What

Match-four of the bilateral ODI series between Zimbabwe and India

When

August 1, 2013, Thursday

Where

Queens Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

The Teams

Zimbabwe

No sign of resilience, no intent of fight has been shown by Zimbabwe in the series so far. No wonder, they have lost it with two matches to spare. Not many were expecting the hosts to beat the Indians on the batting and bowling front, but they were surely capable of putting up an inspired performance in the field? However, once known for their brilliant fielding, Zimbabwe have been extremely ordinary with their catching and stopping in this series. So much so, it might have cost them a game and perhaps the series. To restore some credibility in the already lost series, the hosts will not only have to improve in the field but also punch above their weight in other aspects of the game. The openers, Sikandar Raza and Vusi Sibanda, have shown flashes of fine form and the new-ball bowlers have succeeded in picking early wickets. Zimbabwe need these in-form players to lead the way.

India

This series was looked as the dress rehearsal for India’s next generation, and those who have been given the chance, have shown they’re ready for the big stage. With the series in bag, those warming the bench would be hoping for a game too. But the question is in whose place? Jaydev Unadkat and Ambati Rayudu made successful debuts and Amit Mishra carved out a fine comeback. It is only fair they retain their spots. Shikhar Dhawan just regained his touch with a ton and he would like to continue with the run-scoring rhythm. The two batsmen out of form are Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma. Whether they will make way for the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and/or Ajinkya Rahane or be given another chance to get some runs under their belt will be interesting to see. The same applies on the bowling font with Mohit Sharma ad Parvez Rasool waiting in the wings.

Key players

Zimbabwe

As mentioned earlier, the in-form players will have to stand up and make up for the lack of fight demonstrated by Zimbabwe so far. Instead of providing the starts and getting out, the batsmen need to carry the team’s innings and the bowlers must not let the opposition off the hook after drawing early blood.

India

Amit MIshra has made the most of the opportunity in this series. After picking four wickets in the third ODI, MIshra spoke of harbouring dreams of playing Test cricket for India again. Backing up his four-for with wickets in the remaining two ODIs will go some way in getting him nearer to the longest form of cricket again.

Squads

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (capt/wk), Tendai Chatara, Elton Chigumbura, Michael Chinouya, Graeme Cremer, Kyle Jarvis, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Mazakadza, Natsai M’Shangwe, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ray Price, Yusi 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, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Vinay Kumar, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja