Published: Jun 12, 2016, 10:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 12, 2016, 10:14 PM (IST)
Having won the first match comfortably by 9 wickets, India will be aiming to seal the series by outplaying Zimbabwe in the second ODI at Harare. The visitors had it easy in the first game, as Zimbabwe failed to put up a good fight. Having won the toss, MS Dhoni’s team decided to field. And, his bowlers did not disappoint him, as they restricted the hosts to 168 from 49.5 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show, scalping for 4 for 28. He was duly supported by fellow bowlers, as they bowled incredibly well in tandem. India, then, chased down the total comfortably, thanks to a brilliant century on debut from KL Rahul and a fighting 62 from Ambati Rayudu. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI Match
The hosts had a forgettable evening in all the department. Barring a 41 from Elton Chigumbura, no other batsman showed fight and grit against India’s quality bowling unit. A win for the visitors in the second match will seal the series, but a fightback from Zimbabwe can set up a finale at Harare on June 15. Going into the game, let’s take a look at the key clashes that may impact this crucial contest:
Jasprit Bumrah vs Hamilton Masakadza: India’s new bowling sensation has been outstanding in the past six months. Bumrah’s ODI debut against Australia at Sydney showed promise, and he continued his superior performance in the first ODI against Zimbabwe as well, ending with figures of 4 for 28. The tough task of negating his threat will be shouldered upon the experienced Hamilton Masakadza. ALSO READ: India vs Zimbabwe 2016, 2nd ODI at Harare: MS Dhoni-led India likely XI
Masakadza had a decent start, hitting two boundaries; but eventually failed to continue the momentum. Given he is Zimbabwe’s one of the most belligerent batsmen, it will be interesting to see how he fares against Bumrah.
KL Rahul vs Tendai Chatara: Rahul continued his tremendous IPL form with a century on his ODI debut. With conditions tough to bat, he showed great application to see of through early overs. The task to remove him will be upon Chatara, who scalped the only wicket for Zimbabwe in the first ODI. In a bowling unit full of inexperienced players, he has a fairly decent record in ODI format. It will a good contest between these two youngsters.
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Craig Ervine: The surprise package of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015, Chahal continued his brilliant form in IPL 2016, scalping 21 wickets. His good form led to a national call-up. On his debut, he formed a brilliant partnership with Akshar Patel and didn’t let batsmen score runs. With him coming in the middle overs, Craig Ervine may have to face his wily leg-breaks. Ervine, younger brother of Sean Ervine, is one of the better batsman in Zimbabwe’s unit. He showed grit in the first ODI, scoring 21.
Akshar Patel vs Sikandar Raza: Akshar was played in the first ODI as an all-rounder. While he didn’t get a chance to bat, he bowled particularly well, conceding mere 26 runs and scalping a wicket in his quota of 10 overs. His contest will be up against Zimbabwe’s all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Raza is primarily a batsman who can bowl. He batted quite well for his 22, and wasn’t bad in his five overs in the first ODI. Both the players will be key in the second game due to their all-round abilities.
Faiz Fazal vs Taurai Muzarabani: The uncapped Fazal may get his first chance in Indian colours in the second ODI. Having seen Karun Nair fail to grab his only chance, Fazal is a strong candidate to be picked for the opening slot. He will come up against Muzarabani, who himself is new to the international scene. He decently bowled in the first contest, despite failing to grab a wicket. It is a battle between two players who are itching to make a name in the international arena.
(R Narayan is a reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His Twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)
