CHENNAI, INDIA: Zimbabwe are all set to take on India in their second fixture of the Super 8 phase of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai on Thursday, February 26. Both sides have lost their opening fixtures in the Super 8.
On February 23, Zimbabwe were defeated by 107 runs by the West Indies, who have flourished under the tactical guidance of their coach, the two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, Darren Sammy. India, meanwhile, failed to chase 188 against South Africa on February 22, getting all out for just 111.
Even though Zimbabwe suffered a humiliating defeat, they have kept their morale high and appear confident of shattering India’s dream of lifting their third title. Let’s take a look at some key pointers that can help Zimbabwe defeat India and end their T20 World Cup campaign with a game to spare.
Return of Richard Ngarava in the T20 World Cup
Zimbabwe’s key bowler, Richard Ngarava, made his comeback in the West Indies game after he missed the previous one due to injury. His return will be a major boost for Zimbabwe against India. The left-arm seamer bagged three wickets against Oman in the group stage before getting injured. In his comeback game against the Windies, Ngarava was able to hit the ground running and bag two wickets.
The bowling quartet
Seamer Blessing Muzarabani has been the tournament’s standout player. The right-arm seamer is the second-leading wicket-taker of this T20 World Cup with 11 scalps from just four innings. Ngarava’s return has bolstered Zimbabwe’s bowling lineup. While the latter claimed two wickets on his return, Brad Evans shone bright with both the bat and the ball.
He scored 43 runs off just 21 balls against the Windies and also claimed a crucial wicket, thus emerging as Zimbabwe’s greatest asset. This trio will also have the assistance of Graeme Cremer’s leg-spinning proficiency. No wonder, then, that the Africans will be keen on dismantling India’s batting order.
Order of the top-order
Zimbabwe’s top order has done well in this competition, even if their match against the West Indies didn’t end well. Despite being out for the first time in the competition, Brian Bennett still averages 180 runs from four innings, which is a massive feat to achieve in a T20 World Cup.
On the contrary, Tadiwanashe Marumani has been the more aggressive player for the tournament’s dark horses. He has scored 104 runs so far at a strike rate of 157.78. With just 58 runs in three innings, including a duck against the Windies, Ryan Burl is going through a rough time.
However, his expertise and situational awareness can prove to be crucial against a side as vaunted as India. Captain Sikandar Raza’s morale is sky-high in the middle order despite him not being completely fit. The team will be eyeing a semi-final spot in this T20 World Cup as they hope to edge past the hosts.
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