T20 World Cup Today Match ENG vs SCO: Dream11 prediction, head to head stats, fantasy value, key players, pitch report and ground history | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Defending champions England, after less-than-ideal preparation due to rain, aim to hit the ground running as they face Scotland in their T20 World Cup opener on Tuesday. Phil Salt is expected to continue his stellar form from the Indian Premier League, while the return of pacer Jofra Archer bolsters England‘s bowling attack.
Rain disrupted England’s recent four-match T20I series against Pakistan, but they still emerge as strong contenders for their third T20 World Cup title.This will be England’s first T20I match against Scotland, and under Jos Buttler‘s captaincy, they are the clear favorites to win at the Kensington Oval, known for its two-paced wicket seen in the Namibia vs. Oman game.
England is in Group B alongside Australia, Namibia, Oman, and Scotland. To advance to the Super Eight stage, teams must finish in the top two of their group.
Playing in their third consecutive T20 World Cup, Scotland face a formidable challenge against England. However, they aim to make a mark after breezing through the European qualifiers, winning all six matches to secure their spot in the tournament hosted by the West Indies and the USA.
While Scotland may not match up to England on paper, their determination and recent form in the qualifiers make them a team to watch. As the tournament unfolds, both teams will look to start strong and set the tone for their World Cup campaigns.
Head to head stats:
For the first time, England and Scotland will clash in an international T20 match at Bridgetown.
ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup: Pitch Report
The pitch report suggests that the strips at Bridgetown tend to be two-paced, slowing down as the game progresses. Dew is not expected, giving spinners ample assistance. Pacers can thrive with variations in pace, while batters may find it challenging to score freely, especially towards the longer pocket of the ground.
Providence Stadium Ground Stats (T20)
In T20 matches at Providence Stadium, teams batting first have often held the advantage, winning 28 out of 42 matches. The average first innings score is 138, indicating a competitive yet slightly challenging batting track. Spinners are expected to play a crucial role, with an average second innings score of 124.
Fantasy Insights
Considering the pitch dynamics, spinners are likely to play a significant role, extracting turn and bounce as the game progresses. Batters might find it easier to score with the new ball, while pacers equipped with variations can make an impact. Keeping these factors in mind, fantasy teams might want to prioritize spinners and batters who can adapt to the changing conditions effectively.
Key players to watch in ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup opener
Jos Buttler (ENG): After a mixed IPL season where he scored a couple of centuries, Jos Buttler found his form in the recent series against Pakistan. As captain, he will be leading from the front with the bat and is one of England’s most potent match-winners. His explosive batting at the top of the order will be crucial for setting the tone for England’s innings.
Phil Salt (ENG): Phil Salt, likely to open alongside Buttler, had a stellar IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders, amassing 435 runs from 12 innings at an impressive average of 39.55 and a strike rate of 182.01. His aggressive batting style complements Buttler, making the opening pair a formidable challenge for the Scottish bowlers.
Mark Watt (SCO): Mark Watt, the left-arm spinner, has significantly improved his game by studying opposition batters meticulously. The conditions in Bridgetown, which favor spinners, are likely to work in his favour. Watt’s ability to exploit the two-paced wicket could pose a significant threat to the English batters.
Squads:
England: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
Scotland: Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.
Dream11 fantasy team:
Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt
Batters: George Munsey, Jonny Bairstow
All-rounders: Will Jacks, Moeen Ali, Michael Leask
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Brad Currie, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan