Cricket Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-25

Welcome back, SportsPulse.com faithful! Your top DFS analyst is here to slice through the noise and deliver the winning plays for your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups this week. We just witnessed a colossal batting display with England Cricket piling on 371 against West Indies' 121 in an SA20 clash, setting the tone for high-octane action. Let’s dive into the picks that will put you atop the leaderboards.

TOP 3 PLAYERS TO START THIS WEEK

1. Jos Buttler (England Cricket): The England captain is in imperious form. His leadership from the front in the recent SA20 fixture, where he anchored the monumental 371 total with a blistering century, makes him an absolute must-start. Buttler is a consistent fantasy points monster with his boundary-hitting, strike rate, and wicket-keeping contributions. Expect another dominant performance. 2. Moeen Ali (England Cricket): Moeen Ali is the ultimate T20 all-rounder for a reason. Not only did he contribute quick runs to England’s massive total, but his off-spin provides crucial wicket-taking potential in the middle overs. His recent form shows a knack for picking up key wickets and maintaining a high scoring rate, making him a dual threat invaluable for any fantasy lineup. 3. Adil Rashid (England Cricket): With West Indies bowled out for just 121, you can bet Rashid played a pivotal role in stifling their innings. His leg-spin has been a consistent wicket-taking threat, and he rarely goes an innings without chipping away at the opposition. Rashid's ability to pick up multiple wickets, especially against teams looking to accelerate, makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling pick.

TOP 2 PLAYERS TO SIT/BENCH THIS WEEK

1. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies Cricket): While Pooran possesses explosive talent, his recent form, particularly in the wake of West Indies' paltry 121 all-out, suggests inconsistency. He commands a premium salary based on his potential, but his output has been too volatile. With other reliable options available, benching Pooran saves salary and mitigates the risk of a low-scoring outing. 2. Alzarri Joseph (West Indies Cricket): Joseph is a quality fast bowler, but the SA20 fixture saw England rack up 371 runs, indicating that even top bowlers faced a severe onslaught. Joseph's primary fantasy value comes from wickets, and if he's going for significant runs while struggling to pick them up, his high salary becomes a drain. There are better, more economical bowling options this week.

TWO VALUE/BARGAIN PLAYS UNDER SALARY CAP

1. Sam Curran (England Cricket): Often overlooked for higher-profile teammates, Sam Curran offers immense value. As a left-arm swing bowler and a powerful lower-order hitter, he's a true all-rounder. He’s capable of picking up early wickets and smashing quick runs at the death, often outperforming his salary. He’s