Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019: Round 1, Maharashtra vs UP: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 21st, 2019

Maharashtra take on Uttar Pradesh in the first round of fixtures in the 2019 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with both teams looking to build on the relatively successful campaigns in the previous edition.

Uttar Pradesh boast of one of the best T-20 players in Suresh Raina and with the nice blend of experience and youth in their side, they would love to get one over Maharashtra.

With a top heavy batting unit, Maharashtra are well prepared to counter UP's bowling come Thursday. With both teams aiming to start the tournament on the right note, an exciting match awaits in Delhi.

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Squads to choose from:

Maharashtra:

Rahul Tripathi(C), Naushad Shaikh, Ankit Bawne, Satyajeet Bachhav, Samad Fallah, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Swapnil Gugale, Divyang Himganekar, Rohit Motwani, Nikhil Naik, Vijay Zol, Vishal Gite, Hitesh Walunj

Uttar Pradesh:

Akshdeep Nath(C), Ankit Rajpoot, Aryan Juyal, Shubham Chaubey, Priyam Garg, Mohit Jangra, Mohsin Khan, Suresh Raina, Samarth Singh, Saurabh Kumar, Shiva Singh, Rinku Singh, Upendra Yadav, Yash Dayal, Nalin Mishra

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Playing XI Updates:

Maharashtra:

The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Ankit Bawne and Ruturaj Gaikwad, all of whom are regulars in the India A side are part of the top order that is well complemented by Swapnil Gugale and Naushad Shaikh. Samad Fallah's pace and swing will be key to disrupting the UP batting order and along with Bachhav, they hold key against their North Indian opponents.

Possible XI: Tripathi(C), Gugale, Gaikwad, Bawne, Naushad, Naik(WK), Himganekar, Walunj, Gite, Bachhav and Fallah

Uttar Pradesh:

UP have a nice blend of experienced players along with couple of U-19 stars in Shivam Singh and Mohit Jangra. Suresh Raina and Akshdeep Nath are the cornerstones of the batting unit while Rinku Singh should handle the finishing duties after a memorable Ranji Trophy season.

Ankit Rajpoot is also in decent form and with Mohsin Khan complementing him, the bowling unit looks fairly settled.

Possible XI: Samarth, Upendra(WK), Raina, Nath, Garg, Rinku, Saurabh, Shiva, Ankit, Mohsin and Yash Dayal/Mohit Jangra

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Match Details:

Maharashtra vs TN, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019, Round 1, Group E

21st February 2019, 10:00 AM IST

Palam A Stadium, Delhi

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: With uncertainty over who would keep wickets for Maharashtra, Upendra Yadav is a safe bet and with the UP player batting at the top of the order, he is a great selection into your fantasy teams.

Batsmen: The quartet of Suresh Raina, Rahul Tripathi, Ankit Bawne and Samarth Singh are the ideal set of players to have in your fantasy team. Suresh Raina is still one of India's best in the format and with the World Cup just around the corner, this could be Raina's last outside chance to make it to England. In-form players, Gaikwad and Rinku Singh are also viable options to have in the side.

All-rounders: Akshdeep Nath has matured into a dependable player for UP with his big money move to RCB also justifying the claim. Along with him, Swapnil Gugale could also prove to be a great option in the team.

Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot and Samad Fallah are the spearheads of either side and are must haves in the fantasy team. Either Mohsin Khan or Shiva Singh would suffice along with the selection of Satyajeet Bachhav in rounding off the team.

Captain: Suresh Raina is the prime candidate for captaincy while other options also include Akshdeep Nath and Rahul Tripathi. Tripathi has been in good form for Maharashtra and with the extra responsibility of captaincy, he could come good against UP.

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Fantasy Suggestion #1: Upendra Yadav (WK), Rahul Tripathi, Ankit Bawne, Suresh Raina, Samarth Singh, Akshdeep Nath, Swapnil Gugale, Samad Fallah, Ankit Rajpoot, Satyajeet Bachhav and Shiva Singh. Captain: Suresh Raina

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Upendra Yadav (WK), Rahul Tripathi, Suresh Raina, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Akshdeep Nath, Swapnil Gugale, Samad Fallah, Ankit Rajpoot, Satyajeet Bachhav and Mohsin Khan. Captain: Rahul Tripathi