Match Details
Date: 18 August 2022
Time: 12:45 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview
After thrashing England and West Indies in respective ODI series in their own backyards, India’s next target is Zimbabwe who is hosting the Men in Blue for a three-match ODI series starting on 18 August. India is touring Zimbabwe for the first time in six years and thus it makes up for an exciting tour. The BCCI has sent a strong 16-member squad for the three ODIs which KL Rahul will lead. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will rue the absence of some of its frontline players including captain Craig Ervin due to injuries.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is known for its nature of producing high-scoring games. Batters find it easy to score runs throughout a match. In the recently concluded ZIM vs BAN series, Zimbabwe chased down targets of around 300 with ease. This means that ZIM vs IND games are also going to be high-scoring. For bowlers (spinners), there will be a little help in the middle overs.
Team Analysis
India
India have a strong pool of players who have been in a good form lately. Although KL Rahul is returning after a long break, the star batter who will also be leading the side is expected to pile up big runs. Rahul will have a great partner in Shikhar Dhawan who has loads of experience in the 50-over format. Shubman Gill, who was in great nick against the West Indies, will also be there. Deepak Hooda and Sanju Samson are two other notable names who will have a great chance to better their position in the team.
In bowling, India have Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna who are expected to do the job in the absence of mainstays. Deepak Chahar who is making a comeback will also have a fair share of attention. Kuldeep Yadav can prove his worth in the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal.
SportsTiger Playing XI of India
KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav
Zimbabwe
The hosts have recently thrashed Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series and will be high on confidence. Sikandar Raza will be the man to look up to as he is in phenomenal form, both with the bat and the ball. Captain Regis Chakabva will also be a key player considering how brilliantly he led the team against Bangladesh in the absence of Ervine. However, Zimbabwe will miss the services of Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, and Craig Ervine. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe have a good team to compete against a second-string Indian side.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Zimbabwe
Kaitano Takudzwanashe, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (C & wk), Tony Munyonga, Luke Jongwe, Bradley Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Tanaka Chivanga
Match Prediction
Conclusion
India are on a winning spree and it won’t be a tough task for the KL Rahul-led team to take down Zimbabwe with plenty of good resources available in the visitors’ camp.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.