GameDay Squad Global Cricket 2025 – Round 1 Preview & Fantasy Cricket Strategy
- Stealth
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Tonight, the 2025 Champions Trophy kicks off the GameDay Squad Global Cricket Tournament!
GameDay Squad is running eight rounds with two games per round (excluding Round 8, which will be the Final only). The tournament schedule features one game per day, with the first ball at 7:00 PM AEST.
Use BOBWCC on sign up to GameDay Squad for free packs.
Key Features of the GDS Global Cricket Tournament 2025
Four competition levels
Introduction of Prize Card rewards
Eight rounds with two games per round (excluding the Final round)
All matches commence at 19:00 AEST
Bowling dot ball point REMOVED
India’s Unique Advantage in the Tournament
While Pakistan is the official tournament host, India will not play any matches in Pakistan. All Indian fixtures, including potential finals, will be hosted in Dubai. This means that Team India avoids travel disruptions, which could provide a significant competitive advantage.
GDS Scoring & Strategies: Optimizing Your Fantasy Cricket Squad
A crucial scoring change to the ODI format is the removal of points for dot balls. This impacts card rarity for GDS Classic and Challenger squads and makes bowler selection even more critical.
Batters vs Bowlers: Points Breakdown
The highest scores in the tournament will likely come from batters scoring 50+ runs. For perspective:
50 runs, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, equates to 64 points—the same as a bowler taking three wickets.
80 runs, including 4 fours and 4 sixes, equates to 100 points—comparable to a four-wicket haul with one maiden (103 points).
ODI vs T20 Fantasy Strategy: Where to Focus
For ODIs, prioritize batters. With multiple 300+ totals expected, individual batters scoring 50+ will be common. Additionally, teams value their wickets more than in T20s, reducing the likelihood of large wicket hauls for bowlers.
All-Rounder Selection Tips
Prioritize all-rounders who bat in the top four or five to maximize run potential.
Choose those who bowl at least six overs and regularly take wickets.
Any all-rounder who bowls a full 10-over spell and bats no lower than seven can generate consistent output.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Key Players & Fantasy Cricket Insights
Fresh off a tri-series with South Africa, New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the final, held at tonight’s Champions Trophy venue in Karachi. Momentum is crucial in short tournaments, so let’s examine the standout players from that series.
Top Performers – Batters
Kane Williamson: 225 runs
Agha Salman: 219 runs
Mohammad Rizwan: 171 runs
Glenn Phillips: 154 runs (all not outs)
Top Performers – Bowlers
William O’Rourke: 6 wickets
Shaheen Shah Afridi: 6 wickets
Matt Henry: 5 wickets (2 games)
Michael Bracewell: 5 wickets
Mitchell Santner: 5 wickets
Key Takeaways
New Zealand convincingly defeated Pakistan twice in the Tri-Series, once batting first and once chasing in the final.
In both matches, New Zealand bowled out Pakistan entirely.
Player Matrix: Who to Lock, Consider, or Fade for Fantasy Cricket
Bangladesh vs India: Preview Coming Tomorrow
Initial Thoughts
Bangladesh is a top team for a reason—underestimating them could be a mistake. Instead of outright fading them, focus on identifying the best player edges across all four teams this round to build a standout squad.
Cheers
Stealth.
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