WCL T20 2025, Match 7 – Australia Champions vs West Indies Champions
County Ground, Northampton, July 23 | 9:00 PM IST
Match Preview
Australia Champions (AAC) face off against West Indies Champions (WIC) in a crucial fixture at the County Ground, Northampton. The pitch and past results favor teams batting first, making the toss important. With both teams packed with legendary T20 names, expect an exciting contest.
County Ground, Northampton – Pitch Report & Record
- Surface: Balanced — offers true bounce and pace for batters, while spinners can impact during the middle overs.
- Chasing Stats: All 3 T20s played here have been won by teams batting first; chasing teams have lost every game.
- Strategy Note: The toss-winning captain is likely to bat first to maximize the statistical advantage.
- Weather: Partly sunny and breezy; temperature between 22°C–14°C. There is a 43% chance of rain interruptions, so keep that in mind for late swaps.
Top Fantasy Picks
Australia Champions
- Shaun Marsh: Dependable left-handed opener, mixes stability and strokeplay, Dream11 captaincy favorite.
- Chris Lynn: Explosive at the top, capable of rapid scoring, known for clearing the ropes.
- Brett Lee: Iconic pacer, can take crucial breakthroughs, especially with the new ball.
West Indies Champions
- Lendl Simmons: Experienced T20 match-winner, aggressive top-order batter.
- Kieron Pollard: Powerful all-rounder; even if he failed in the first match, he’s a proven game-changer.
- Sheldon Cottrell: Left-arm quick, picked up 2 wickets in his last outing, brings swing and wicket-taking ability.
AAC vs WIC – Dream11 Fantasy Team Suggestions
Head-to-Head/Small Leagues
| Position | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Ben Dunk, Chadwick Walton |
| Batters | Chris Lynn, Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Shaun Marsh |
| All-rounders | Dan Christian, Kieron Pollard |
| Bowlers | Sheldon Cottrell, Brett Lee, Nathan Coulter-Nile |
- Captain: Shaun Marsh
- Vice-captain: Kieron Pollard
Grand Leagues/Winner Takes All
| Position | Player Names |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Ben Dunk, Chadwick Walton |
| Batters | Chris Lynn, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Shaun Marsh |
| All-rounders | Ben Cutting, Kieron Pollard |
| Bowlers | Sheldon Cottrell, Brett Lee, Nathan Coulter-Nile |
- Captain: Lendl Simmons
- Vice-captain: Chris Lynn
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Head-to-Head:
- Captain: Shaun Marsh
- Vice-captain: Kieron Pollard
- Small Leagues:
- Brett Lee, Sheldon Cottrell (for extra bowling points)
- Grand Leagues:
- Captain: Lendl Simmons
- Vice-captain: Chris Lynn
Expert Fantasy Tips
- Target top-order batters and seamers—Northampton generally provides early movement and rewards batters who can settle.
- Spinners can offer value in the middle overs as the surface grips.
- Given chasing teams have struggled historically, prioritize batters from the side batting first.
- All-rounders (Pollard, Christian, Cutting) add balance for big leagues.
Final Thought:
Go with a balanced or batsmen-heavy lineup given the surface and team strengths. Watch out for toss updates—and if rain shortens the game, prioritize big-hitters and bowlers likely to operate upfront. Good luck with your fantasy teams!