UP vs SAU Dream11 Prediction: 2nd Quarterfinal Fantasy Cricket Tips for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026

The stakes couldn't be higher. We are at the business end of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026, and the 2nd Quarterfinal brings us a massive clash between Uttar Pradesh and Saurashtra. Both teams have been dominant in the group stages, and now it is do or-die at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.

Uttar Pradesh is coming off a fantastic winning streak, led by the explosive batting of Dhruv Jurel. On the other side, Saurashtra boasts a lineup packed with experience, including the legendary Ravindra Jadeja, who made a massive impact in his last outing. Let's dive into the strategy to help you build your fantasy contests teams.

Match Details

• Match: UP vs SAU (2nd Quarterfinal)
• Series: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026
• Date: 12 Jan 2026, 09:00 IST
• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Bengaluru is generally known for supporting batters, but early morning starts (09:00 AM) in January can offer some movement for the seamers. The pitch at the Centre of Excellence usually plays true, allowing for good stroke play once the batters get their eye in.

However, with quality spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja playing, the middle overs will be tricky. Expect a score around 280-300 to be competitive. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with no significant rain threat, making it a perfect day for cricket.

Team Analysis: Uttar Pradesh

UP has been a juggernaut this season. Their batting lineup is firing on all cylinders. Dhruv Jurel is in the form of his life, averaging a staggering 199.2 fantasy points per game in this series. He smashed 160 and 123 in recent games, making him a default captaincy choice for many.

Aryan Juyal and Abhishek Goswami have provided solid starts, while Rinku Singh remains a dangerous finisher. In the bowling department, Zeeshan Ansari has been the pick of the bowlers with 13 wickets, and the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav adds world class quality to their spin attack.

Team Analysis: Saurashtra

Saurashtra is equally dangerous. They have won 4 of their last 5 games. The return of Ravindra Jadeja has boosted their balance immensely; he scored 88 runs and took 4 wickets in the last game alone, racking up 282 fantasy points.

Harvik Desai and Sammar Gajjar are the pillars of their batting, both averaging over 140 fantasy points. Ankur Panwar has been a revelation with the ball, taking 16 wickets in the series. They have a deep batting lineup and plenty of bowling options, making them a tough nut to crack.

Key Players to Watch

• Dhruv Jurel: You simply cannot ignore him. With 411 runs in the series and back to-back centuries, he is the hottest property in Indian domestic cricket right now.
• Ravindra Jadeja: A complete package. He contributes with the bat, bowls his full quota of overs, and is a magnet for points in the field.
• Harvik Desai: Consistent at the top. He has 369 runs in the series and provides wicket keeping points as well.
• Ankur Panwar: The leading wicket taker for Saurashtra. If UP's top order falters, it will likely be because of him.
• Kuldeep Yadav: In a knockout game, experience matters. His left arm wrist spin could be the game changer in the middle overs.
• Chirag Jani: An underrated all rounder who consistently delivers points with both bat and ball (Series Avg: 135.8).

Captaincy and Vice Captaincy Picks

Top Captaincy Choices:

• Ravindra Jadeja: Given his dual role and recent form, he offers the highest ceiling for points.
• Dhruv Jurel: If UP bats first, Jurel is a prime candidate for a massive score.

Differential Picks:

• Sammar Gajjar: He has been quietly accumulating massive runs (375 runs) and can be a great differential captain.
• Zeeshan Ansari: If the pitch takes a turn, his leg spin could run through the opposition.

Game Strategy for Mega Leagues

Since this is a knockout game, teams might play slightly cautiously at the start. This increases the value of middle order batters like Rinku Singh or Prerak Mankad who can capitalize on the death overs. Also, consider stacking your team with all rounders like Chirag Jani and Prashant Veer, as they have multiple avenues to earn points.

Good luck with your teams, and enjoy this high voltage Quarterfinal!