to show the rest of the world what they are capable of, although it should be noted that they are by far & away the least experienced team at this year’s World Cup. So who’s worth a gamble?

Khurram Khan – All-rounder – price 85k. Khan is no spring chicken, in fact at 43 he’s possibly the oldest player at this year’s World Cup (I’m too lazy to check!). 2014 was a good year for Khan, he scored 334 runs in six ODI’s which came at a healthy strike rate of just under 86. His left-arm spin can also prove useful.

Saqlain Haider – Wicketkeeper – price 65k. Haider once kept wicket for Australia in a tour match against Pakistan A and by all accounts he impressed behind the stumps, as much with his temperament as his technique. He has only played two ODI’s so is a bit of an unknown quantity, but has been described as a genuine talent.

Outside of the two there are slim pickings, not that I’d get too excited about Khan & Haider! Andri Berenger (Batsman – price 65k) struck 152 runs at an average of 38 in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan while Mohammad Shahzad hit 141 runs at an average of 70.50. It would appear that their bowlers are to be avoided!

Thanks for reading Fantasy Cricket – World Cup 2015 part 2. This article was written by Kop Warrior

Follow @KenLyons79