Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019, Round 5, Kerala vs JK: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips

With the Group A league table of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy taking shape nicely, two teams, Kerala and Jammu and Kashmir, placed in the top half play each other in what is a crucial contest on Wednesday.

Both teams have won two games each and are just about keeping pace with the likes of Jharkhand and defending champions, Delhi. While Kerala have banked upon their pace bowling might in both their wins, Jammu and Kashmir's all-rounders are running the show for them. With another thriller on the cards, here are a few tips to help you pick your Dream11 team.

Squads to choose from:

Kerala:

Sachin Baby, Arun Karthik, KM Asif, Basil Thampi, Akshay Chandran, Vinoop Manoharan, Sudhesan Midhun, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Karaparambil Monish, MD Nidheesh, Rohan Prem, Ponnam Rahul, Sandeep Warrier, Jalaj Saxena, Vishnu Vinod, Daryl Ferrario

Jammu and Kashmir:

Abdul Samad, Adil Reshi, Bandeep Singh, Ram Dayal, Shubham Khajuria, Manzoor Dar, Mujtaba Yousuf, Parvez Rasool, Irfan Pathan, Shubham Pundir, Suryansh Raina, Owais Amin Shah, Sharur Dar, Umar Nazir Mir, Jatin Wadhwan, Waseem Raza, Rasikh Salam

Playing XI Updates:

Kerala:

Jalaj Saxena could return for Kerala and play his first match of their campaign while the likes of Manoharan and Rohan Prem are to keep their place in the side with decent performances in their three games so far. Vishnu Vinod is in fine form while Sachin Baby and Arun Karthik have also complemented him with vital cameos. They will once again rely on their pace trio of Nidheesh, Thampi and Warrier to pave the way for another win.

Possible XI: Vishnu, Arun, Prem, Baby(C), Jalaj/Ferrario, Manoharan, Azhaaruddeen (WK), Midhun, Nidheesh, Thampi and Warrier.

Jammu and Kashmir:

After a crucial win over Andhra, J&K will go into the match with momentum on their side. Shubham Pandit and Ram Dayal were the stars of their win and will be expected to come good again, while captain, Parves Rasool is one to watch out for with his all-round abilities. Mumbai Indians recruit, Rasikh Dar has also been impressive in their previous matches and will be key on Wednesday.

Possible XI: Samad, Wadhwan, Reshi/Khajuria, Pundir, Rasool(C), Pathan, Dar, Raina(WK), Rasikh, Dayal and Yousuf.

Match Details:

Kerala vs Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Round 5, Group A

27th December 2019, 9:00 AM IST

Devineni Venkata Ramana Praneetha Ground, Mulapudu, Vijayawada

Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: While both keepers bat too deep for any fantasy player's liking, Mohammed Azhaaruddeen should get the nod with his ability to strike a few lusty blows at any given point of time. Vishnu Vinod is also available in the wicket-keepers column and is a viable option as well.

Batsmen: Arun Karthik and Sachin Baby are viable options with their contributions vital to Kerala's cause. Shubham Pundir is in good form and along with the likes of Manzoor Dar and Jatin Wadhwan are great options to have in the side.

All-rounders: Parvez Rasool and Irfan Pathan are two experienced all-rounders, who are must haves in the fantasy team. Rasool's quota of overs are generally economical, which adds value to this selection along with his batting prowess.

Bowlers: Sandeep Warrier and Basil Thampi are in amazing form through the domestic season with Kerala even making it to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 season on the back of their form. Along with them, the duo of Rasikh Dar and Ram Dayal are more than handy options to have in the side.

Captain: Parvez Rasool is an obvious choice for captaincy with his all-round prowess regularly on show for J&K. The likes of Arun Karthik and Jatin Wadhwan are also great options to have in the side as captain, if a batting option is desired as one.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Vishnu Vinod (WK), Sachin Baby, Arun Karthik, Jatin Wadhwan, Manzoor Dar, Irfan Pathan, Parvez Rasool, Sandeep Warrier, Basil Thampi, Ram Dayal and Rasikh Dar. Captain: Parvez Rasool

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Vishnu Vinod (WK), Arun Karthik, Sachin Baby, Shubham Pundir, Jatin Wadhwan, Parvez Rasool, Irfan Pathan, Basil Thampi, Vinoop Manoharan, Rasikh Dar and Ram Dayal. Captain: Arun Karthik