Having begun their 2019 Abu Dhabi T10 League with a loss against the Deccan Gladiators, the Bengal Tigers will be keen to produce an improved performance against the Karnataka Tuskers in Match 8 of the competition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Put in to bat first by Shane Watson, the Tigers were dealt an early blow as Andre Fletcher was sent back in only the second over. However, a 12-ball 26 from Rilee Rossouw and a 21-ball 37 from Colin Ingram set the platform for the Tigers to put up 108-5 from 10 overs.
However, Watson (25-ball 41) and Anton Devcich (11-ball 27) yet again starred for the Gladiators as their 62-run stand and a handy unbeaten 8-ball 15 from Daniel Lawrence helped the Gladiators chase down the 109-run target with one ball to spare.
The Karnataka Tuskers, on the other hand, started off well in their season opener by registering a 19-run win against the Delhi Bulls. Upul Tharanga (22-ball 48) and Shafiqullah Shafiq (21-ball 34) took the Tuskers to 110-5 from their 10 overs, before the bowlers, led by Nathan Rimmington's 3/28 managed to restrict the Bulls to just 91-8 from 10 overs.
With the Tuskers putting up an impressive show from their opening game, the Bangla Tigers' batting unit's proficiency against the Tuskers' bowlers could be a key battle in this match.
Predicted XIs
Bangla Tigers
The Tigers began their 2019 T10 League campaign with a 6-wicket loss to the Gladiators but will be happy with Rilee Rossouw and Colin Ingram finding form early in the tournament. David Wiese was the star with the ball as he finished with 2/15 from his two overs and despite the loss, expect the Tigers to field the same squad for their second game of the competition.
Probable XIs: Andre Fletcher, Rilee Rossouw, Colin Ingram, Tom Moores (wk), Chirag Suri, Thisara Perera (C), Robbie Frylinck, David Wiese, Qais Ahmad, Liam Plunkett, Kevin Koththigoda.
Karnataka Tuskers
Upul Tharanga and Shafiqullah Shafiq were in fine form for the Tuskers and the team's fans will hope that Amla and Johnson Charles get them off to a better start against the Tigers. On the bowling front, Nathan Rimmingon was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28, while Patrick Brown (2/19) and Ahmed Raza (2/11) were on top of their game and will be expected to make an impact against the Bangla Tigers batsmen.
With both departments contributing to a good win, the Tuskers can be expected to field the same winning combination for this game.
Probable XI: Johnson Charles (wk), Hashim Amla (C), Upul Tharanga, Ross Whiteley, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Asad Pathan, Ahmed Raza, Sandeep Lamicchane, Shapoor Zadran, Patrick Brown, Nathan Rimmington.
Match Prediction
The Bangla Tigers were led by a fine batting display from Rossouw and Ingram, but ultimately the bowlers failed to hold their end as the Gladiators picked up a thrilling win.
On the other hand, the Tuskers did put up an all-round show against the Bulls, but the slight amount of inexperience in their bowling unit could prove to come up short against the firepower in the Bangla Tigers' batting unit.
Bangla Tigers could be expected to win this match.
When, where and how to watch?
Date: 17th November 2019, Match 8
Time: 7.15 PM IST
Live Telecast: Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD, Sony TEN 3, Sony TEN 3 HD (Hindi)
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