Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's Promotion of Fantasy Cricket App Sparks ControversyIndian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced backlash on social media for promoting a fantasy cricket app. Gambhir posted an advertisement for Real11 on Twitter, inviting followers to participate in a contest and earn cash rewards.However, many users criticized Gambhir for endorsing a "betting app," citing his previous criticism of former cricketers who promoted similar products. They accused him of double standards and hypocrisy.In the past, Gambhir has publicly condemned the promotion of alcohol, tobacco, and online betting by cricketers. He has stated that such endorsements are harmful to society and should be discouraged.The controversy has raised questions about the ethics of cricketers promoting gambling-related products. Critics argue that such endorsements normalize gambling and can lead to addiction, particularly among young fans.Gambhir's promotion of Real11 has also drawn attention to the growing popularity of fantasy cricket apps in India. These apps allow users to create virtual teams of real-life cricketers and compete against others for cash prizes.While fantasy cricket is not considered gambling in India, it has been criticized for its potential to promote addictive behavior and encourage excessive spending. Some experts have called for regulations to prevent minors from accessing these apps and to ensure responsible gambling practices.The controversy surrounding Gambhir's endorsement highlights the need for a broader discussion about the role of cricketers in promoting products that may have negative societal impacts. It also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of athletes and the potential consequences of their endorsements.

South Africa and Afghanistan Set for Thrilling Semi-Final Clash in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024The highly anticipated Semi-Final 1 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will witness a captivating encounter between South Africa and Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.South Africa, fresh off a thrilling three-wicket victory over West Indies, will be eager to continue their impressive run in the tournament. Their top fantasy performer, Tabraiz Shamsi, with 85 fantasy points, will be a key player to watch.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be brimming with confidence after their eight-run victory over Bangladesh. Rashid Khan, who amassed 157 fantasy points in their previous match, will be the one to lead their charge.Pitch Report and Weather ConditionsThe pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is known for its balance, with an average 1st innings score of 117 runs in the last 20 matches. The team winning the toss may opt to bowl first, as the majority of games played on this ground have been won by the chasing side.The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 23.56 degrees Celsius, with high humidity and winds at a speed of 1.89 m/s.Head-to-HeadIn the two previous encounters between these teams, South Africa has emerged victorious on both occasions. Protea wicket-keepers have been the most prolific fantasy point earners for their team, while all-rounders have been the top performers for Afghanistan.Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain PicksFazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): With an average of 61 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 9.3, Farooqi is a valuable asset for any fantasy team. His impressive economy rate of 6.38 and 16 wickets in the last seven matches make him a formidable choice.Quinton de Kock (South Africa): De Kock, with an average of 48 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 7.8, is a reliable fantasy pick. His left-handed batting prowess and strike rate of 148.50 in the recent seven matches make him a potential game-changer.Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): Naveen-ul-Haq, with an average of 60 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 9, is a consistent performer. His 13 wickets in the last seven matches at an economy rate of 6.12 make him a valuable bowling option.Tristan Stubbs (South Africa): Stubbs, with an average of 41 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 7.7, is an explosive batter. His 134 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 33.50 make him a potential match-winner.Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Khan, with an average of 75 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 8.2, is a spin wizard. His 14 wickets in the last seven matches at an economy rate of 6.10 make him a must-have for any fantasy team.SA vs AFG Possible Playing XIsSouth Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco JansenAfghanistan (AFG): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad NabiSA vs AFG Fantasy TeamWicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quinton de KockBatters: Ibrahim Zadran, Tristan StubbsAll-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad NabiBowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan, Keshav MaharajCaptain: Fazalhaq FarooqiVice-Captain: Quinton de Kock

England and West Indies are set to face off in a highly anticipated T20I match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. England, currently leading the series, will aim to solidify their position, while West Indies, ranked fourth, will seek to improve their standings.In their previous encounter, England's Adil Rashid emerged as the top fantasy performer with 67 points, while Gudakesh Motie led the way for West Indies with 101 points. England's recent victory over Namibia saw Harry Brook shine with 85 fantasy points, while Nicholas Pooran's 146 points propelled West Indies to victory against Afghanistan.The pitch at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is balanced, with an average first innings score of 110 runs. Pacers have historically dominated at this venue, accounting for 75% of wickets. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain, which could favor the pacers.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Johnson Charles: A high-risk, high-reward pick with an average of 46 fantasy points per match.* Sam Curran: A consistent performer with an average of 61 fantasy points per match.* Alzarri Joseph: A reliable bowler with an average of 43 fantasy points per match.* Akeal Hosein: A left-arm spinner with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Phil Salt: A consistent batter with an average of 56 fantasy points per match.* Adil Rashid: A leg-break bowler with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Andre Russell: A versatile player with an average of 62 fantasy points per match.* Roston Chase: A consistent all-rounder with an average of 44 fantasy points per match.Squads:England: Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Tom HartleyWest Indies: Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar JosephFantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt* Batters: Jonny Bairstow, Sherfane Rutherford* All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Andre Russell* Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan* Captain: Sam Curran* Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid

New Zealand and Uganda will face off in a crucial match in the ongoing tournament. New Zealand, currently ranked fifth with no points, will be eager to secure a victory to improve their standings. Uganda, on the other hand, sits third with two points and will aim to maintain their momentum.In their previous match, New Zealand suffered a narrow 13-run defeat to West Indies. Trent Boult emerged as their top fantasy performer, scoring 126 points. Uganda also faced a setback in their last encounter against West Indies, losing by a significant margin of 134 runs. Brian Masaba was their standout player, accumulating 63 fantasy points.The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is expected to provide a balanced surface for both teams. The average first-innings score at this venue is 118 runs, suggesting that chasing a target may be the preferred option. Both pacers and spinners are likely to find success on this pitch.Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for the match, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius and humidity levels at 89%. Winds of 3.06 m/s are anticipated, which could aid pacers in generating movement.

India and Canada will face off in a highly anticipated match in the ongoing tournament. India has been in impressive form, winning all three of their matches so far and securing six points. Canada, on the other hand, has played three matches and sits fourth on the points table with two points.In their previous match, India dominated the USA, securing a seven-wicket victory. Arshdeep Singh emerged as the top fantasy player for India, scoring 126 fantasy points. Canada, meanwhile, suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Pakistan. Aaron Johnson was the top fantasy performer for Canada, earning 76 fantasy points.The match will be played at the Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. The pitch is balanced, with an average first-innings score of 133 runs in the last 20 matches. The team batting first has won 37% of matches at this venue.Both pacers and spinners are expected to find success on this pitch. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 29 degrees Celsius, 66% humidity, and 5.43 m/s winds. Cloudy conditions may assist pacers in generating movement.For your Fantasy XI team, consider the following top captain and vice-captain picks:* Kaleem Sana (CAN): A high-risk, high-returns player with an average of 68 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Axar Patel (IND): A consistent performer with an average of 64 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Arshdeep Singh (IND): A reliable fantasy option with an average of 57 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Nicholas Kirton (CAN): A safe bet with an average of 51 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Suryakumar Yadav (IND): A punt player with an average of 48 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Jasprit Bumrah (IND): A good pick with an average of 47 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Saad Bin Zafar (CAN): A safe bet with an average of 46 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Rohit Sharma (IND): A differential player with an average of 31 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

West Indies and New Zealand are set to face off in a highly anticipated match in the ongoing tournament. West Indies, currently ranked second on the points table, will be looking to continue their winning streak after a convincing victory against Uganda. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back from their defeat against Afghanistan.The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, is expected to be balanced, with an average first innings score of 116 runs. Chasing a target has been the preferred option at this venue, with teams batting first winning only 35% of matches.Both pacers and spinners are expected to find success on this pitch. The weather forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures around 23.91 degrees Celsius and 91% humidity. Winds are expected to be around 1.84 m/s, which could provide some assistance to pacers.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Captain: Akeal Hosein (WI) - A consistent performer with an average of 55 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 9.6.* Vice-Captain: Michael Bracewell (NZ) - An all-rounder with an average of 53 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 8.Fantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Johnson Charles (WI), Finn Allen (NZ), Devon Conway (NZ)* Batters: Rovman Powell (WI)* All-Rounders: Roston Chase (WI), Michael Bracewell (NZ)* Bowlers: Akeal Hosein (WI), Gudakesh Motie (WI), Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matt Henry (NZ), Obed McCoy (WI)

Australia and England Clash in Match 17 of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024The highly anticipated Match 17 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will witness a thrilling encounter between Australia and England at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 8 at 10:30 PM IST.Match PreviewAustralia, currently ranked second on the points table, will face England, ranked fourth, in a crucial match that could shape their tournament destiny. Both teams have played one match each, with Australia emerging victorious and England suffering a defeat.Pitch and Weather ConditionsThe Kensington Oval pitch is known for its balanced nature, with an average first innings score of 155 runs. The team batting first has a 65% win rate at this venue. Weather forecasts predict a cloudy day with light rain, which could favor pacers.Fantasy PicksTop Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Matthew Short (Australia): All-rounder with high fantasy points average and rating.* Sam Curran (England): Consistent performer with both bat and ball.Other Fantasy Picks:* Jos Buttler (England): Wicket-keeper batter with impressive recent form.* Chris Jordan (England): Reliable fast bowler with a strong record against Australia.* Mitchell Marsh (Australia): All-rounder with high-risk, high-returns potential.* Mark Wood (England): Fast bowler with a proven track record against Australia.* Adam Zampa (Australia): Leg-spinner with a good record against England.* Travis Head (Australia): Explosive batter with a solid fantasy points average.SquadsAustralia: Matthew Wade, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David, Nathan EllisEngland: Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Tom HartleyConclusionThe clash between Australia and England promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory. The balanced pitch and unpredictable weather conditions add an element of intrigue to the match. Fantasy cricket enthusiasts will have a wide range of options to choose from, with several players in both squads boasting impressive fantasy points averages and ratings.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan: Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Conditions, and Fantasy PicksPreview:Afghanistan and New Zealand will face off in their first match of the tournament. Afghanistan has won their only match so far, while New Zealand is playing their first game. New Zealand has a 2-2 record in their last four games.Pitch Report and Weather Conditions:The average first-innings score at the Guyana National Stadium is 149 runs. The pitch is balanced, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. The temperature is expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius, with high humidity and light rain forecasted.Head-to-Head:New Zealand has won the only match played between these two teams.Fantasy Picks:Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Finn Allen (NZ): Top-order batter with an average of 71 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): Consistent batter with an average of 63 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Other Top Picks:* Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG): Left-arm fast-medium bowler with an average of 60 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Timothy Southee (NZ): Right-arm medium-fast bowler with an average of 61 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Michael Bracewell (NZ): All-rounder with an average of 58 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* James Neesham (NZ): All-rounder with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Rashid Khan (AFG): Leg-break googly bowler with an average of 49 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): All-rounder with an average of 43 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Mark Chapman (NZ): Left-handed batter with an average of 27 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Fantasy 11 Team:* Wicket-Keeper: Finn Allen* Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra* All-Rounders: Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat* Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Mitchell Santner* Captain: Rachin Ravindra* Vice-Captain: Naveen ul HaqConclusion:The match between New Zealand and Afghanistan is expected to be a close contest. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, and the weather conditions could play a factor. Fantasy players should consider the pitch conditions and weather forecast when making their selections.

England and Pakistan are set to face off in the second match of their three-match T20I series at the Kennington Oval in London. The hosts England won the first match by 45 runs, and will be looking to seal the series with another victory.The pitch at the Kennington Oval is known for its good batting conditions, with an average first innings score of 164 runs in the last 20 matches. The surface is expected to provide assistance to both batters and bowlers, making it a balanced contest.The weather forecast for the match is cloudy, with a temperature of around 15.18 degrees Celsius and humidity of 69%. Winds are expected to blow at a speed of 3.91 m/s, which could aid the pacers.Statistically, pacers have been more successful at the Kennington Oval, taking 80% of the wickets. Fantasy experts predict that the pitch will continue to favor the pacers in this match.In the head-to-head record between England and Pakistan, the all-rounders have been the most valuable players for their respective teams in terms of fantasy points.For England, Shaheen Afridi is a key player to watch. The left-arm fast bowler has an average of 87 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and is a consistent performer. Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, is another top pick for fantasy teams. The right-handed batter has an average of 55 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.Other players to consider for your fantasy team include Shadab Khan, Sam Curran, Mohammad Rizwan, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Saim Ayub, Harry Brook, Imad Wasim, and Adil Rashid.