TechnoSports Media Group

Category: Cricket

England vs Australia – 1st T20: Paytm First Games Fantasy Prediction
After Ireland, West Indies and Pakistan, England will now host Australia’s three matches of T20 and three matches of ODI.
```
England players did not get rest after playing three consecutive series. They will have to play very well, because Australia's team is also one of the strongest teams.
```
Here some details of ENG vs AUS: Paytm First Games Fantasy team predictions:
The 1st match of the T20 tournament pits England against Australia which starts on Friday, September 4th at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
Probable XI: England
J Bairstow, T Banton, S Billings, E Morgan (c), M Ali,J Archer, A Rashid, C Jordan, T Curran, D Malan, M Wood
Probable XI: Australia
A Finch (c), S Smith, D Warner, M Marsh, G Maxwell, A Carey, M Labuschagne, M Starc, J Hazlewood, A Agar, K Richardson
Top Picks for England:J Bairstow, E Morgan, D Malan, M Ali, T Banton
Top Picks for Australia:A Finch, S Smith, D Warner, M Marsh, G Maxwell
Suggested Paytm First Games Fantasy Team
WK – J Bairstow
Batsman –E Morgan, T Banton, A Finch, S Smith, D Warner
All Rounder –M Stark, A Rashid, C Jordan
Bowler – M Ali, M Marsh
Best Captain Picks – E Morgan, A Finch
Best Vice Captain Picks – J Bairstow, S Smith
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/02/only-2-indian-batsmen-icc-t20-batsman-rankings/
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/01/bbc-broadcasts-live-cricket-21-years-break-viewership-records/
September 4, 2020
IPL 2020: Harbhajan Singh to miss this year’s IPL
Harbhajan Singh’s participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was up in the air, until today when he declared that he won’t play in IPL 2020 due to personal reasons.
The IPL keeps on getting even more dramatic especially for the Chennai Super Kings. 13 of their staff including 2 players were tested positive for COVID-19. After that senior player, Suresh Raina pulled out of the tournament to fly back to India. Raina’s hasty retreat has also gained some criticism as it was considered a breach of disciplinary grounds.
But according to an interview he gave in June, it seemed Harbhajan may not participate in IPL 2020 for safety issues pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. (via indiatoday.in):
“I really want the IPL to happen but only when things are safe not just for me but for everybody associated with the tournament. There are about 200-300 people on the ground whenever a match is played and we need to take care of the safety of everybody present”.
“Even if there is a 1% chance of the threat of spreading Covid-19 from one of us then IPL should be further postponed. It’s not an issue even if the IPL doesn’t happen this year. Saving lives is the most important.”
Harbhajan Singh wasn’t part of that the CSK team that flew from India to the UAE. He was expected to fly later.
It has now been reported that Harbhajan is the second CSK player to pull out of the IPL. Nothing has been disclosed about the reason as of now except claiming it to be a personal reason.
Will Harbhajan’s unavailability affect CSK?
Filling the void of someone as experienced as Harbhajan can be difficult for any team. However, as per CSK is concerned, they do have enough resources as alternate options. This year they will have the services of an experienced Piyush Chawla who can certainly fill that void. The spin attack will be led by the spearhead leg-spinner Imran Tahir. They also have another leg-spinner in Karn Sharma.
Though CSK doesn’t have a formidable off-spin option, left-arm spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and even Mitchell Santner can contribute.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/02/ipl-2020-lasith-malinga-has-decided-to-skip-this-years-ipl-due-to-personal-reason/
September 4, 2020
Suresh Raina wants to be back with CSK for IPL 2020
Suresh Raina wants to be back with the Chennai Super Kings as he surprisingly pulled out the IPL 2020. The already mysterious 13th season of the IPL is already becoming more dramatic even before it has begun. Raina immediately left Dubai in a hurry to return back to India.
Some say it may be pertaining to the fact that 13 of the CSK staff was tested positive for COVID-19. Whereas some believe it may be a hotel room dispute. He was also questioned for a serious breach of discipline inside the bio-security bubble at the Taj Hotel.
Raina also reportedly apologized to the team management for his actions. However, he addressed the issue in a series of interviews this Wednesday. He clarified that it was a family issue that needed his undivided attention. He also claimed that would like to rejoin CSK for IPL 2020. (via Insidesport):
“You never know, you might see me in the CSK camp again. First, I have to take care of my responsibilities here and then am ready,”
“It was a personal decision and I had to come back to my family. There was something that needed to be addressed immediately at the home front and CSK is my family too and Mahi Bhai is most important to me and this was a tough decision but with the family back home, I had to come back for them“.
What are the chances of Raina rejoining CSK for IPL 2020?
The fans would obviously love to see the IPL veteran in action. However, the official matters aren’t as easy as they sound on paper. CSK owner Srinivasan has accepted Raina’s apology but the team management does not seem to be adamant to have the one-down batsman back.
According to some sources, Raina has been removed from the team’s WhatsApp group. Also, CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan claimed that the team isn’t looking for a replacement. Therefore, the chances of him rejoining are sadly less.
“We are not calling for any replacement for Raina. Team captain and team coach are both satisfied with what we have in our kitty currently”, told CSK CEO on Tuesday evening.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/02/suresh-raina-opens-up-for-the-first-time-after-pulling-out-of-ipl-2020-and-returning-to-india/
September 4, 2020
Only 2 Indian batsmen in ICC T20 batsman rankings in 2020
2020 has been an uneventful year as per matches are concerned. However, the show must go on, as the matches have started obviously under empty stadiums.
The ICC just updated the T20 batsman rankings for the year 2020. Now that the sport has resumed, the rankings could be a good starting baseline for the rest of the year. For Indian fans, however, the rankings don’t seem much eventful as only two Indian batsmen could crack their way in the top-10 rankings.
Indian captain Virat Kohli kicked off the list at number 10 spot. He starts off the list with 673 points, just one point behind number 9 spot Evin Lewis. Kohli, however, has the highest average among the entire list with 50.80 with a decent strike rate of 138.
The second Indian to make the cut is the stylish opener, KL Rahul. Rahul finds himself at an impressive spot of number 2. Despite moving around in the stacked Indian batting line up, the Karnataka cricketer has consistently delivered match-winning performances both in ODIs and T20s. He has also maintained a phenomenal strike rate of 146, just by playing conventional textbook shots with an equally good average of 45.65. The list is topped by Pakistan captain Babar Azam. The list is as follows (via Insidesport)
ICC T20 batsman rankings 2020
1. 1) Babar Azam (Pak) – 869 points
3. 2) KL Rahul (Ind) – 824 points
3) Aaron Finch (Aus) – 820 points
4) Colin Munro (NZ) – 785 points
5) David Malan (Eng) – 771 points
6) Glenn Maxwell (Aus) – 721 points
7) Eoin Morgan (Eng) – 702 points
8) Hazratullah Zazai (Afg) – 676 points
9) Evin Lewis (WI) – 674 points
10) Virat Kohli (Ind) – 673 points
The rankings may look uneventful for the Indian fans, however, one of the factors also being the fact that India has played only 8 matches in 2020. India is yet to taste defeat this year as they have won 7 out of the 8 matches, one being called off due to rain. It also includes a massive 5-0 whitewash of New Zealand in New Zealand. We may see more Indian batsmen making this list post-IPL in the earlier half of 2021.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/06/04/virat-kohli-is-the-only-cricketer-in-the-forbes-top-100-highest-paid-athletes-in-2020/
September 2, 2020
Suresh Raina opens up for the first time after pulling out of IPL 2020 and returning to India
Suresh Raina returned to India on last week flight from Dubai to New Delhi. Team management said that he was in fear as around 13 CSK members have tested positive.
CSK landed in Dubai on 21st August and stayed in 6 days of quarantine period according to the BCCI rules. But around 13 members of CSK were tested positive in the last couple of days.
The real reason behind Raina’s pullout from IPL 2020 wasn’t cleared and many people claimed that he was unhappy with the hotel room and the services provided to him.
An IPL source told PTI: “In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It’s just that his room didn’t have a balcony.”
“It was an issue but I don’t think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising Covid-caseload in Chennai,” the source added.
Now Suresh Raina has talked to the media for the first time after returning to India. He has given an exclusive interview with NDTV. He said: “These are all fabricated stories and anyone who knows me, knows that these are all stories planted by people who don’t want me or CSK to succeed.”
He also said that he had to return to India because of personal reasons and hinted that he may return to CSK for this year’s season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He added: “You never know, you might see me in the camp again. First, I have to take care of my responsibilities here and then am ready.”
“It was a personal decision and I had to come back for my family. There was something that needed to be addressed immediately at the home front.”
Suresh Raina has posted on Twitter about the horrible incident which happened to his family in Punjab.
Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020

This might be the reason why Raina has returned to India in such a short time span. What happened to his family is a complete nightmare!
So, after he has managed his family matters, Raina might still join the CSK camp in UAE.
The IPL 2020 is scheduled to start on 19th September with the final on 10th November.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/29/suresh-raina-to-miss-ipl-2020-after-returning-back-to-india/
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/29/ipl-2020-two-csk-players-deepak-chahar-and-ruturaj-gaekwad-test-positive-for-covid-19/
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/16/top-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-suresh-raina/
September 2, 2020
IPL 2020: Lasith Malinga has decided to skip this year’s IPL due to personal reason
Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has decided to skip this year’s IPL due to his personal reasons.
Malinga is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His presence in the team is very valuable for Mumbai Indians. His performance in some vital matches was brilliant.
Mumbai Indians have already announced his replacement for IPL 2020. They have decided to go with Australian fast bowler James Pattinson.
Lasith Malinga’s father was ill for the last few days and may require surgery in the upcoming days. First, it was expected that he can join the team at the business end of the tournament. But later he has decided to entirely withdraw his name from this year’s IPL.
Akash Ambani said in the franchise’s website: “Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. There is no denying the fact that we will miss Lasith’s cricketing acumen this season. However, we fully understand Lasith’s need to be in Sri Lanka with his family during this time.”
He also welcomed Pattinson. Mumbai has Jasprit Bumrah and New Zealand pacer Trent Boult in their team. But they will surely miss the experience of Lasith Malinga.
Pattinson had been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the past. But he is yet to make his IPL debut. He has played 39 T20s, taking 47 wickets at an average of 24.12 with an 8.25 economy rate.
He is in good form recently. In the Big Bash League (BBL) he claimed a career-best for Brisbane Heat against Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba. He took 5 wickets at the expense of 33 runs.
IPL is going to start on the 19th of September. It will be a question if the Aussie pacer can replace the most successful bowler of the tournament.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/01/mumbai-indians-are-living-a-luxurious-life-in-abu-dhabi/
September 2, 2020
Rajasthan Royals documentary releases globally on Red Bull TV after premiering on Jio TV
Rajasthan Royals’ documentary series will release globally on Red Bull TV after premiering on Jio TV on August 1.
The three-part series named “Inside Story” is available on Jio platforms. The series will feature interviews and “never-before-seen footage” from Rajasthan Royals’ 2019 season campaign.

View this post on Instagram
🚨 GLOBAL RELEASE ON Red Bull TV (link in bio) 🚨 #InsideStory, a season with Rajasthan Royals – rated unmissable. 😉 #HallaBol @redbullindia @officialjiocinema @jiotvplus
A post shared by Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) on Sep 1, 2020 at 4:30am PDT
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Royals’ COO Jake Lush McCrum addressed the documentary speaking on it’s release. (via Insidesport):
“We are delighted to launch this documentary to entertain both Royals fans and sports lovers around the world during this challenging time. We hope this will increase the excitement and anticipation of the 800 million IPL fans”.
The season one champions had a poor run in the 12th edition of the IPL as they finished at seventh position out of eight teams. The documentary will feature stars like captain Steve Smith and all-rounder Ben Stokes. Youngsters Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag will be featured as well. The documentary has been in works since March last year when the team agreed to let a film crew follow them through the season.
RR looking for a fresh start in 2020!
The Royals have completely changed their traditional team pattern going into 2020. The franchise has parted ways with long-time opener Ajinkya Rahane and explored with other options. They will have the services of IPL staple Robin Uthappa and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal to potentially open the innings alongside Jos Buttler. They have also bought an experienced David Miller to strengthen their middle order.
However, this year, bowling seems to have been the main focus of the franchise. They prioritized T20 specialists across the globe purchasing Andrew Tye, Tom Curran, and Oshane Thomas. They also heavily invested in their previous spearhead Jaydev Unadkat. Unadkat will probably lead the bowling attack after Jofra Archer was ruled out of the entire season.
Do check out –
https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/01/bbc-broadcasts-live-cricket-21-years-break-viewership-records/
September 2, 2020
TV9 Bharatvarsh signs deal with another IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders
The IPL 2020 tournament is just 2 weeks away. All the IPL franchises are busy roping in new sponsors before the start of the IPL from 19th September.
TV9 Bharatvarsh, one of India’s leading Hindi news networks, had already signed up as the principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2020.
Now, 2 times IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders have also signed a partnership with TV9. The Hindi news network also has a deal with Trinbago Knight Riders, a Caribbean Premier League team owned by Kolkata Knight Riders owners.
Welcome aboard, @TV9Bharatvarsh 🤝#KorboLorboJeetbo https://t.co/6g6E1ccXdp
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 2, 2020

Venky Mysore, CEO, KKR wrote on Twitter: “KnightRiders Welcomes @TV9Bharatvarsh as our partner for both @KKRiders & @TKRiders. Their significant reach across various markets in India in 5 different languages will help us stay connected with our fans.”
Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network said: “The meteoric rise of our national Hindi news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh to the No. 2 position shows that the news viewers not just expect but reward innovation in their daily news experience and we are happy to sign with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals to further enhance the experience for our viewers.”.
TV9 has signed deals with two of the most followed IPL teams. This will definitely guarantee them huge visibility in one of the most popular T-20 tournaments in the world.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/28/tv9-replaces-dubai-expo-as-rajasthan-royals-principal-sponsor-for-ipl-2020/
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/31/bkt-is-now-the-official-partner-of-6-ipl-teams-csk-dc-kxip-kkr-mi-and-rr/
September 2, 2020
BBC broadcasts live cricket for the first time in 21 years and break viewership records
BBC broadcasted live cricket after a long span of 21 years. Ongoing England vs Pakistan T20 series marked the first live international cricket broadcast on BBC since the 1999 World Cup.
The beautiful sport of cricket continues to fascinate fans around the world as the broadcast broke viewership records. The broadcast attracted a whopping 1.7 million audience. It accounted for a 17.3 per cent share of Sunday afternoon’s TV audience.
To put it in perspective, if we compare it to the viewership of another TV giant Sky Sports, BCC viewership garnered a massive 5 times more audience. According to Insidesport, Sky Sports attracted 490,000 audiences and an average of 331,000.
Also, this is the first series broadcast on free to air platform. England cricket has only been available on PayTV for the last 20 years. The England Cricket Board (ECB) had changed their strategy by bringing in both PayTV (SkySports) and free to air platform (BBC) for 2020. This new strategy seems to have been paying dividends right away in increasing the horizon of cricket not only in England but around the world.
The BBC will now live broadcast England men’s second T20 against Australia on Sunday and then England women’s fixture with West Indies on September 26.
The match which created this history!
The match which made this historic milestone possible was a high-scoring barn burner as well. Pakistan was put to bat by England, put up a massive score of 195 runs. The #1 ranked T20 batsman Babar Azam scored another fifty and played like an anchoring role with his 56 of 44 balls along with Mohammad Hafeez’s 69 of just 36 balls.
England made this target look small as due to a solid start provided by Johnny Bairstow (44 off 24 balls). The star of the show, however, was Eoin Morgan who scored an impressive 66 runs off just 33 balls. Dawid Malan scored an impressive 54 off 36 balls as well. England won by 5 wickets and lead the series 1-0.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/23/former-proteas-all-rounder-jacques-kallis-inducted-into-the-icc-hall-of-fame/
September 1, 2020
Mumbai Indians are living a luxurious life in Abu Dhabi
IPL is going to start on the 19th of September in UAE. Every team has already reached the UAE and have started their practice session.
Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history. They have won this tournament for a record 4 times. The defending champions are in search for their 5thtitle this season.
Currently, Mumbai Indians are living in a 7-star property in Dubai. The property is maintained by Marriot Group. That is St Regis, Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The team is travelling with its own barber, tailor, and entire production crew.
There is a 15,000 sq ft area of the team room, named ‘ONE FAMILY’ area. That was opened for the team and their family for the very first time on Sunday. The hotel is full of luxury. From the exclusive theatre and pool table to karaoke and lounge everything is in there in that room.
Yesterday Mumbai Indians posted a video in their Twitter handle. It gives their fans a virtual tour of their team room.
Sit back, relax and take a virtual tour of our team room in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #Dream11IPL @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/bSzm00jvIm
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 1, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Zaheer Khan, director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians also spoke in the video. “Well, we always focus on the team room for sure because this is where a lot of bonding happens. Players spend a lot of time here, so it’s with a view that it’s going to be three months. It’s going to be a long time, and all the families and players can get together. So this is going to be, pretty much, our zone.”.
Zaheer said the team will miss their fans this year.”One of the biggest missing factors is going to be out ‘Paltan’ cheering us from the stadium. So we just wanted to have a message conveyed to our players as well as our whole squad, the support staff that no matter where you are the ‘Paltan’ is always going to be there. And you can see it with this wall here dedicated purely for our fans and for the players to know that their support in our victories and ups and downs, is always there,” he said in the video.
All the players and the staff of the team were tested for Covid-19 recently and every one of them found negative. The champion team has already begun its practice in Abu Dhabi and is now looking forward to the first game on 19th September.
Do check out:
https://technosports.co.in/2020/08/31/bkt-is-now-the-official-partner-of-6-ipl-teams-csk-dc-kxip-kkr-mi-and-rr/
September 1, 2020