Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Date and Time: January 27, 01:00 PM IST
Three rain-affected, truncated games, three wins – India remained unbeaten in the league phase. Before the start of the tournament, Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were expected to set the tournament on fire. Three league games later, India have won all of them, remaining undefeated in the competition. The noteworthy point is that on all three occasions, India found different match-winners; it has not been Mhatre or Sooryavanshi.
Henil Patel, Vihaan Malhotra, and RS Ambrish won the Player of the Match awards. While Mhatre and Sooryavanshi have contributed usefully with one fifty each, the heavy lifting has been done by the likes of Henil and Abhigyan Kundu. The team management will be pleased that the side has not relied solely on Mhatre and Sooryavanshi.
Against New Zealand, India played their most complete game. The biggest takeaway from that match was Mhatre coming into his own, smashing a quickfire fifty that will boost his confidence. However, all their fixtures so far have been curtailed due to rain. In every game, India experimented with different tactics, tried various combinations, and gave ample game time to their players. It will be interesting to see what combination they field in their first Super Six match against Zimbabwe.
Heading into the Super Six, the challenge will only intensify with every match. Despite not winning a single completed game, Zimbabwe have advanced to the Super Six, following one washout against Scotland and two defeats against England and Pakistan.
The co-hosts, meanwhile, showed greater intent with the bat against England, putting together a strong collective effort against quality opposition. Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Nathaniel Hlbangana, Tatenda Chimugoro, and Dhruv Patel have been the standout contributors so far. That said, their bowling has raised a few red flags. Across the two matches that produced results, they have taken only four wickets.
The lack of penetration remains a major concern – one Zimbabwe will be eager to address –though facing a red-hot batting unit is no easy task. India head into the contest as firm favourites, while Zimbabwe will look to draw confidence from familiar home conditions. With an unbeaten run in the league stage and a balanced side that has adapted well throughout the tournament, India clearly hold the edge.
It could be another walk in the park for India. Their familiarity with the Queens Sports Club, where they have played all their matches so far, will certainly work in their favour.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz
