Lance Klusener said that on any given day, Zimbabwe could be a handful for team India. And ironically enough, his side was beaten by an Indian by a margin of 10 wickets. Yes, Zimbabwe has been playing some fantastic cricket off late and they did manage to beat Bangladesh in the T20I and ODI series, but this is a bold statement to make against a team you haven’t beaten once in the last 12 games you have faced them (make that 13 now)
India had the perfect game possible in the 1st ODI. After bowling first on a pitch that had some movement for the bowlers, the Indian bowlers capitalised and got very crucial early wickets. All the bowlers had a good outing. Axar, Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna bagged 3 wickets each. Deepak Chahar in particular was outstanding as he bagged 3 wickets in his first spell itself. India was brilliant with the ball and they bundled out Bangladesh for a paltry total of 189.
Chasing a low total, we knew it would be easy, but Dhawan and Gill made it look too easy. Both of them batted brilliantly. Dhawan was unbeaten on 81 and Gill was unbeaten on 82. India won the game comfortably by 10 wickets in the end and it was all too easy for the visitors. It will be interesting to see if India makes any changes in this game or look to put the series in the bag first.
Zimbabwe on the other hand will know that they will have to play a lot better if they are to have any chance of competing with India. Their batting was a disappointment in the last game but it might also be a one-off game as they have been particularly good with the bat. They will need to regroup after the thrashing they received at the hands of the Indians and also take some inspiration and confidence from how they beat Bangladesh.
India will be looking to win this game and settle this series once and for all. Zimbabwe on the other hand will be looking to make a massive comeback. This should set things up quite brilliantly.
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Pitch Report
The pitch at the Harare Sports Club is a good one for batting. However, the wicket does offer some movement for the faster bowlers at the start of the innings when the ball is new. The wicket is a belter to bat on after the initial overs and this should be another easy day out for the batters. The bowlers have to make use of the conditions at the start to be at the top of their game.
ZIM vs IND 2nd ODI Probable Playing XI
India
Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (c), Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Zimbabwe:
Probable XI: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani/Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi
