In a highly anticipated clash on the cricket grounds, Kerala will compete against Mumbai in the 20th match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, set to take place at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur, India, on Saturday, November 25. The encounter is scheduled to start at 09:00 AM IST.
Mumbai has taken the top position in Group A’s points table of the tournament, with an impressive net run rate of +5.720, backed by their convincing victory against Sikkim by seven wickets. Kerala isn’t far behind, claiming fourth place with two points from their first match, after a hard-fought win against Saurashtra by three wickets, boasting a net run rate of +0.244.
The weather for the match day seems to be favorable for cricket, with temperatures expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of 64 percent. However, it’s the pitch report that could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game. Over the last ten matches played at the venue, the average score for the first innings has been 251. Given historical data, chasing appears to be the favorable strategy, as 70 percent of the matches have been clinched by teams batting second.
Both teams are brimming with talent, and their predicted playing XIs feature some noteworthy names. Kerala’s squad includes Vishnu Vinod, Rohan Kunnummal, captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, and other skilled players like Sachin Baby and Shreyas Gopal. Mumbai stands equally strong, their lineup bolstered by names like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, former Indian team captain Ajinkya Rahane, who also doubles as their current captain, and wicketkeeper Prasad Pawar.
Through their Fantasy XI tips for this Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 clash, Kerala’s Sanju Samson gets the stamp of approval for the wicketkeeper’s position, known for his explosive batting and strategic gameplay, notably seen in his guide of Kerala to victory against Saurashtra. Mumbai’s batting will heavily rely on Ajinkya Rahane’s prowess, following his considerable 175 runs aggregate during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023/24.
Other notable batsmen include Kerala’s Abdul Basith, who amassed 159 runs during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Mumbai’s consistent performer Jay Bista. As for the all-rounders, Mumbai’s Shams Mulani is a favorite pick, reinforced by his notable performance in capturing a wicket against Sikkim and finishing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a commendable 12 wickets.
The bowling department from both teams has prodigious talents: Kerala’s Akhin Sathar, recognized for his four-wicket haul, and Mumbai’s Tushar Deshpande, a right-arm medium bowler known for taking three wickets in the season opener, are likely to make significant impacts.
As the captain, Sanju Samson is anticipated to lead with distinction and deliver a power-packed performance against Mumbai. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is trusted to wield his experience effectively, taking on the challenge of steering Mumbai towards victory.
This showdown between Kerala and Mumbai promises to be an exciting face-off replete with strategy, skills, and sporting prowess, as two of the most esteemed teams in Indian domestic cricket vie for the coveted victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023.
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