Will Windies turn up for the final time against experimenting India ?

It's the end of the tour for Windies with the final T20I in Chennai, and which comprised to be dead rubber with the performance they showed so far on the tour. Apart from a few glittering moments in the ODIs.

India on the other end continued their dominance even in absence of few key players in the modern format, where they are testing few players for their coming assignments in Australia and for later-on as well.

The final T20I being a dead rubber, the experimentation will go deep as few bowlers have been rested from Indian squad. So it will be interesting to see who gonna grab the places to make their credentials strong for the bench strength.

For Windies though, it's a matter of pride, to end the tour on a high. But to do that, the Windies batsman have to come out of the bubble, to pose a challenge for Indian bowlers, who have gotten the better of visitors so far the T20I series.

Both Sides want to end on a high as Capetown gears up for a decider

It's all gonna end where it all got started. The tour thus far has shown many up and downs, surprises, dominance, humiliating defeats and crunching victories. After, all they combined, India fairly takes the spotlight from the tour finisher as well, where for the time on this tour a Series is still alive to the end of it.

Although it wouldn't have been possible if Proteas failed to come back, while they did eventually with some sort of help from the rain gods and with some spirited performance from their batsman in the middle overs and from bowlers in early in the piece.

India, on the other hand, would have thought they were in the game after their comeback at the death overs with the bat, but Chahal’s worse off day couldn’t help their way with rain making it difficult for bowlers.

Now though, it's about finishing well for both sides with series on the line. A series win desperately needed for Proteas to compensate the one-way traffic in ODI series. While India too wants to finish on a high and would like to take another series from wants South Africa.

Bowlers and boundaries in spotlight as Eden Park gears up for final

Before the start of Tri-Series, Australia was the team in all sorts of questions hanging on them and England and, New Zealand were the teams with answers in T20 format. But now after a couple weeks later, Australia find themselves to be the first team to enter the final.

While that's not just the actual matter, it's been bigger in terms of results as Australia yet to lose a match in the series, which includes highest ever chase in T20 format till date. The ODI defeats haven’t affected them as Big Bash stars helped them in a great way with fresh energy and probably the way Aussies might go in T20 format.

On the other side, New Zealand and England won a game piece and New Zealand just stepped ahead into the finals with a touch higher run rate. But,  New Zealand involved close finishes even in their losses apart from the Tri- Series opener.

So it makes New Zealand a worthy opponent for Australia in the final and also gives the home crowd, to cheer a lot about it. Apart from that after a contrasting Ashes and ODIs, the final against Transman gives a different and much-needed contest for Australians.

However, on the final Day, it's about the pressure of the moment for either side and the team which outsmarts the opposition bowlers will come on top.

Pitch and Conditions

               On Friday Eden Park has seen highest ever score made by a team and also the highest chase in T20s. While for final it's gonna be the same high scoring affair.

Zimbabwe aims to make scoreline closer

Zimbabwe was flattened out rapidly after their win in the second ODI. The results are so frustrating, as they are unable to adopt Afghan spin challenge. They lost back to back games, in this process lost the Series.

Now it's about making the scoreline more a respectable one for them. But it's not going be as straightforward as it is said, as they need to find a way not only to battle against the Afghan spinners but should also make them unsettled.

On the other hand, Afghanistan so far dominated the Series excluding the second ODI. While their batsman hasn't been tested as they liked to be, as Zimbabwe bowled out pretty early and it's the area they want to test themselves out ahead of World Cup Qualifiers.

India eye on 3-0 as South Africa hope for a respite

When a team from subcontinent comes to South Africa, the focus lot would be on how the team cope up with the bounce and pace of these surfaces. It has been the story for years but this series is an exception of that, as Indian spinners turned the table around the clock.

That's where South African batsman struggled to cope up with the new found Indian wrist challenge. It's a known fact, South Africans struggle against spin, but this challenge of this quality in absence of their key players asking too much from their second string batsman.

India on the other hand, just away from two matches winning a Series in South Africa for the first time, and the prospect seems likely with the way things going for India. While India like this situation for sure but they want more fight from Proteas, to show their true potential.

Pitch and Conditions

      It will be interesting to see, what the surface at Cape Town offers as Johannesburg and Durban proved to be on slower side so far.

South Africa

                A lot of questions are waging in the Proteas dressing room, now the injury to Dekock makes them change things even more but it also gives younger players a chance to fulfil game time for Proteas ahead of their mission 2019.

Possible XI: 1 Hashim Amla 2 Aiden Markram (capt) 3 JP Duminy, 4 Khaya Zondo, 5 David Miller, 6 Farhaan Behardien/ Shamsi, 7 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 8 Chris Morris 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Morne Morkel 11 Imran Tahir

India

       There is nothing for India to worry about as the wrist spinners winning the games for them, and the batsman's, and pacers doing the supporting roles well.

Playing XI: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Ajinkya Rahane, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Kedar Jadav, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal

Depleted England hope to continue their limited overs form against Austraila

Australia started the Tri- Series with a bang with outplaying their neighbours in the opener. Now they face on their rivals England in the second match of series and it takes us to very interesting phase in the Series, as which team turns its head on the other after a contrasting Ashes and ODI Series.

While, both teams don't have a great T20 record of late, but it has been due to the absence of their key players being rested for this format. Although that didn't affect Australia in the opener, as Stanlake rapped the top order of New Zealand with his pace and control, which set the things going for them in absence of Starc and Cummins.

Meanwhile, it has to be seen whether England perform well in absence of their key Players, Woakes, Ali and Root. With this added absence, they were affected by injury concerns too, which England has to come over. The main thing for England is now to balance the squad in absence of all-rounders.

Australia tough like to take the confidence from the opener, where Warner showed his skills of Captaincy and which he rubbed on the players with his intensity and passion.

Pitch and Conditions

             The pitch at Hobart likely to be more flatter than of Sydney, and if it proves that, bowlers from either side will be tested.

Australia

        After their convincing victory in the opener, the hosts likely to stick with the same Playing XI even in the availability of Travis Head.

PlayingXI: 1 David Warner (capt), 2 D'Arcy Short, 3 Chris Lynn, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Ashton Agar, 8 Andrew Tye, 9 Kane Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Billy Stanlake

England

         While England hopes Hales, Roy and Plunkett to be available for selection, who were nursing from their respective hamstrings, and other concern for them is about picking an extra batsman or an all-rounder.

Playing XI:1 Jason Roy, 2 Alex Hales, 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Sam Billings/Tom Curran/Sam Curran, 7 Liam Dawson, 8 David Willey, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Chris Jordan/ Lian Plunkett, 11 Mark Wood

Depleted Proteas face yet another wrist test

After the first Test of the tour, India found to be the team with a lot of questions over their selection and performance with the bat. But after a few weeks with a change in format, South Africa find themselves in more trouble, than India had at that time.

The absence of De Villiers was the talking point prior to the first ODI and now it's about Duplessis as both are out due to finger injuries, the former will return to fourth ODI but the later likely to miss entire Series. So that means the batting only gonna be depleted even more.

The owns will be on De Kock and Amla at the top and, on Duminy and Miller in the middle order to tackle the Indian wrist spin, which has been the winning formula for India in recent times.

With the batsman looked conformable in the chase, there aren't many things to worry for India as Rahane played well at No.4. if India can pick few wickets upfront in the order, things gonna become even more difficult for the hosts. Meanwhile, it has to be the bowling for hosts to a give chance to their batting.

Pitch and Conditions

              There is nothing gonna be different throughout the Series, as batting friendly surfaces are to be dished out, in Centurion it won't be different, but the surface might produce more bounce than that of Durban.

South Africa

    The absence of Duplessis meant a surprise call from South Africa, as Markram gonna lead the side, while Behardien, who has been drafted into the side after first ODI likely to replace Duplessis ahead of Zondo.

Probable XI: 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Farhaan Behardien, 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

India

       for the visitor's, everything as gone to the plan and they are likely to stick with it.

Probable XI: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ajinkya Rahane, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal

Both teams eye on a win, as it separates them from other two

Thursday's victory has been needed immensely for Sri Lanka after the way things went for them in the past year and in this series. The victory not only helped them to reach the final, would also help them in terms of morale in the dressing room.

The visitors hope the same to be shown on Saturday in the final, and it's the time for them to start the things, to place in right away to take the momentum forward in their Cricket, which has been lacking for some time now.

On the other side, Bangladesh after dominating performance in first three games, disseminated by a fight shown by Sri Lanka. The loss might be a pretty early call for them thankfully, as it showed how things will be if they don't show intensity.

A win in final is important for them as it for Sri Lanka, as both sides have to prove their worth in international Cricket after what happened in recent past. However, it's interesting to see which team shows intensity under pressure to win the final, as the win will separate the team - from other two.

Pitch and Conditions

       The Mirpur pitch has shown some tricks in this Tri-Series so far with offering more help for pacers which is unlike to it. And it slowed down dramatically as the game progressed, it is the thing that has remained constant.

Bangladesh

            The host's certainly don't want to repeat their mistakes, but when comes to playing XI they might change the partner to Tamim with bringing in Imrul.

Possible XI: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Sabbir Rahman, 7 Nasir Hossain, 8 Abul Hasan, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Rubel Hossain.

Sri Lanka

                Sri Lanka after their collective effort with the ball might stick with the same squad that played on Thursday.

Possible XI: 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Upul Tharanga, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 5 Dinesh Chandimal (capt.) 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Akila Dananjaya, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lakshan Sandakan, 11 Dushmantha Chameera

Indian batsman showed intent before play being halted

On a day where the pitch started to show its true nature with cracks widened up as the match progressed, Indian batsman showed courage and grit, to counter Protea bowlers. Virar, Rahane, Bhuvneshwar, and Shami, all played vital knocks to earn India a 240 run lead, before match being halted by Umpires in the 9 over of South African Innings.

There were many occasions in the Day, the play as has been halted, whenever batsman had a blow on their hand as balls bounced more than expected from a good length. The Umpires had discussions each and every time with the batsman at the crease and between them but carried play every time.

Surprisingly, with a half, an hour to go on Day’s play Umpires had taken the matter into the change room, as a ball stuck Elgar on the helmet, but it wasn't due to the cracks nor due to the misbehaving surface, it's looked as if Elgar misjudged the ball.

However, India followed another day on top of Proteas more to say well ahead in the match as Shami struck early in the piece of Proteas chase with removing Markram by a rising delivery.

Earlier in the Day, Vijay and Rahul couldn't continue the good work they have done on the previous day, as Rahul once again fell for a ball that is outside off and full. Later Pujara hasn't stayed long as he received a peach from Morkel and found nowhere going, but only to edge it, to second slip.

Then the partnership between Vijay and Virat pawed the path for India, it wasn't been easy stuff to handle as the ball talked of the seam and added unpredictability of the pitch. Virat has been the aggressor to score runs whenever an opportunity presented to him. Vijay looked solid with his leaves and defense, he was also the one who had to take the blow on the hand.

When things started to look in control for India with the loss of just one wicket in the morning session, Rabada ripped a yorker to sent Vijay back in the hunt with the penultimate ball of the morning Session.

Having been not considered for the first two test, and only a few runs in the first Innings, the onus was on Rahane to show his captain the decision to leave him out was not a right one. And Rahane responded well to the added challenge of the unpredictable pitch as he was aggressive in his own way from the word go.

The presence of Virat at the other end, too, have helped him, but the Captain was cleaned by Rabada on 41 to a nip-backer from a crack. Hardik stay was not long as he looked rusty throughout his presence in the crease.

At this stage, India was at 148/6, and the wicket of Rahane looked a priced one for South Africa. Although, Bhuvneshwar, who has contributed well in the Series so far with the bat once again came to the rescue, with a solid partnership with Rahane, who continued to be aggressive in his way.

At at a time when Proteas bowlers have to be on their mark lost the radar a bit, and also dropped both Rahane and Bhuvneshwar's, straightforward chances. And for those lost opportunities, Proteas paid the price as the pair laid 50 runs.At this time Rahane was looking solid on 48 at the crease but was fallen down the leg side as he ticked the flick too fine to diving Dekock.

That might have taken some tension down in the Protea camp, but it was only for some time though as Shami played some shots of the length balls presented to him. He has taken Protea bowlers for all his liking with swinging the bat hard, he added 35 runs with Bhuvneshwar before his 28 balls 27. At the end, Bhuvneshwar hadn't  stayed long after his 33, but his partnerships with  Rahane and Shami has turned the game into India's hands.

Can India make South Africa pay for lost opportunities?

It seems South Africa has the upper hand over India at the end of day 1 at Wanders, theoretically, it's the way. But what if we take South Africa's missed opportunities into account, that might say, they would have been in even more dominant position.

Gone with no frontline spinner in the attack both teams had made a statement, it also well supported by the green track and overhead conditions on days to follow. On day 1 most part of morning and second session were under clouds, and the decision seems to a right way to go.

Coming back to the missed opportunities South Africa had in the Innings, might become costly for them, if India bowls well as they bowled in Cape Town’s second Innings. In the second Test, India had missed opportunities as they couldn't clinch on to some catches behind the stumps and a couple in the outfield.

Those missed opportunities cost India a lot given their sloppy batting so far. South Africa too, haven't been at their best with the bat, if India had taken those missed opportunities, South Africa may have been in trouble.

In Centurion Elgar, Markram, Amla, and Duplessis all played well, but Virat responded with a 150 to almost close the gap in the first Innings. India had paid the price for the lost chances in some big partnerships, to South Africa.

Apart from lost chances, De Villiers knocks in both matches hurt India the most, the way he transferred pressure back on to India had a significant impact in both tests so far. His 65 in first innings, allowed Duplessis to grind at the other end, and in the second Test, his 80 helped Elgar and Duplessis to grind at the other end.

In both Test matches, if India had picked De Villiers early, India would have been the more dominant position. Now, in the third Test, they find themselves in the same position, with the seaming conditions around De Villiers will try to replicate of what happened at Cape Town.

If India can knock De Villiers out of the equation early in the Innings and take them every chance those come their way India might make South Africa pay for their mistakes. If India can do those things, they can continue their unbeaten record at Wanders.

Pakistan as to stop ruthless New Zealand to stay alive

It has been the same old story from Pakistan at Westpac stadium, as their top order batsman gifted their wickets early in the piece inside 10 overs. The concern may not change in a short time either, as it is in very basic to acclimatize with conditions on offer for their batsman.

The bowlers certainly showed some intent with picking up a couple of early wickets, but lack of runs on the board meant, the contest to be a one-sided affair. Already they have lost the ODI Series and now if they won't raise their game, it might be another clean sweep in another format.

On the other hand, New Zealand did well of what expected from them, and they were helped by the visitors, to make their work even easier. The side may have given rest of few keys players, but it didn't affect their winning streak.

All the talk, prior to the T20I series now seems merry an imagination about No.1 vs No.2, as Pakistan failed to produce a decent contest.

Pakistan

Pakistan might try out few things with nothing happening from their experienced batsman, Shehzad, who has been overlooked in the first T20I might get in. While they have to decide whether to persist with Hafeez or not.

Possible XI: Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Haris Sohail, 5 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 6 Shadab Khan, 7 Aamer Yamin/ Faheem Ashraf/ Hafeez, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Rumman Raees, 11 Mohammad Amir

New Zealand

              The hosts have few changes to make as they rest Southee and bring in Boult, while with Williamson back from injury, Kitchen has to make his way out.

Possible XI: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Glenn Phillips (wk), 5 Tom Bruce, 6 Ross Taylor, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Seth Rance, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Ish Sodhi

India couldn't fight long as Proteas attacked all round

At the end of Day 1, at Wanders, neither team is at the top of other, as India were restricted to 187 on a green track after choosing a brave call to bat first.

South Africa would have taken the total before the start of the Innings, but they will not at the end, as they were sloppy in the field and at times moody with the ball.

Philander was one of them, but his opening spell was an irritating stuff for the openers as he bowled 8 overs for just one run, which included Kl Rahul and seven maidens.

In this Series so far, Vijay looked so unlike him, as he once again chased a wide and full delivery to present an outside edge to Dekock. Then it was the partnership of the Innings from India which played a crucial part for India's 187, it had two distant elements to it, one, Pujara blocking everything and taken out drive out of the equation and second Virat playing as much as possible especially drives when it's fuller.

Pujara had taken 53 balls to score a run and I think it was the rare cheer from all the quarters of the ground. Virat though played his shots and he was lucky enough to stay long with Proteas dropped him twice in his fifty. The third time too, it looked AB didn't pick the ball, but somehow held on to it, to prevent further damage.

After the 84 run stand, India couldn't hold to anything as substantial as it. The return of Rahane hasn't been a fruitful one for him, as he was trapped lbw by Morkel before being presented a revive by Philander.

While Pujara, who blocked the entire first session showed some intent in the latter two in patches but even he couldn't stay for long after his fifty. In the low order apart from Bhuvneswar no one had shown intent or resistance, as Pandya once again fallen into the trap of short ball, and Parthiv characteristically edged one to Keeper.

So with India only lasted for 76.4 overs, South Africa had to face 6 overs in the day and those overs haven't gone well for them as Bhuvneswar sent Markram into the shed, and South Africa finished 6/1 as Rabada accompanied with Elgar to see the day off.

Zimbabwe need to address in-consistent batting

After a disappointing end to 2017, Bangladesh has come into their own with back to back bonus point wins against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. It seems all the concerns and questions have fallen into place at home, as they performed a notch higher than other two teams in the Tri-Series so far.

Zimbabwe on another hand had mixed results in opening 3 games so far, as they won against Sri Lanka in a close contest before losing against Bangladesh in the opening game. While the last game had seen, Zimbabwe to be at the other end against Sri Lanka, as they lost with lack of runs on the board.

It's an area Zimbabwe has to do work, to be on the winning side in matches to come, and on Tuesday it's no different. If Taylor can bring on his standards back, it won't be too far for them, as the bowling in previous two matches was penetrative enough.

Bangladesh, now well on true to the final, irrespective of the results in matches come, so it's about being continuing the form they are in. Zimbabwe had to come victories to be in the final in the remaining two matches, while there is another option too, to win in one match and the net run rate gonna decide the fate for them.

Pitch and Conditions

           The pitch at Mirpur has been two-paced so far, and with all games being played at the same Venue, the pitch gonna be slowed down a bit and for batsman it's about getting to the pace of the wicket.

Bangladesh

         The hosts likely gonna continue the winning formula into the match, and Shakib’s promotion to No.3 has been good for them.

Playing XI: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Nasir Hossain, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Rubel Hossain

Zimbabwe

               Zimbabwe does have some problems as far as batting is concerned, as they were inconsistent in the matches so far, but they gonna stick with the side, which as some experience, instead of trying new things at this stage in the Series.

Playing XI:1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Solomon Mire, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Brendon Taylor, 5 Sikandar Raza, 6 Malcolm Waller, 7 Peter Moor (wk), 8 Graeme Cremer (capt), 9 Kyle Jarvis, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tendai Chatara

Pakistan hope to stop Sloppy Cricket as Kiwis seek to dominate

What Pakistan had shown in the second half of 2017, was vanished away totally, with their unpredictable whitewash in the ODIs. As it now seems, they were back to their sloppy ways of playing.

Although there were some positives to take from their losses, their problems at the top of the order making most of the talking points, with the result has been determined earlier to their positives.

However, now with the change in format from ODI to T20I allows them to be more unpredictable, with the format itself as it, in its nature. While their recent form in T20I is on a high winning against Sri Lanka and World XI, but the fact is, they need to show content in these away conditions.

New Zealand on the other hand well in truly dominated the visitors and roaring in confidence very highly. The shift in format doesn't change it much, as they too have done well, where Kiwis won against West Indies earlier in the home season.

Now, the T20I series between these two sides going to be battle of No.1 vs No.2, but it depends on Pakistan whether they play No.2 standard. While they do have a sniff to take on Kiwis, as they rested few key players for the first T20I.

Pitch and Conditions

        The pitch at Westpac gonna is hard and true to bounce, while finger spinner may not get any assistance from the surface. The last T20I at this venue seen Pakistan loss by 95 runs in 2016.

Pakistan

            From the selection point if view there isn't much that gonna alter for visitors, as they will try and replicate the ODIs, although there might be one interesting change in Shehzad, and the premier pacers might comeback.

Playing XI: 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Babar Azam, 5 Haris Sohail, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Rumman Raees, 11 Mohammad Amir.

New Zealand

                  The hosts have to change the squad, after being resting few key players for the first T20I, which mean Phillips and Bruce will fit in XI, other than those, they need to decide between Wheeler and Rance.

Playing XI: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Glenn Phillips (wk), 6 Tom Bruce, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ben Wheeler/ Seth Rance, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Ish Sodhi

Buttler's ton proved to be the difference for 3-0

England clinched the ODI Series 3-0 in Sydney against Australia, with still two more matches to play for. Having been successfully chased in earlier ODIs, England were asked to set the target and they responded well on a two-paced track even with losing one of their frontline bowlers.

The target setting hadn't been straightforward for the visitors as compared to the chases, on a low pace track. The openers do, set up a start early in the Innings with some fluent boundaries but lack of pace in the wicket, seen the back of Roy and Hales, who were tried to play shots on the up.

The run-scoring has seen a dip with two quick wickets but Bairstow and Root ensured the scoreboard moving with rotating the strike. Slowly both found their groves of the pitch, with occasional boundaries and when the partnership seemed to take a big leaf, Zampa cleaned up Bairstow with a wrong un.

Root too hadn't stayed long after that, as he played on an incoming length ball of Hazlewood. Later Buttler and Morgan shared a 65 run partnership which included some false shots from the later, who got away with them.

And when a partnership started to grow, Australian's found a way to tackle it, so it was with Morgan. In came, Ali tried to play too many shots and disappear quickly. While, at this stage, England were 189/6 in the 39 over of the Innings and then, the Australian's couldn't break the partnership between Woakes and Buttler as they did all match.

Buttler was slow to start in the Innings with pinching singles and doubles, his first fifty featured the only a couple of boundaries, but later he joined with Woakes, who looked busy from the word go. Woakes presence helped Buttler immensely and he accelerated to his second fifty in no time. It was the 46 over of the Innings when onslaught began and continued till the end, which helped England to post above par 300 on the board.

The chase hasn't started too well for the hosts as they lost Warner early in the piece, while White, who scored some good boundaries hadn't able to convert the start in to big as he was undone pace of Wood.

But Finch, the Centurion in earlier matches seemed to make it three with some aggressive batting, and the Aussies found a sniff in the chase as Plunkett ruled out due to a hammy in his second over. As to cover up the overs, Morgan gone for Root, who was economical in the earlier march.

While Root was treated with some big hits from Finch and Australia seemed well ahead in the match. At this stage, Rashid brought on the important breakthrough with trapping Finch in front.

Later Smith and Marsh steadied the ship well with a 68 run stand for the fourth wicket, where Smith took his time and started to go big. While the end of Smith raised few eyebrows as the evidence was not clear whether Buttler took the catch clean or not, but the soft signal ruled the decision in favor of England, who were in need of a wicket at that stage.

Although Mitch Marsh looked accomplished at the crease with some fine shots, Stoinis and Marsh seemed to be the pair for the hosts to take them home, to stay alive in the Series and they played the same way, but Marsh soon after completing his fifty dismissed to take on the attack with run rate started to creep up.

At the end Stonis dug deep in to the chase and made Australian be in the business till the end in company with Paine, but some good death bowling from Wood and Woakes proved too much quality for the Australians. The chase went on until the last over with the hosts needing 22 runs, and the difference between the two sides has been Buttler’s Ton.

Middle order needs to step-up as Australia desperately need to win

Australia is at their lowest point in ODI Cricket in terms of, number of defeats in a given time period. Since their World Cup triumph in 2015, they haven't toured well in the shorter format and now it has been spread even at home.

The major problem for them has been the middle order, which has been failed to continue the good work done by the top order. Adding to the inconsistency present in the middle, the chopping and changing too hasn't helped them either.

So with these issues, they find themselves in a critical position to stay alive in the Series. Anything less than a win gonna hurt their record against England in the reaming 3 ODI's.

On the other hand, England seamlessly expanding their aggressive brand of Cricket in ODI's. In the first two ODIs the bowlers have stepped up, to restrict the hosts to a par total, later the batsman continued the good work.

So far apart from Morgan, the other batters have contributed in the Chase's and the form, the spinners showcased has been the focal point. While the main aspect, the absence of Stokes, hasn't had an impact on them in the shorter format.

Pitch and Conditions

           In recent times SCG has been the venue for run fest's and on Sunday it's gonna no different to that. While spinners haven't had much purchase in the shorter format, as is known to be.

Australia

       It will be interesting to see, what combination the hosts come up with and with what personal, as they dropped Zampa at Gabba and it proved to be a huge blunder. Alongside to it, whether they continue with Richardson, who showed good fight on his debut has to be seen with all frontline bowlers available.

Playing XI: 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Travis Head, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Tim Paine (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins/ Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood

England

         For England there is nothing to worry about in terms of selection has concerned, they are likely gonna field the same XI.

PlayingXI: 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Alex Hales, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Mark Wood

Tri-Series: Time for teams to rediscover themselves

In a recent article, Ian Chappell said, about the fake World Championship that gonna decide who are the No.1 Test side in the world, referring to the series between, South Africa vs India, and Australia vs South Africa, where presently the three teams are in Top 3 Test Rankings.

That sounds very interesting and likely gonna be it. But there is a Tri-Series that gonna start in a few days, in Bangladesh between Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh. It may not be about who is the best in the world nor come close to it, but it has some significance to it, with the three teams are in a situation where they have to rediscover themselves.

Each of these teams going through some phase accordingly, where there is a lot going on the coach and players Sega, and Coach and management Sega.

Since their win in 1996 World Cup, Sri Lankan team haven't seen a significant low point as of now, as they were finding it difficult to maintain standards as of the previous eras did.  They were not good in the field as they would be, but the things from management side aren't helping them either in a crisis. The difference in option between Coach and management led to the resignation of Graham Ford.

Bangladesh in another spectrum, found their feet in international cricket during the 2015 World Cup and followed it, with consecutive Series wins against top sides was an inspiring story. But things changed a lot as they couldn't show the grit when they have traveled in overseas conditions more than the losses the manner of losses impacted them more than anything else. While with their Captain and Coach aren't on the same page led to Hathurusingha resignation.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is a Team that prevailed to have a world class side in late 1990’s but it was not the case after few years as political tensions overshadowed Cricket. Still, it's the case with Zimbabwe as they find unstable financially and politics in selection policy.

But their recent Series win against Sri Lanka in Sri  Lanka raised hopes, alongside the return of Brendon Taylor and Kyle Jarvis from County Cricket.

It's time for these three teams to re-establish themselves in World Cricket, for Sri Lanka it's about bringing back their old glory, to do that, they need to show dominance against other two teams, and it has to be Now for the Islanders as they re-appoint Mathews as the captain and more to that Hathurusingha taken the reign from Pothas.

While it's interesting to see how Bangladesh responds to the challenge without Hathurusingha, who was clinical to their upward curve from World Cup 2015 at home. The question is that, will they show the same character?

For Zimbabwe too, it's the same question, will they continue the form they showed in Sri Lanka ? will Taylor and Jarvis ride Zimbabwe to a different level?

Adding to their own self-questioning, there is another plot to these three teams, to make the scoreline clear and it's Sri Lanka, who have to do it, as they lost Test to Bangladesh in Sri Lanka and hadn't won the ODI or the T20I Series followed. While with Zimbabwe, it's even more as they lost ODI Series, in turn, led to their low point in the history of Sri Lankan Cricket.

Although Zimbabwe won the ODI Series against Sri Lanka they lost to Bangladesh in 2016, and in 2017 they lost to Afghanistan at home and away. So they too, have to set the scoreline clear with Bangladesh. So the Tri-Series between the nation's Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh not only have the chance to rediscover themselves but also gives the chance to set the past score lines clear.

Pakistans lower order performance couldn't Stop Rain and Guptill

New Zealand cruise their way into the Second ODI at Nelson, as rain made their way easy with the reshuffled target, after the loss of two early wickets into the chase set by some characteristic low order performance by Pakistan.

Pakistan top order failed once again and the most bothering thing is that they looked clueless against the Kiwis new ball attack, if not Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan produced the fifties, Pakistan would have wrapped up under 180.

Those were the impact of their performance as Hasan Ali gone all for money at the end with big hits, and Shadab being the anchor in the lower middle order to help Pakistan way out of the rabbit hole with Pakistan hanging at 108/5 when he walked to the crease and seen them off until the end of 246.

Other than that, Hafeez has been the stand out of their batsman as he scored runs at brisk through middle overs and laid a good partnership with Malik, but the later haven't converted the start in to big.

Pakistan would have taken the target of  247 anyhow and they did get the early wickets of dangerous Munro and Williamson defending the modest total. But the weather had other ideas which resulted to last for more than 2 hours and the altered target according to DLS method always gonna favour the hosts with 8 wickets in hand.

While it is what happened as they needed 8 an over in 12 overs of the altered Innings, the pressure was on Pakistan not just to pick up wickets but also to control the runs as the match shifted into the T20 mood.

Guptill who looked scratchy before the rain break loosened up his bat grip to smash the ball all over the park. And he was well complemented by Taylor at the other end with running for everything as Pakistan fielding looked scratchy.

At the end, it was only a matter an of time for Kiwis to get the score. While Pakistan bowlers couldn't pull off when they were put under the pump, although their bowling was not up to the mark after the break.

The real concern though has been their batting which is not able to see off the early spell, and now they find themselves in a situation to win the remaining 3 games in the 5- match ODI series as New Zealand lead by 2-0.

South Africa goes ahead in the Series after a Bowling day

No one would have thought Day 4 will be the final day of the first Test between South Africa and India but it has to be it, as the rain on Day 3 provided extra spice on the wicket to help pacers.

At the end of Day 2, South Africans were on the upper hand even with the loss of two wickets, but with rain called it off on Day 3 meant they were in the firing zone with loss of time.

The wicket helped pacers more than, that it helped them on Day 1 with moisture on it and with cloudy sky making it zip till the end.

Indian bowlers haven't done the same mistakes those they have done in the first Innings, they pitched the ball in the right areas, more Importantly, there were no moody spells from them.

Shami seemed altogether a different bowler has he picked four for, alongside Bumrah showed much maturity with just one Inning of experience under his belt at this level and Bhuvneshwar finished it off before lunch to clean up the Proteas for 130 and it including 65//8 in the morning session.

The target for India was 208 it seemed quite an ok job for the visitors, as where they came from the position into the match, after the lead they conceded in the first Innings.

But the lead has been the difference in the result of the match as Philander run through the Indian batting order to garb 6 wickets and shared a couple of piece with Morkel and Rabada. For some time in the match, the absence of Steyn was evident with their pacers are tiring up, but the Steyn less attack has been too much to handle for India as conditions provided needed help.

Pakistan seek to show their unpredictability

The first ODI at Wellington was not as expected as it would have been, to be, as Pakistan lost their shine to show new energy which won the Champions Trophy and an unbeaten run in ODIs since then.

They looked flattened against Kiwi quick's, and there isn't any intent to show from their batsman apart from Fakhar Zaman. While the bowling which they pride on couldn't hold pressure on the hosts for a long time, as their front-line bowlers failed to step, to show their reputation.

But Pakistan is Pakistan as they are to be unpredictable, if can they live up to that, Nelson Oval is a venue where they can show that.

On the other hand, New Zealand is in some sort of form across formats in the home season, as they are ticking all the boxes as a unit from top order to middle, and lower middle order. While bowling too falling it place as they are executing the roles assigned to them.

But it will be interesting to see how the middle order responds if they lose the top order early, where they lie heavily depend on.

Pitch and Conditions

              Nelson Oval is a  venue where there won't be conditions as like Kiwi, so Pakistan rightly needs that at the moment. Although overcast conditions on the march day may change the conditions altogether.

South Africa struck hard but Pandya showed resilience

At the end of Day 2 at Newlands South Africa have taken a lead of 142 before restricting India to 209. Although it was not entirely a South African day due to resurgence showed by Pandya with the bat and continued with the ball.

It was the second session of the day where India found themselves in deep trouble at 92/7 as Proteas seamers were relentless with probing lines and lengths. The situation needed a counter attack much like of AB’s and it was Pandya, who provided it for India with taking on the four round attack.

Although things weren't  easy for the all-rounder as he was dropped by Elgar early in his Innings that didn't stop him to play his natural game as latched on any width on offer and targeted Morkel, who was less penetrative of the four men.

Pandya was well supported by Bhuvneshwar withholding the other end tight even with countless play and misses around the off stump but it all needed to stay alive, that's what Bhuvneshwar had done. He may have contributed only two of their 50 run partnership but his presence frustrated the Protea attack, as they extended it to a 99 run stand and it brought the lead down to 77.

While earlier in the day Proteas bowlers were right on the target with Series of maidens from both ends but weren't lucky enough to pick a wicket in the first hour but kept the run rate between 1 & 2. The only wicket they got in the morning session was of Rohit, who struggled to score runs and was trapped in front of the wicket by Rabada with an inswinger.

In the post-lunch session, Pujara was gone for the first ball While chasing a wide ball outside off, which he had left alone throughout the morning session. After the dismissal of Pujara, it was all intimating stuff from the Protea bowlers as they found some extra energy and zip and picked up some quicks wickets of Ashwin and Saha.

Meanwhile, South Africa came with a positive mindset as Markram played freely with picking up boundaries but at the other end, Elgar found it difficult to middle the ball. Although things changed for the Elgar later on in the Innings with some freebies here and there from Indiana Pacers.

South Africa looked to extend their lead and dominance to finish the day off but Pandya struck early in his spell as Markram played a false shot for an in-between length delivery and soon after Pandya scalped Elgar around his off stump with an angled delivery.

Although South Africa hold the lead in the match as they lead by 142 and the conditions flattened out a lot.

Proteas hit hard after India restricted them for 286

It was all action packed on day one at Newlands as India dismissed South Africa for 286 but scored at nearly 4 an over. Later the Proteas gave it back with pinching 3 wickets in the final hour of play.

It all started with Bhuvneshwar picking up top 3 batsmen of South Africa in his first three overs of the innings as he forced Elgar to edge of an outswinger first up, later to trap Markram in front and followed Amla on his outside edge and result was South Africa were 12/3 at 4.5 overs in the Innings.

But later the same pressure was not maintained on the Proteas as Shami and Bumrah were wayward in their opening spells to drift momentum out of India's hands, and that's when ABD had a crack at loose balls transferring the pressure back on to the Indians with frequent boundaries.

While Bhuvneshwar too couldn't stop on fire Mr.360, who went to score a brisk fifty before lunch and Duplessis at the other hand stood tall to accompany him after the early Collapse.

After lunch Indians bowlers found the good length on the pitch especially Bumrah and Pandya bowled tight spells and got the reward as Bumrah scalped De Villiers as his maiden test wicket. Later Pandya found the outside of Faf before he survived an LBW appeal.

While with half of the side in the pavilion India looked to take the lead of Proteas but the negative happened with De Kock counter attacked Indian bowling and he was well supported by Philander who also scored at a brisk pace.

Even with the departure of De Kock after 43 runs, the flow of runs haven't stopped as Indian bowlers bowled either side of the wicket, and the slip cordon too hadn't helped the bowlers as Maharaj made to pay for the chance with scoring 35. The lower order contributions were immense for the Proteas as they fought hard to end the Innings at 286 from 142/5.

In reply to South African batting, Dhawan scored a couple of streaky boundaries first up, while Murali Vijay uncharacteristically followed a full and wide delivery from Philander to give Proteas their first breakthrough.

Soon after Dhawan presented a return catch to Steyn while feeding a short ball, and the third seamer Morkel hadn't taken much time to send the Indian skipper back with bowling outside off stump.

Half-centuries from Khawaja and Warner keeps Aussies ahead

Australia ended the Day 2 on a high with losing just a couple of wickets and with two set batsman Khawaja on 91 and Smith on 44 at the crease, but they failed to clean the tail of England early which has cost them some runs earlier in the day.

With ending day1 on a high Australian's haven't taken much time to push-on, on day 2 as they removed the set and troubling Malan in the first hour of the session.

But things later haven't gone in their favour as Moeen and Curran had their chances gone pegging with Aussies failed to clinch on simple catches, the pair added 43 runs between them before Moeen mistimed a slog of Lyon.

Then the short ball theory as came into full effect, with Broad at the crease, but it didn't work well for them, as Broad swung the bat hard at those with seeing those close enough. Curran too had his fair share of timing the ball for the plot as Cummins and Marsh became too predictable.

The duo added 41 runs between them, as most came of Broad's run a ball knock, and it was late before the Aussies have taken a dig at the duo as they damaged the scorecard.

In reply, Australia lost the early wicket of Bancroft in the second over of the Innings to Broad, and his immediate further in the Test side may be under the curtain with not making enough runs to clinch on at the top.

While there were no problems for Warner or Khawaja as they eased into the early spell from England bowlers and later latched on to anything lose. Warner departed after his half-century, as Anderson ripped the outside of him with a fast off-cutter.

Khawaja later continued his shot-making with Smith, while there where few half chances of Mason Crane but none of the other English bowlers posed questions during the final session as pitch flatted out and looked perfect for batting. But one thing English bowlers had done during the final session is to keep the run rate in check below 3.

At the end of days play  Australia were trial by 153 runs and have Khawaja at the crease who is looking for his first Ashes century, and Smith who had looked ominous so far in the Series.