Zim v Ind, 2nd ODI Preview: Opportunity for India to grab the series

The first ODI at the Harare Sports Club was a lopsided affair. India faced no competition from the hosts and cruised home pretty easily. The Zimbabwe looked very rusty in both the departments and proved no match to the young side. The 2nd ODI may be different, however. A major disadvantage for the hosts was the unfamiliarity with the potent Indian side. Indians will yet again be the obvious favorites and will be hoping to wrap the series. Given the way India played in the first game, they seem to have nothing to worry. For the Men in Blue’, it will be all about taking the field and putting up a much more dominating performance that the last game.

Zimbabwe:

The Zimbabweans were toothless in the previous game. Zimbabwe needs batting improvement for a series turnaround. Six of the batsman in the batting order reached the double figures but none of them could do anything significant. Peter Moor might be a relatively newer name in the ODIs but the likes of Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza and Craig Ervine have a good reputation with the bat. Sean Williams’ exclusion in the first game was surprising. Bringing him in will add more weight to the line-up. If the Zimbabweans hope to challenge the Indian side, the batsmen will have to step up and put up a worthy total on the board which can make the inexperienced opposition batsmen crack under pressure. The bowlers must try and lift their game. Out of the seven bowlers used in the last game, only Tendai Chatara could manage a wicket, rest other were easily played out. This clearly displays the lack of effectiveness. Maybe including 28 year old Donald Tiripano in place of one fast bowler can bring some positive change

Probable XI:

Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Tendai Chatara, Graeme Cremer (C), Tawanda Mupariwa, Wellington Masakadza, Taurai Muzarabani

India:

After an ideal start to the series, India will look to carry on their good work from Saturday. The batting remains largely untested. Karun Nair lone failure can be neglected. KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu had a bit tricky yet highly satisfying time in the middle batting on the slow burner of Harare. The Zimbabweans now have the taste of Indian bowling attack. Therefore, the onus will be on Dhawal Kulkarni, Sran, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel to keep the pressure going. Sanjay Bangar hinted ahead of the first game that the management will always look to pick their best XI. Therefore, a change to the winning combination seems very unlikely.

Probable XI:

Probable XI: Faiz Fazal, Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Karun Nair, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Pitch & Conditions:

The weather will be quite cloudy with a maximum temperature of 19 degrees celsius. The surface may be a slow two paced one like in the first game.