India and Zimbabwe face off in the third match of the three-match ODI series at Harare Sports Club on Monday, 22 August.
India, led by KL Rahul, have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. On Saturday, 20 August, the Men in Blue defeated Regis Chakabawa’s Men by five wickets to seal the fate of the series.
Shardul Thakur took important wickets of Innocent Kaya, Chakabwa and Luke Jongwe. Thereafter, Sanju Samson remained unbeaten on 43 and helped India win the match with 24.2 overs to spare.
Samson also received the Player of the Match award for his brilliant innings. Before the series, KL Rahul was yet to win a single match as the captain of the Indian team, but now he is on the verge of cleaning his team.
As far as Zimbabwe is concerned, they looked more impressive in the second ODI, especially in the bowling department. However, he did not have many runs to defend.
Sikandar Raza, who troubled Bangladesh with one big score after another, has not been at his best. Chakabwa and Sean Williams will also be responsible for keeping Zimbabwe’s batting together.
India have won 14 consecutive ODIs against Zimbabwe and it would not be surprising if they go ahead with a 3-0 series win. Moreover, this win will also put them in a good position ahead of the Asia Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
face to face
Altogether
Played – 65, Win – 53, Loss – 10, Tie – 2
in Zimbabwe
Played – 25, won 21, lost 4, n/r -0
Probable Playing XI:
Zimbabwe
Tadiwanashe Marumani, Regis Chakabwa (c), Innocent Kaya, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Clive Madande (wk), Tony Munyonga, Luke Jongwe, Brad Evans, Victor Nyuchi, Richard Ngarwa
India
Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Tripathi/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Pranand Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan
— the ending —