England Vs Bangladesh 1st Match of Champions Trophy 2017

India Vs New Zealand 1st ODI match prediction: India gets geared for their next assignment, a three-match ODI series against touring New Zealand. The series opener will begin in Mumbai on October 22. The blue brigade is coming off a comprehensive ODI series win over Australia. They were dominant throughout, but rain in the last T20 kept them from extending their series-win streak. Kohli's men will eye to continue their home dominance against New Zealand as well. New Zealand hasn't been that impressive over the last few months. Having been beaten at home by South Africa in all the three formats in February this year, the black caps would now venture to take on mighty India in their own den. On their last tour of India, Kiwis couldn't manage a win in the three-match Test series. However, in ODI series, they won 2 out of 5 matches. This time around, New Zealand looks confident to leave an impression, but a loss to Board President's XI in the first practice match narrates a different story, depicting the sort of commitment, intent and form they come with. If Kiwis want to take on India, they will have to play some good cricket unlike how they did in the practice match. Both the teams will be eyeing to win India Vs New Zealand 1st ODI. If NZ loses, it would be hard for them to comeback. Kiwis' skipper Kane Williamson believes that an adaptable and flexible approach is the key to win in India. He is well aware of the challenges of their limited-over assignment kicking off in the coming few days. Indian Squad for NZ ODI Series Shikhar Dhawan, Shradul Thakur and Dinesh Kartik return to the ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, commencing from Oct 22 in Mumbai. With Shikhar Dhawan returning to the fray, India would face the dilemma over choosing the second opener along with Rohit Sharma. While Shikhar Dhawan has been undergoing superb form for months now, Rahane made most of his absence in the ODI series against Australia notching four successive half-centuries in the opening slot. No. 4 conundrum remains another problem for India to be addressed. Hardik Pandya was impressive when promoted to the spot. Manish Pandey was also given a couple of chances at the spot, but missed to perform. He did well down the order. Now with Kartik's inclusion to the squad, another contender joins the mix. Reportedly reserved for Test matches only, R Ashwin and R Jadeja continue to struggle for a spot in the ODI squad. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami also fail to retain their spots in the bowling set up. Shradul Thakur comes as a bowling option alongside Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar, Kuldeep, Axar and Chahal. Indian squad for NZ ODI series includes Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Hardik Pandya, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Kartik, MS Dhoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Kedar Jadhav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shradul Thakur and Yuzvendra Chahal. Will India win the 1st ODI against New Zealand?

India Vs Australia 3rd T20 match prediction: Having leveled the series 1-1 in the second T20, the visitor would be now keen to clinch the series. The series-leveling win in Guwahati was a boost to Austrlia's lost confident on this Indian tour. And a win in Hyderabad where India Vs Australia 3rd T20 is scheduled to be played, will overcome the embarrassment of the ODI series that the visitors lost 1-4. Behrendoff's magical spell that he finished 21/4 was enough to wrap Indian top-order. And the efforts from India's middle-order batsmen also proved barely adequate to post a competitive total on scoreboard. No matter how lethal your bowling attack is, 118 is a target you would fail to defend 9 out of 10 times. And that's what the summary of the second T20 is. India did get the expected start with ball dismissing Warner and Finch down market in the early overs. But, wicket-less overs in the middle accelerated Australia's win. India had a good chance to get an unassailable lead in the second match, but things don't always necessarily go the way you expect. It was disappointing to lose, particularly being dominant throughout the tour. What's done is done; the hosts will be now looking forward to become the winner India Vs Australia T20 series clinching the series-decider in Hyderabad. The home side won't like to repeat the same mistake they did in the last match. Australia, on the other hand, will be hopping either Behrendoff or some other bowler to take the charge with ball. Although Warner and Finch couldn't live up to the expectations, Australia would be happy with the commitment from the middle-order batsmen. And Guwahati win was the result Behrendoff and Head-Henriques' combined efforts. As it's a game of cricket, either team can win. What if Australia did in the last game? And when predicting the winner of Ind Vs Aus T20 series, India again walks in as favorites. Who will become the winner India Vs Australia T20 series 2017?

India Vs Australia 2nd T20 match prediction: A dominant 9-wicket win in Ranchi was India's seventh in a raw over Australia. Heavy rain in the middle reduced the game shorter thereby making the hosts chase a comfortable 48 in 6 overs by D/L method. India kept a tight rein of Australian batsmen taking wickets at regular intervals. Again it was bowlers' show with Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar and the spin duo of Chahal and Kuldeep coming relentless. India Vs Australia 2nd T20 match prediction again finds the hosts to be favorites. Australia, on the other hand, continued their nightmarish run in the shortest format too having overwhelmingly conceded a 9-wicket defeat in the rain-affected first T20. The loss has mounted Aussies' struggle leading them to the brink of another series defeat. One more defeat in the second T20 would end their hopes to fight back. They are now in a desperate need of a win. Over-reliance on Finch and Warner again kept Australia from posting a competitive target in the first match. The middle-order batsmen have to have their assigned role in the batting. If the visitors want to win India Vs Australia 2nd T20, each of their players will have to contribute the best. Australia's XI for the 2nd T20 is predicted to be as Steven Smith (c), Aaron Finch, David Warner, Jason Behrendorff, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa. India's playing XI for the 2nd T20 is likely to be as Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul/ Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav/ Axar Patel. Will Australia put paid to their nightmarish losing streak in the second T20 against India?

India Vs Australia 1st T20 match prediction: After an emphatic end to the ODI series that they finished 4-1, India are now up for T20 action in the three-match series starting from October 7. The opening match will be played in Ranchi. And when it comes to prediction, Kohli's men remain favorites as they always do in front of the home crowd. India would be confident of the similar start they got to the ODI series earlier. Aussies, who managed to win only one of five ODIs, will again have a lot to work on. If they lose the first game, it would be difficult for them to comeback. India Vs Australia 1st T20 match prediction finds India to be favorite. The format has changed, so has the squad that calls in some unexpected names including 38-year pacer Ashish Nehra and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kartik. Lead spinners R Ashwin and R Jadeja again fail to secure a place in Indian squad for the T20 series against Austraila. The decision may look a bit questionable, but in reality the selectors seem to keep these spin options safe for the Test format and also certainly for the coming World Cup. Shilkhar Dhawan, who missed the ODI series due to his wife's ill health, comes back to the squad replacing Ajinka Rahane in the opening slot. Dhawan's return doesn't surprise, nor does Rahane's exit. However, what leaves us utterly wondered is Nehra's inclusion. Doesn't' it? 38 -Year is the age most pacers look prone to take retirement. But for Nehra it's just a number as he eyes career prospects in this age group. Test-match specialist U Yadav and M Shami continue to be out of the shortest format. The selectors retain Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jhadav in the squad. Indian squad for T20 series against Austraila is as Virat Kohli (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Padel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, MS Dhoni (wk) Dinesh Kartik and Ashish Nehra. Will India win the opening T20 against Australia in Ranchi?

India Vs Australia 5th ODI match prediction: Finally, Australia would be happy to recuperate their lost ODI reputation after 11 consecutive defeats overseas, including the three on this Indian tour. The hard-fought win at Chinnaswamy that came as a belated redemption serves no mean to change the result of the series; all it does is to overcome Australia's nightmarish overseas record over the last one year. Winner of India Vs Australia 5th ODI will be the one who puts everything batting, bowling and fielding in the right proportion according to the situation of the match. India missed out a record winning streak with a dismal loss in Bengaluru. The result had been different if one out of Hardik Pandya, K Jhadav or M Pandey would have carried the chase till the last over. Since it was not the case, Dhoni as the last hope failed to finish things the way he once used to do. It was desperate to lose the game reaching so close to the mammoth 335-run target. Top-order did the job correctly, but economic bowling in the death overs abruptly shifted the pressure on Indian batsmen even those who had settled. Rahane and Rohit again gave a hundred-run stand for the first wicket with each one of them completing their half-century. Kohli got the start, but couldn't capitalize it. Pandya and Jhadav, who had hit a couple of sixes earlier, caught the fielder in the deep bidding to take down the required run rate that with each dot ball and single was towering. It was when India lost control over the chase. Manish Pandey, too, lost his wicket trying to hit the ball hard. An inside edge and it was over for Pandey. Ball doesn't always necessarily get the distance you pick the aerial route. Pandya and Jhadav need to understand this. However, when making India Vs Australia 5th ODI match prediction, the hosts again walk in as favorites given the fact that they have better form and player-combination than the visitors. Australia is back to action despite already losing the series. The win at M Chinnaswamy Stadium must have given them some confidence and of course the hopes to pocket another win in the next match. The least Aussies would be eyeing now is to return home with two wins in their bag. With Aron Finch returning to the squad emphatically and David Warner getting his lost form, Australia won't have much to worry about their top-order. Yes, Steven Smith, another major contributor with bat in the top-order would be churning a little about his last failure in Bengaluru. Coming down to Head, Handscomb, Maxwell and Stoinis, all of them have been average performers in the series so far. And the visitors can't really bank much on them to become the winner of India Vs Australia 5th ODI. The pace attack that includes the likes Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins and death over specialist Kane Richardson will again have a lot on their shoulders. Will Australia return home with two wins in their bag?

India Vs Australia 4th ODI match prediction: Having already clinched the series 3-0, team India is now eyeing to extend their winning run that after Indore victory has reached 9. Rarely does India churn about changes to the winning squad until injury or some other serious issues make it so. But this time around, a couple of changes could be apparently visible in India's playing XI for the 4th ODI as a part of the BCCI rotation policy. Presumably, Axar Patel can play the role of the second spinner with either K Yadav or Y Chahal. In the pace department, M Shami and U Yadav can replace B Kumar and J Bumrah. KL Rahul could be the one to replace Manish Pandey in the middle order. When it comes to India Vs Australia 4th ODI match prediction, again it's India that walks in as favorites. And this doesn't have much to reason with as Aussies haven't been able to perform up to their true potential overseas for a long while now. The other factors that candidly vouch India to stamp their 4th consecutive victory over Australia are; a strong middle-order that boasts the likes of in-form Kedar Jadhav and explosive Hardik Pandya; ever consistent top-order that includes hit man Rohit Sharma, dependable Ajinkya Rahane and the run machine Virat Kohli; wicket taking spin options like Kuldeep Yadav, Yujvendra Chahal and fit-again Axar Patel; and the death over specialists Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jaspreet Bumrah who also more often than not come successful with new ball. However, Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah's presence in the 4th ODI remains questionable. India's predicted playing XI for the 4th ODI could be as: R Sharma, A Rahane, V Kohli, H Pandya, Ms Dhoni, KL Rahul, K Jadav, M Shami, U Yadav, A Patel and Y Chahal. Australia has desperately lost 14 out of their last 15 matches overseas. Not surprisingly, blunt bowling, average fielding and disappointing batting have been the reasons to their long struggle overseas. Yet to taste a win on this Indian tour, Australia will move into the 4th ODI with a will to give confident India a tough fight. Desires apart, the visitors have a lot to work on if they want to compete the hosts in India Vs Australia 4th ODI. Will Australia break their winless streak in this ODI series? Or Will India again emerge victorious? Bengaluru match will answer the question on September 28. Will team India with the 4th ODI against Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium?

Leading run scorer in Ind Vs Aus ODI series 2017: Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is stepping up as the front-runner to finish with most runs in the home ODI series against Australia. With a barrel full of sixes that in total count 9 in 3 innings now, Pandya over the night has emerged as one to get light on him for his power hitting. Pandya has given the audience many wow moments in the series so far hitting the ball out for lofty sixes every time spinners came into attack. Batting No. makes no difference whether be it 4th or his regular 7th Pandya believes in making every opportunity count. Batting at No 7, he slammed 66-ball 83 in the series opener. And when promoted to No 4 in Indore, Pandya came up with another resounding knock (78 off 72 balls). Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane piled up 139 runs for the first wicket in the chase at Holkar Cricket Stadium, but the man to steal the show was Hardik Pandya, who also got the man-of-the-match award for his superb 78-run knock. The young all-rounder has overshadowed the likes of Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, David Warner and Rohit Sharma, a few players who ahead of the series remained high on prediction to become the highest run scorer in India Vs Australia ODI series 2017. Two match-winning fifties to Pandya's name in the series have led him top of the batsmen chart. With 181 runs in 3 innings, Pandya tops the table as the highest run scorer in India Vs Australia ODI series 2017. He has been instrumental in making his team clinch the five-match ODI series 3-0. His power hitting is what has left Aussies answerless. So, don't get surprised if Pandya ends up being the leading run scorer in Ind Vs Aus ODI series 2017. Will Hardik Pandya become the highest run scorer in India Vs Australia ODI series 2017?

India Vs Australia 3rd ODI, match preview: India ticked all boxes right beating Australia in both the previous ODIs with a fair margin in defense. While the first match saw the hosts upgrading 3rd to 2nd, the last victory in Kolkata handed them the top spot in the international ODI ranking. And interestingly bowlers did the job on both occasions. Batsmen too were instrumental, but not as much as expected. Rohit Sharma hasn't been able to pose a threat that he usually comes with in India. Two successive failures to his glumness, particularly at venues where he fancies playing most, could have been a relief to the opponent but the batsmen next to him in-order managed to compensate the early damage with good grades. Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli, the two top-order batsmen who looked struggling in the first game, got back the form in the next ODI scoring 55 and 92 respectively. Manish Pandey hasn't done much with bat in the middle, but Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya have finished managing competitive total on the board each time. MS Dhoni, the pillar of India's lower-middle order made it count just once with some of stroke-players like Jadhav and Pandya around. Can the hosts dream of becoming the winner of Ind Vs Aus 3rd ODI? No, this doesn't appear to be sufficient because Aussies wouldn't like to repeat the same mistake again as they did in the last two matches. India's bowling has been phenomenal throughout with Kuldeep and Chahal showing some quality spin out in the middle overs. Not just a bowler now, Bhuvneshwar Kumar gained the accolades of his batting too. Finding his lost swing and taking the charge with bat when it mattered most, the pace spearhead has impressed everyone with his all-round performance. The pace duo of Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have kept explosive Warner quiet with a mix of line, length and swing. And yes, we can't forget Pandya when it comes to bowling. He is doing his job well with the ball too. If India continues to ball like this, they can surely become the winner of Ind Vs Aus 3rd ODI. Australia, on the other hand, has failed to win the crucial moments both with bat and ball. Pat Cummins and Coulter-Nile made India's top-order toil in both the matches, but spinners in the middle let the opportunity go from their hands. When batting, Aussies were completely out of the chase in the first game. However, some of their batsmen including Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head showed promise in the second match, but quick dismissals towards the end kept them from the near possible win. India Vs Australia 3rd ODI is going to be a do-or-die contest as one more defeat from hereon would drag them out of the competition. Will team India seal the series beating Australia in the 3rd ODI?

India Vs Australia 2nd ODI, match prediction: The blue brigade is high on confidence having got a sound start to the home season. Now after a deserving win, India will take on Australia in the second ODI with pursuit to serve a couple of objectives: extending their winning streak, beating Aussies in the International ODI rankings, and getting a 2-0 lead in the series. It won't be a surprise if the hosts become the winner of Ind Vs Aus 2nd ODI as well. And they have reasons to bag yet another victory over Australia. With pacers being at their brutal best with the new ball and spinner delivering the promise in the middle, bowling won't be a concern for in form India. The rare top-order failure that we saw in the first match will also not be a jitter as Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya and MSD himself lower down the order remain hungry to compensate the early loss. Australia appears to lack balance in their batting. Yes, Warner and Smith do tone up a strong top-order, but Hilton Cartwright remains little under doubt to match the standards of those lofty openers who once piloted Australia to new heights. If he plays at Eden Garden too, this would be unfair to expect much from the inexperienced in his very second ODI. Travis Head, another novitiate of the current Australian lot, is also often doubted to shoulder the responsibilities in case the top-order fails to deliver. Glenn Maxell's quick-fire knocks in the middle could be a little daunting for the bowlers to handle, but those towering sixes don't actually count if they can't make you win. Coming down to Marcus Stoinis, he appears to be a good pick in the middle-order. Averaging 65 in as many as 4 games he has played so far, Stoinis also plays at a remarkable strike rate of 108. However, in the first ODI, he failed to make it count. So, if the visitors want to become the winner of Ind Vs Aus 2nd ODI, each of their batsmen will have to deliver the good. Australia is a good bowling unit with speed, discipline and accuracy being the strength of their pacers. But, you can't dream of challenging a strong batting side like India based on just pace attack. Spinners have to have their role if win is in your bucket list on India's turning tracks. Spin department is where the visitors need to do good homework else India Vs Australia 2nd ODI match prediction will again find India to be favorites. Will Australia fight back to level the score 1-1 in the second ODI?

India Vs Australia first ODI, match prediction: Riding on a prolonged spell of success, India walks in as favorites to hunt down Australia in the first ODI, commencing on Sep 17 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Virat Kohli's brigade is currently rejoicing their six-match winning streak that they would eye to extend facing their new opponents. And a recent series whitewash over Lanka doubles India's confident ahead of the home ODI series against touring Australia. Australia, on the other hand, will go into the game at the back of three consecutive defeats. They haven't been that impressive in recent times losing four of their last eight ODIs. Also, their performance in Bangladesh was not convincing, although it was a Test series. Nonetheless, they will take the field to win the match irrespective of what it results out to be. As ever, David Warner and Steve Smith will be in key role with bat in Australia's playing XI for first ODI. While Warner is known for his power hitting, Smith will have the assignment to capitalize the team's start. The two players have been the most impressive of all Australian batsmen over the years. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Pat Cummins will take up the fast bowling charge. Adam Zampa will be their trump to sharpen the spin attack on turning spin track. Australia playing XI for first ODI could be as: Steven Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, David Warner, Matthew Wade (wk), Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, Adam Zampa, Travis Head and Ashton Agar. From Indian squad, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two who crushed Lanka recently through their brutal batting display will the center attraction with bat in the top-order. Former skipper MS Dhoni is good enough with his finisher's role. Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul will have the helm of India's middle-order. Hardik Pandya, the young all-rounder will again be assigned the role of power-hitter and part-time pacer alongside Mohammed Shami and Jaspreet Bumrah. In the bowling department, a lot will depend on Jaspreet Bumrah, the man who won man-of-the-series award in Sri Lanka for 15 wickets. Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal, who are well used to the conditions, might be the at-hand spinning options for Kohli in India Vs Australia first ODI. Who will win India Vs Australia first ODI in Chennai?

India Vs Australia ODI series 2017: Although India will be without their lead spinners Jadeja and Ashwin, tackling spin on turning Indian decks could presumably be the biggest threat for Australia. And the visitors need to be wary of the threat. Had it been if this would have been a Test series, spectators bow to. Australian Captain Steve Smith believes an improved show against India's lethal spin attack on this tour. The statement reflects a sense of overconfident apparently because Australians haven't been able to win an ODI series in India in recent times despite their exposure in the IPL. They are not used to the conditions as much as Indians are. Can Australia change the trend this time? Will Smith's desire to overcome India in India get the wings? The questions will be answered when the two 50-over heavy-weights surface a high-octane rivalry in India Vs Australia ODI series 2017. In a next couple of weeks, India will play five ODIs against Australia before the 3-match T20 series. Australia tour of India ODI schedule will begin on Sep 17 and end on Oct 1. The challenge will be different, in fact no easy for the touring side. India without a doubt is an amazing ODI-side as they have played some good cricket recently beating Lanka brutally in their homeland. India is coming of a successful Sri Lanka tour that won them their first whitewash on the island. Now, they would like to continue their winning run against Australia too. Australia tour of India ODI schedule: Sep, 17 Sun - India vs Australia, 1st ODI (Chennai) Sep 21, Thu - India vs Australia, 2nd ODI (Kolkata) Sep 24, Sun - India vs Australia, 3rd ODI (Indore) Sep 28, Thu - India vs Australia, 4th ODI (Bengaluru) Oct 01, Sun - India vs Australia, 5th ODI (Nagpur). Will Team India win the home ODI series against Australia?

Jeeva Kumar's tackle points in PKL 5: Garnering the accolades of his fabulous show in UP Yoddha's defense, Jeeva Kumar has proved out to be a valuable asset for his side in Pro Kabaddi League season 5. The right left corner has displayed a mix of ankle holds, thigh holds, firm grips and also dashes at times to heave his side from crunch situations. On most occasions, Jeeva has deployed himself in the key role keeping his side from the threat of all-out. And 7 super-tackles to his name in the league so far bear witness his class in the pressure situation. Jeeva Kumar's tackle points in PKL 5, which as of now has reached 32, firmly places him 8th on the defenders' table. While the defender has certainly more to put on display in the upcoming matches, a sudden upsurge in his individual position will be no wonder to his ardent fans. Also, he can end up with most super tackles in PKL 5. Since every point counts in the game of Kabaddi, Jeeva's contribution in defense doubles his importance for UP Yoddha. Jeeva is amongst a few players who stands good chances to end up with most super tackles in PKL 5. With 7 super tackles in 13 matches, the brawny defender is leading the table for the time being. He is well paying of the trust the UP franchise reposed in him. Jeeva Kumar's tackle points in PKL 5, which also includes 7 super-tackles, has been worth gold for his side. His form is a guarantee to UP's success and there is no denying the fact. Jeeva Kumar is certainly one, whom UP can rely most particularly when the threat of all-out is looming around. And he has proved it several times earlier. Will Jeeva Kumar end up PKL 5 with most super tackles?

Anup Kumar's raid points in PKL 5: Positioned 5th with a total of 87 points in 12 appearances, Anup Kumar has been at the core of U Mumba's at-hand success in the league so far. He began the league with a defeat as a captain, but two successive wins next to it were a befitting answer to his critics. Against Haryana Steelers, Anup contributed to team's first win with a total of 6 points in his bag. Next to Haryana, another team to witness Anup's raiding excellence was Dabang Delhi. In the one-sided affair, the captain cool scored a total of 7 points, which also include 6 raid points. A total of 8 points by Anup Kumar against UP Yoddha got U Mumba their 3rd win of the league. The cool headed captain continued his stellar one after the other scoring 9, 7, 2 and 11 respectively in the next four games, but didn't get enough support from his mates to prevent the side conceding four loses in a row. It was a bad phase; yes it was as Anup came back strong losing no game thereafter. U Mumba's flamboyant player has demonstrated exceptional captaining and raiding abilities on the mat so far. Anup Kumar's ability to become the top raider in Pro Kabaddi League season 5 goes beyond doubt. An impact raider, Anup Kumar grabbed 8, 6, 8 points respectively in the last three matches helping his team secure second spot on zone 'A' table. Anup Kumar's raid points in PKL 5 count 73 now in 12 games so far. All he would need to become top raider in Pro Kabaddi League season 5 is a couple of ace performances in the upcoming matches. Will Anup Kumar become top raider in Pro Kabaddi League season 5?

Amit Hooda, a standout performer to shoulder Telugu Thalaivas' responsibilities in defence this year, has had a couple of successful PKL editions to his name with the forth one being his best as he finished it with highest successful tackle points (47) at a success percentage of over 50. As expected at the auction, the ankle-hold specialist has proved out to be Thalayvas' biggest asset this season. Amit Hooda's tackle points in PKL 5 count 33 in 9 games so far. He is leading fourth on the defenders' table for the time being. Ending with highest tackle points in PKL season 5 doesn't sound to be a big deal for the Thalaivas' highest-paid (Rs. 63 lakh) player given the way he is playing. As destructive as he has been over the years, Amit began the fifth PKL edition on a high note. Strong, determined and confident, Amit possesses the ability to hunt down any raider. 'Back holds', 'thigh holds' and 'ankle holds' are the weapons of choice Amit has in his quiver. Other than this, the right corner defender banks on his agility and speed to hunt down a raider on the mat. Architect of Thalaivas' only win and two ties in the league so far, Amit Hooda scored 4, 6 and 6 tackle points against Bulls, Steelers and Yoddhas' respectively. Two high fives to Amit Hooda's tackle points tally in PKL season 5 gloss his success as a defender. Apart from just focusing on his individual score, the 21-year old defender has taken added responsibility to get the team together in defense. Also, he has been seen motivating the youngsters and sharing his experience with the teammates. Barely 3 points short of picking the highest tackle points in PKL season 5, Amit Hooda needs a couple stellar performances to top the table surpassing Surender Nada (36 tackle points). Will Amit Hooda mark PKL 5 with most tackle points?

Sri Lanka Vs India only T20: This is for the first time Lanka succumbed to a series whitewash in a home ODI series of any length. Moving in a similar destructive fashion, India elongated their winning run crushing the hosts 5-0 next to a 3-0 Test whitewash on the same tour. Lanka played the worst they could, both in Test and ODI series. India, on the other hand, couldn't have written a better script than sweeping the hosts dead. India was so much dominant with the ball throughout that they didn't allow the hosts to go past 250 even once. The five-match ODI series saw India devastatingly ruthless in each of the games with their winning margin being 9 wickets, 3 wickets, 6 wickets, 168 runs and 6 wickets respectively. At the heart of India's comprehensive series whitewash were Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two who architected two resounding centuries each. However, with ball, Jaspreet Bumrah led India's bowling bagging 15 wickets, the most by any bowler in the world in a bilateral ODI series. Now, both the teams are up for another rivalry that will surface in Colombo this Wednesday. Sri Lanka Vs India only T20 will be the match of high expectations, at least from Lanka's perspective. India doesn't need to worry about anything as the hosts have shown no competitive spirit in the series so far. The way Lanka has scattered conceding defeats one after the other, not many would be expecting them to become the winner of SL Vs IND only T20. After coming to grief, Lanka will be now hopping to finish off the things with a win. All that Lanka would require to avoid another defeat, which is looming large over them given India's current form, is a quick turnaround in the one-off T20. Coming to the match prediction, India stands more chances to become the winner of SL Vs IND only T20. Who will win the only T20 between SL Vs Ind?

Sri Lanka Vs India 5th ODI: Another clinical performance, both with bat and ball, led India to another thumping win over Sri Lanka in the 4th ODI. 4-0 up in the series, the visitors are close to another clean sweep on the same tour. Lanka has never been in the rivalry since time the series got underway. Four straight ODI defeats next to a 0-3 Test whitewash summarize their deplorable run. Things have worked well for India in the top order with Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli looking in devastating touch. Dhoni has shown a steely presence lower down the order returning unbeaten all the three times he got a chance to bat. However, experiments in the middle haven't resulted fruitful for Kohli. Bowling department has delivered the expected restricting the opponents below 240 in all the four ODIs. Riding on four consecutive wins, India now eyes to clean sweep Lanka in the ODI series as well. A clean sweep is up for grab for India, provided they will have to become the winner of SL Vs IND fifth ODI. Lanka would be sorry of the way they have played against India. Yet to taste their first victory, Lanka didn't have much to win in the ongoing ODI series. All that the hosts are left with now is the hope to comeback in Sri Lanka Vs India 5th ODI. They will have a plan to keep a tight rein of Indian batsmen. But, all that will matter is the execution. When predicting the winner of SL Vs IND fifth ODI, visitors again stand more chances than the hosts. Will India clean sweep Sri Lanka in ODI series as well?