India vs Zimbabwe, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Preview: India aim to continue unbeaten streak in Brendan Taylor’s farewell match

Auckland: India will take on Zimbabwe in their final Group B match at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The game will take place at Eden Park, Auckland, before India make their way back to Australia for their quarter-final. On the other hand, Zimbabwe would go home after a campaign that saw them come close on a few occasions, but failed to record too many favourable results. READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: India vs Zimbabwe, Statistical Preview

A good batting surface is expected at Eden Park. It looked flat on the eve of the game and the batsmen can score big runs considering the short boundaries here. However, the two games here have shown that the bowlers to can get quite some bounce on the surface, which they can exploit in this game. READ: Sikandar Raza wants to end ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 with good performance against India

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The significant news before this game has been the international retirement of Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batsman. Taylor is heading to Nottinghamshire, with who he has signed a Kolpak deal. It would possibly bring curtains on an international career that has helped Zimbabwe muddle through rough waters. READ: Dav Whatmore: Zimbabwe need to play more ODIs in order to improve

In all likelihood, he is expected to lead Zimbabwe in this game. Elton Chigumbura did not look 100 percent in their final practice session before the match. Taylor would thus target a fairytale finish, with a victory to cap a good career. READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Zimbabwe aim winning farewell to Brendan Taylor

However, Zimbabwe face a stern test as India have been the in-form team of the tournament. Their bowling in particular has surprised everyone. Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma have formed a lethal combination. Ravichandran Ashwin has also come into his own with his off-spin. On the batting side of things, India have the stable line-up and aren’t expected to make changes. Ravindra Jadeja may be in focus as he is yet to deliver a big performance. This could be his chance of getting back into the groove. READ: Brendan Taylor could play his last match for Zimbabwe against India in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 following Nottinghamshire deal

Skipper MS Dhoni was asked about the possibility of India making a few changes in this inconsequential game. However, he said that changes may only come into play if and when there are injury concerns or burnout issues. Until then, India will maintain their winning combination. Hence, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Akshar Patel, Ambati Rayudu and Stuart Binny may warm the bench. Unless, Dhoni is playing his cards close to his chest and would only unleash them in play. READ: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: India take a break as Zimbabwe train at Eden Park

India are easily the favourites for this game and Zimbabwe have nothing to play for but pride. Zimbabwe have only beaten India once in a World Cup match, which was back in 1999, when Henry Olonga inspired them to a close victory. They would have to play great cricket to emulate that win against a strong Indian side. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE

Teams:

India: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Stuart Binny, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Prosper Utseya, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Regis Chakabva (wk), Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tendai Chatara, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Chamu Chibhabha, Solomon Mire.

Time: 06:30 IST | 01:00 GMT

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)