What

Match 1 of the five-game bilateral ODI series between Zimbabwe and India

When

July 24, 2013, Wednesday

Where

Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

Teams

Zimbabwe

The hosts enjoyed significant success recently against Bangladesh, winning the ODI series and drawing the T20I and Test series. They will now be keen to test their skills against a stronger, albeit a young, Indian side. Zimbabwe were set to chase down competitive totals in two ODIs versus Bangladesh, and their batting line-up delivered in both those games. They would likely persist with more or less the same batsmen this series, while their bowlers will fight for the available spots.

India

Although the opposition is not intimidating, there is much to look forward to in this series for those concerned with Indian cricket. The big pool of youngsters in the squad might just give us a sneak peek into India’s ODI future. Even Virat Kohli will get another chance to press his claim as MS Dhoni’s successor to the captaincy throne. With as many as six places up for grabs, the next generation of Indian cricketers will be keen to stake a claim on them and make a mark at the international level.

Key players

Zimbabwe

Opener Vusi Sibanda was the batting star of Zimbabwe’s ODI series win over Bangladesh with a century and a 49. A continuation of form against the fresh stock of Indian pacers will further enhance his confidence and reputation. Also, all eyes will be on Pakistani-born rookie batsman Sikandar Raza, who is likely to get some good exposure against India in the series.

India

Cheteshwar Pujara has been raking up runs in Test cricket, thereby making a solid case for a spot in the playing XI here. However, the classical top-order batsman has had some convincing to do with regards to his limited-overs prowess, and his recurring injuries have not helped his cause. Finally, he has got a chance to show the attacking side of his batting as he is likely to make his ODI debut in Zimbabwe. With a List A average of nearly 57, his credentials are beyond doubt. Expect him to grab the opportunity for which he has been waiting for a long time.

Squads

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (capt/wk), Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Michael Chinouya, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Natsai M’Shangwe, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams

India: Virat Kohli (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Amit Mishra, Mohammad Shami, Parvez Rasool, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Jaidev Unadkat, Vinay Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina