ENG vs IND | 1st T20I | Fantasy Tips

After engaging in an intriguing Test match in Edgbaston, England and India are set to lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series in Southampton tonight. 

While the Englishmen would like to continue their dominance, the visitors would aim to return to the winning track. 

With the high voltage clash just hours away, we are right by your side with a list of names that could provide you with exciting rewards in the fantasy contests tonight. 

Superstars of the game: 

Jos Buttler: 

Well, it’s needless to remind you guys what Jos Buttler is capable of in the shortest format of the game. 

The swashbuckling keeper-batter emerged as the highest run-getter in IPL 2022, smashing 863 runs at a blistering strike rate of 149.05. 

Further, he played two outrageous knocks of 162* and 86* against the Netherlands, exhibiting his red hot current form. 

Given his nemesis Bumrah not playing the 1st T20I, Buttler is an obvious choice you can bet on tonight. 

Liam Livingstone: 

Apart from Buttler, the Englishman who grabbed the eyeballs of millions during the IPL was Liam Livingstone. 

Livingstone, who blew hot and cold in the last IPL, utilised his potential to the fullest in IPL 2022. 

The dynamic allrounder from Lancashire also played a breathtaking knock of 66 off just 22 balls in the first ODI against the Netherlands, which is the testimony of his magnificent current form. 

Livingstone will likely become a headache for the Indian bowling unit with a batting-friendly deck expected at Southampton. 

Yuzvendra Chahal: 

The resurgence of Yuzvendra Chahal was one of the major talking points of IPL 2022. 

With 27 wickets at a fantastic strike rate of 15.11, Chahal grabbed the purple cap in the most lucrative global T20 league. 

Continuing his magical touch with the ball, the experienced tweaker from Haryana picked six wickets against South Africa on home soil. Also, he was extremely economical in the recently concluded T20I series against Ireland. 

More importantly, Chahal will be India’s most significant weapon in the middle overs, considering his ability to entice the batters to go big against him. 

Expert picks for the game: 

Deepak Hooda: 

The way the youngster from Haryana has batted in recent times is magnificent. In the absence of India’s first-choice batters, Hooda got the chance to bat at the top, which he grabbed with both hands. 

After having a prolific stint with the LSG in IPL 2022, Hooda amassed 151 runs at a superb strike rate of 175.58 in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. 

Although he will be up against a slightly superior bowling attack this time, his current form makes him a good pick in the fantasy XI. 

Rohit Sharma: 

Although he has recently recovered from Covid-19, Rohit Sharma’s impact in a T20I can’t entirely be ruled out. 

Rohit has slammed 269 runs at a healthy average of 38.43 in T20Is on English soil. With a good batting deck predicted at the venue, the Indian captain is expected to lead his troops with the bat. 

Sam Curran: 

Although he is making a comeback into the national setup, Curran’s supreme all-round abilities make him a decent candidate for the fantasy XI. 

He can be lethal for the Indian opening duo as he can swing the new ball. He can also play a quickfire cameo coming down the order, making himself a valuable pick in the contest.