Zim v Ind, 3rd T20I Preview: Revitalized India aim to pocket the series

India made a thumping comeback after a stunning loss in the opening T20I to topple the hosts by 10 wickets in the 2nd game. It was a complete display of dominance from the visitors who faced no trouble whatsoever in rolling over the helpless looking opposition side. India will be looking forward to producing yet another wonderful performance and pocket the 3-match series and return home with two trophies.

Zimbabwe were lethal in the first game. It looked like it was an entirely different team playing in the shortest format. They batted well and posted a competitive total and later came back to restrict India and win the game. However, the scenes in the 2nd game were completely contrasting to the first game; in fact, it seemed that they were back to performing like they did in the ODI series they lost badly 3-0. Inconsistency has been a huge issue with the African nations. Going into tomorrow’s series final, they also have a bleak chance of creating another upset and clinch the series. But, for the clear-headed, rational follower of the game, India will be the favourites.

Zimbabwe:

Skipper Graeme Cremer has a lot of things to ponder about. The batting looks fragile again and the bowling attack completely toothless. The openers must take the responsibility firstly. Chamu Chibhabha needs consistency while Hamilton Masakadza needs to come out of his miserable lean patch he is going through. Without a solid start, there is perhaps a very little chance that they can put up a challenging total. The middle order ought to be more responsible with the bat.

The fragility, in fact, begins here. Cremer has been an uninspiring leader. He has completely failed to lead his side and hasn’t contributed with performances either. Richmond Mutumbami’s replacement Peter Moor justified his inclusion with a small yet significant knock. The bowlers misfired badly. Their condition was such that the opening duo of KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh, hit them in excess of 8 runs an over, without even going full-throttle. They must come back to their wicket-taking best if Zimbabwe fancies another chance of creating an upset.

Probable XI:

Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha, Peter Moor, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer (C), Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano

India:

After suffering a narrow loss, India opted for a full-strength bowling attack. The move worked as India registered the biggest win in the format. With the series on the line, they are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination. The seamers will be the biggest advantage for India. Barinder Sran and Jasprit Bumrah claimed 9 wickets in the previous game and will most-likely on song in the upcoming game as well. Dhawal Kulkarni was tad expensive but still picked one. The batting line-up is well-settled.

Probable XI:

KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran

Stats:

1. Jasprit Bumrah needs three more wickets to equal Dirk Nannes’ record for most T20I wickets in a year. Nannes took 27 in 2010. Bumrah has 24 from 18 matches this year.

2. The decider will be Masakadza’s 50th T20I. He will become the first Zimbabwean to play 50 or more T20Is.

3. India had never won a T20I by ten wickets before the second match.