New Delhi, June 5: The second match on Saturday in Vanuatu T10 League 2020 will see Ifira Sharks take on Mighty Efate Panthers at the Vanuatu Cricket Ground.
All the 3 teams in the tournament have played 4 matches each and Mighty Efate Panthers are on top of the points table with 6 points. Ifira Sharks occupy the second place with a points tally of 4 points.
These two teams have faced against each twice before in the tournament. Both times, Mighty Efate Panthers have come out on top convincingly. In match 2, they won by 5 wickets with 14 balls to spare after dismissing Sharks for a paltry 35. In match 5, they won by 30 runs after posting a target of 99 runs for the Sharks.
Weather Report:
The weather is expected to be partly sunny and partly cloudy throughout the day. Chances of rainfall during the duration of this match are low.
Pitch Report
The Hybrid Oval of the Vanuatu Cricket Ground has short boundaries straight down the ground and on the leg side. The pitch is conducive for batting but the three out of four matches involving Ifira Sharks have been low-scoring games. Fast bowlers get the purchase from the surface and have picked up wickets in the previous matches. There hasn't been much help for the spinners on this pitch.
Analysis
The favourites for this match are definitely Mighty Efate Panthers as they have beaten Sharks twice before. Mighty Efate Panthers have a very balanced team and their batters and bowlers have delivered consistent performances in this tournament. Meanwhile, the Ifira Sharks possess quality bowlers but their batting is prone to collapses.
I am expecting a strong reply from Sharks in this match as they need a win to confirm their place in the final. Plus, Mighty Efate Panthers are also due to play in match 7 scheduled just before this match and they could potentially confirm their place in the final in that match. So Panthers could relax a bit in this match giving Sharks an opportunity to capitalise.
Joshua Rasu will be the best choice for Captain for this match. He is the main player for Mighty Efate Panthers along with Simpson Obed and Wesley Vira. These players are in good form and capable of delivering match-winning performances.
For Ifira Sharks, Nalin Nipiko is the player who has performed well for his team with both bat and ball. Stephane Sandy, Niko Unavalu and Apollinaire Stephen are the other players who have accumulated most points for Sharks.
Probable Playing XIs
Mighty Efate Panthers: Joshua Rasu (C), Lazaro Carlot, Jarryd Allan, Wesley Vira, Simpson Obed, McMillan Markia, Alfred Carlot, Selwyn Garae, Kendy Kenneth, Kenny Tari, Tony Tamata
Ifira Sharks: Nalin Nipiko (C), Jamal Vira (WK), William Yamak, Bethan Moli, Apollinaire Stephen, Niko Unavalu, Michael Avock, Fernando Laumae, Vince Vira, Obed Yoseph, Stephane Sandy.
Captain: Joshua Rasu
Vice-Captain: Nalin Nipiko
Best 14:
Wicketkeeper: Jarryd Allan, Bethan Moli
Batsmen: Joshua Rasu, Lazaro Carlot, W Yamak
All-Rounder: Nalin Nipiko, Stephane Sandy, Simpson Obed, Vince Vira
Bowlers: Obed Yoseph, Apollinaire Stephen, Tony Tamata, Niko Unavalu, Wesley ViraMatch Details
Date: 6th June 2020
Time: 09:30 AM (IST)
Venue: Vanuatu Cricket Ground - Hybrid Oval
Live Streaming: SportsTiger