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The 1st Qualifier of the Asia Legends League 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest as the table-topping Indian Royals take on the Asian Stars at Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Rajasthan. The Indian Royals, undefeated in the tournament so far, will look to continue their dominance after narrowly defeating the Asian Stars by 9 runs in their last league encounter. On the other hand, the Asian Stars, led by Mehran Khan, will aim to bounce back from that loss and secure a direct berth in the final. With both teams boasting experienced players and strong lineups, this match is set to deliver high-quality cricket under ideal weather conditions.
Match Details
| Match | INR vs ASTARS (1st Qualifier) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Rajasthan |
| Date | 16th March 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM |
| Toss Prediction | To Bowl |
Team Previews
Indian Royals Preview
The Indian Royals have been the standout team in the tournament, winning all their matches with consistent performances across departments. Shikhar Dhawan, who missed the last game, returns to bolster the batting lineup alongside Shadab Jakati, providing stability at the top. Faiz Fazal has been in excellent form in the middle order, supported by Rahul Yadav and Yogesh Nagar, ensuring depth in the batting department.
The bowling attack is equally impressive, with Anureet Singh and Manpreet Gony leading the pace attack. Bipul Sharma and Sudeep Tyagi have excelled in the middle overs, applying pressure on opposition batters. Karanveer Singh and Shadab Jakati provide spin options, making the Royals a well-rounded unit. Their recent 9-run thriller against the Asian Stars highlights their ability to hold nerves in tight situations.
Asian Stars Preview
The Asian Stars enter this qualifier with a point to prove after faltering in the death overs against the Indian Royals in their last meeting. Captain Mehran Khan has been the backbone of their batting, consistently delivering crucial runs in the middle order. Kashyap Prajapati showed promise in the previous game but needs to improve his strike rate to counter the Royals’ strong spin attack.
The bowling department relies heavily on Ishwar Pandey and Ankit Narwal for early breakthroughs, while Tinu Kundu and Sarul Kanwar must step up in the middle overs. The Asian Stars have the firepower to challenge the Royals, but they need a complete performance to overcome their opponents’ momentum.
Favourite Team to Win Today
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Indian Royals | Undefeated record, balanced team, and recent win over the Asian Stars give them the edge. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Points Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan (c) | Batter | Very High |
| Mehran Khan | Batter | High |
| Faiz Fazal | Batter | Medium-High |
| Swapnil Patil (wk) | Wicketkeeper | Medium |
| Yogesh Nagar | Batter | Medium |
| Bipul Sharma | All-Rounder | High |
| Anureet Singh | Bowler | High |
| Ishwar Pandey | Bowler | Medium |
| Manpreet Gony | All-Rounder | Medium |
| Sudeep Tyagi | Bowler | Medium |
| Tinu Kundu | Bowler | Medium |
Explanation: This fantasy team combines key performers from both sides. Shikhar Dhawan and Mehran Khan are included for their leadership and batting consistency, while Faiz Fazal and Bipul Sharma add depth. Bowlers like Anureet Singh and Ishwar Pandey ensure wicket-taking potential.
Suggested Captains and Vice-Captains
- Captain: Shikhar Dhawan – His experience and ability to anchor the innings make him a reliable captaincy choice.
- Vice-Captain: Mehran Khan – A consistent performer with the bat, he can single-handedly change the course of the game.
Players to Avoid
- Kashyap Prajapati – Struggled with strike rate issues in the last game, which could limit his impact.
- Shakti Gauchan – Limited contributions in recent games make him a risky pick.
Probable Playing XIs
Indian Royals
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan (c) | Batter |
| Rahul Yadav (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Faiz Fazal | Batter |
| Yogesh Nagar | Batter |
| Manpreet Gony | All-Rounder |
| Shadab Jakati | All-Rounder |
| Bipul Sharma | All-Rounder |
| Rohan Rathi | Bowler |
| Anureet Singh | Bowler |
| Sudeep Tyagi | Bowler |
| Karanveer Singh | Bowler |
Asian Stars
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mehran Khan (c) | Batter |
| Ankit Narwal | Bowler |
| Kashyap Prajapati | Batter |
| Abul Hasan | Batter |
| Swapnil Patil (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Dhiman Ghosh | Batter |
| Mehul Patel | All-Rounder |
| Tinu Kundu | Bowler |
| Ishwar Pandey | Bowler |
| Sarul Kanwar | All-Rounder |
| Shakti Gauchan | Bowler |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Miraj International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batsmen, with a fast outfield and shorter boundaries aiding stroke play. Early movement off the pitch could assist fast bowlers, but spinners may find it challenging. Clear skies are forecast throughout the match, ensuring uninterrupted play. A par score of 180+ is likely if teams bat first.
Winner Prediction
The Indian Royals’ unbeaten run and balanced team composition make them favorites heading into this clash. Expect them to continue their dominance and book a place in the final.
Final Answer: Indian Royals
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