India has a 1-0 series lead against Zimbabwe after winning the first of the three one-day internationals at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Zimbabwe won the opening one-day international match between India and Zimbabwe on Thursday. KL Rahul, India’s acting captain, decided to bowl first against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club after winning the toss. Axar Patel (3 for 24), Deepak Chahar (3 for 27), Prasidh Krishna (3 for 50), and Mohammed Siraj all contributed to India bowling out Zimbabwe for 189 runs (1 for 36). With an unbroken 192-run stand for the first wicket in response, Indian openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill made fun of Zimbabwe’s score and helped India win the match with 115 balls remaining.
The following match will take place on Saturday at the same location between India and Zimbabwe (August 20). The hosts will attempt to present a stronger challenge to the visitors while India looks to win and clinch the three-match series.
Here is a possible starting lineup for India’s second ODI against Zimbabwe:
Shikhar Dhawan: Despite scoring 81 runs off 113 balls, the southpaw made sure to stay at the crease to lead India home with ease. Dhawan had a strike rate of 71.68 and nine fours in his innings.
Shubman Gill: In the first ODI against Zimbabwe, the right-handed hitter scored 82 not out off 72 balls. He’ll want to keep up his winning streak in game two as well.
Ishan Kishan: Ishan Kishan has scored a total of 88 runs in his three ODI innings to date, including a half-century in his maiden game. Kishan has played well for India in T20Is, and he will try to carry that confidence over to ODIs as well.
KL Rahul: KL Rahul is playing in an international series for the first time since the IPL 2022. Even though he was not given the chance to bat in the first game, he would try to score some runs in the following matches against Zimbabwe.
Deepak Hooda: Since his century against Ireland, Hooda has failed to make a significant score. He needs to take his time in the middle, and what better occasion to do it than the ODIs against Zimbabwe.
Sanju Samson: In his brief international career to date, the right-handed wicketkeeper-batter has had flashes of brilliance, but he has struggled to consistently extend his innings.
Axar Patel: In addition to being impressive with the ball in hand, Axar has performed well at the plate during the few opportunities that have presented itself. He had 3 for 24 in 7.3 overs against Zimbabwe in the opening ODI.
Deepak Chahar: Deepak Chahar has made a successful recovery from his injury. The right-arm pacer’s first ODI stats against Zimbabwe were 3 for 27 in 7 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav: Although the spinner hasn’t been in great demand lately, the Zimbabwe series gives him the finest chance yet to establish himself. In the first ODI against Zimbabwe, he failed to pick up a wicket and let up 36 runs in his 10 overs.
