Toronto Nationals vs Edmonton Royals, Global Canada T20 League, Match 3: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Edmonton Royals will begin their Global Canada T20 2019 journey with the contest against Toronto Nationals. For the Nationals, this will be the second match and after a shocked in the first one time to turn the table.

Yuvraj Singh led Toronto Nationals failed to make a mark in the first face-off of this edition against Vancouver Knights. It was a demolition as the Nationals were beaten by eight wickets. Kieron Pollard smashed an unbeaten 30 from 13 balls to lift the Nationals to a competitive total and was decent with the ball. He might have a good outing as an all-rounder. Singh and Brendon McCullum, although did not have a good start will be key players. Singh has an injury issue but there is no update yet about the same. The bowlers were expensive last time and need to have a good grip.

The Royals, on the other hand, is studded with contemporary stars like Kane Williamson, Faf du Plessis, James Neesham. Whereas the batting unit is solid with the stars played league cricket across the globe, the all-rounders like Ben Cutting and Neesham can change the game. Overall, it looks like a balanced team with the ability to deliver the best when needed.

Key Players:

Kieron Pollard (Toronto Nationals): Pollard’s 30 off 13 was the reason for Toronto’s decent total in the first match. He also maintained the second best economy rate with the ball when the whole bowling unit was giving away runs. Pollard’s experience of playing T20 matches across the globe is a key factor as well.

Kane Williamson (Edmonton Royals): Williamson was anyway in a very good form and contributed for his team throughout the recently concluded World Cup. He was declared the Player of the Tournament as well. One of the mainstays of the Royals’ top order, Williamson needs to pick up exactly from where he left a few days back.

Head to head: In 2018 these two teams had only one clash where the Royal came out victorious. They won by eight wickets with 30 balls remaining.

Likely XI:

Toronto Nationals- Rodrigo Thomas, Brendon McCullum, Calum MacLeod, Yuvraj Singh (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kieron Pollard, Ravinderpal Singh, Mitchell McClenaghan, Salman Nazar, Jeremy Gordon, Mark Montfort

Edmonton Royals- Faf du Plessis (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Anshuman Rath (wk), Kane Williamson, Sherfane Rutherford, Jimmy Neesham, Davy Jacobs, Ben Cutting, Shadab Khan, Satsimranjit Dhindsa, Navneet Dhaliwal

Prediction:

The Royals to start their campaign with a win.