We are in a T20 World Cup year, yet there are no T20I games this week as Tests and ODIs take precedence. India take on New Zealand in the ODIs while South Africa have a tough challenge against World Cup winners, England, in the same format. Pakistan are set to host Bangladesh for a one-off Test now. The Nostragamus fantasy managers will want to maximise their earning potential this week, and keeping an eye on these players would help them a big time.
Tamim Iqbal
Country: Bangladesh
Match/Series: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 1st Test
Tamim Iqbal blasted the highest first-class score in Bangladesh and the second triple century by a Bangladeshi player when he made 334 this week against Central Zone while playing for East Zone in Mirpur. The left-handed opener averages 38.98 in the longest format of the game but has never really owned his position in Tests at the top. He heads to Pakistan with good form behind him and will want to front up against Pakistan's quality bowling attack in Shakib's absence.
Shreyas Iyer
Country: India
Match/Series: India vs New Zealand, ODI
Shreyas Iyer has owned the no.4 position in ODIs since becoming a regular in the side. The batsman played some outstanding knocks in the T20I whitewash of New Zealand and now gets a chance to continue his scintillating run in ODIs, a format where he averages close to 45 and strikes at over a 100. Iyer's effectiveness against quality pace bowling will once again be put to test and if the Australian series and the T20Is against New Zealand are anything to go by, Iyer will have a good series.
Dawid Malan
Country: England
Match/Series: South Africa vs England, ODIs
Dawid Malan's entry into ODIs comes on the back of some exceptional T20I performances including a 51-ball 103 in his final T20I in New Zealand. In the series, Malan made scores of 11, 39, 55 and 103* to take his short format average to 57.25. England are hoping that he can translate those T20 numbers to ODI cricket. Malan, however, is likely to slot into the middle-order in the line-up with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow settled at the top.
Kane Williamson
Country: New Zealand
Match/Series: India vs New Zealand, ODIs
Kane Williamson averages a shade under 60 in ODIs since 2019 with two hundreds and six half-centuries. The New Zealand skipper was in exceptional form in the T20Is which New Zealand lost 0-5 even though he had to sit out the final two matches. The manner in which Williamson took apart Bumrah in the death overs and then in the Super Over will give New Zealand hope as they head into a strong Indian line-up.
KL Rahul
Country: India
Match/Series: India vs New Zealand, ODIs
KL Rahul is in the form of his life with his batting, keeping and even captaincy earning accolades. The Karnataka opener was the top run-scorer in the T20I series, crossing the 25-run barrier in each of the five matches. With Rohit ruled out, Rahul, who was identified for the middle-order, is likely to get an extended run at the top and will want to resume his form from the T20Is. Rahul's keeping will also earn points this week and it will be good to have him around in your fantasy team.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Michael Bradley
