Match & Venue Overview
Hello fantasy champs! The T20 series between South Africa and India heads to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This isn't your typical flat T20 track; it's a ground where bowlers, particularly pacers, have had a lot of success. Get ready for a strategic contest where every run will be hard earned.
Pitch Report & Ground Stats
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Average Score: 147
- Pacer Wickets (Last 5 T20s): 42
- Spinner Wickets (Last 5 T20s): 14
The numbers tell a clear story. With an average score of just 147, batters will find it challenging to score freely. The most significant stat is the wicket distribution: pacers have taken three times as many wickets as spinners here. This means you should prioritize fast bowlers from both sides in your fantasy lineup.
Team India Analysis
Axar Patel has been ruled out for the rest of the T20I series due to injury. His absence weakens India’s spin all-round options and opens the door for additional pace or batting depth in the playing XI.
Fantasy players should avoid Axar Patel and consider alternatives like Shivam Dube or an extra fast bowler depending on team combinations.
Top Picks from India
- Hardik Pandya: A default pick for any fantasy team. He's contributed with both bat (79 runs) and ball (2 wickets) this series. His all round ability makes him a safe captaincy option.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner has been on fire! With 7 wickets in the series and a 100% Dream Team appearance rate, he is a must have, even on a pacer friendly pitch.
- Arshdeep Singh: As a left arm pacer who bowls in the powerplay and at the death, Arshdeep is a fantastic pick for this venue. He has already taken 4 wickets in the series.
- Tilak Varma: He is India's leading run scorer in the series with 114 runs. If you're backing an Indian batter to do well, he's the one in form.
South Africa Analysis
The Proteas have fought hard, and their key players have stepped up. Their pace attack, in particular, will be licking their lips looking at this pitch.
Top Picks from South Africa
- Lungi Ngidi: The leading wicket taker of the series with 6 scalps. On a pitch that assists pacers, he is an absolute must have and a top C/VC contender.
- Aiden Markram: The most consistent batter for South Africa, with 104 runs in the series. He can anchor the innings and play a crucial role.
- Marco Jansen: A fantastic all rounder who can change the game with both his left arm pace and big hitting down the order. He has 3 wickets and has a 100% DT rate.
- Quinton de Kock: While he can be hit or-miss, his 90-run knock in the second match showed what he's capable of. A high risk, high reward pick.
Top Captain & Vice Captain Choices
Choosing the right C/VC is crucial on a bowler friendly ground. Here are our top suggestions:
- Safe Choices: Hardik Pandya, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram
- Grand Contest Picks: Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen
High Reward Differential Picks
Looking for players with low selection percentages to get ahead in big contests? Consider these options:
- Ottneil Baartman (25% Selected): He bagged 4 wickets in one match, showing his potential to run through a batting lineup. A great differential for your bowling attack.
- Shivam Dube (39% Selected): Known for his power hitting, he can also chip in with a few overs of medium pace, which could be useful on this surface.
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Live Streaming: Watch the match live on JioHotstar
Live Telecast: Available on official sports TV channels
Match Time: As per scheduled start (IST)
👉 Fantasy players can follow live action, toss updates, and team news in real time on AI11.
