Zimbabwe will face off against team India in the 2nd ODI at Harare on August 20th (Saturday) to stay alive in the 3-match ODI series.
Zimbabwe batters were in good form in the recently concluded ODI series against Bangladesh, where they won by 2-1. However, the home batters had no clue against Indian bowlers as the top 4 were dismissed for a single-digit score. Captain Regis Chakbva was the top scorer with 35 runs while Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans contributed with 34 and 33 runs respectively. The likes of Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere & Sikandar Raza would have to step up to help Zimbabwe level the 3-match series.
However, the bowling disappointed the Zimbabwe team in the series against Bangladesh, as well as against India where none of the bowlers were able to pick a single wicket while defending a meagre score of 190.
After India restricted Zimbabwe to 189, the openers Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill made an easy job as they chased down the total without losing a wicket. Gill scored 82 runs off 72 balls with 10 fours and 1 six while Dhawan scored 81 runs off 113 deliveries. If India bats first in the second ODI or chase a good total, fans may get to witness the awaited return of KL Rahul, as well as the likes of players who aren't regulars and are looking to cement their spot - Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda & Sanju Samson.
Deepak Chahar made a fiery return to cricket as he picked up 3 wickets in his first spell of 7 overs, dismissing the top 3 Zimbabwe batters. Prasidh Krishna, bowling in the middle overs grabbed three wickets while spinner Axar Patel also grabbed 3 wickets in 7.3 overs at an economy of 3.20.
