T20 World Cup 2022: Match 34 - Predicted Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Netherlands

Zimbabwe will lock horns with the Netherlands on November 02, Wednesday, in the 34^th match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. So far, Zimbabwe has played three matches, of which they have won the game against Pakistan, lost the game against Bangladesh and their game against South Africa was washed out due to rain, which saved them from facing a defeat.

Zimbabwe put up a tough fight against Bangladesh, and just like their Pakistan game, their previous game also came down to the wire, where one could not predict the winner till the final delivery of the match. After all the final-over drama, Bangladesh won the contest and handed Zimbabwe their first defeat of the Super 12. The Craig Ervine-led side would now be hoping for an easy win against the Netherlands.

Zimbabwe’s probable playing XI against the Netherlands:

Openers: Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine (c)

22-year-old Wesley Madhevere has been opening the batting for Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup 2022 games. He gave his side a very rapid and quick start while facing Pakistan, but failed to repeat similar heroics against Bangladesh. The team would want him to be at his best in this crucial fixture. He was terrific against South Africa in the campaign opener where he scored an 18-ball 35*.

The 37-year-old captain of Zimbabwe, Craig Ervine, has scored 96 runs in five T20Is during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, averaging 19.2, with a subpar strike rate of 97.95. In the Super 12 games, he has frequently given away his wicket cheaply, which will put Zimbabwe under trouble if it repeats.

Middle-order: Milton Shumba, Regis Chakabva, Ryan Burl

Despite playing in all six T20Is, Milton Shumba has only scored 63 runs, with his top score, of 18 runs, coming against the Proteas. In the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, he only averages 12.6. The 22-year-old has played only 29 T20Is so far, and his previous score against Bangladesh was just eight runs.

Regis Chakabva, the 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has scored just 40 runs in six T20Is during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 with a below-par average. He has previously played the finisher’s role for his team, and that is what would be expected from him in the upcoming game.

Ryan Burl was very impressive with the bat in the bilateral series against Bangladesh, which got him a place in the T20 World Cup squad. But on the global stage, he has failed to impress. It is to be seen if he manages to turn the tables around.

All-rounders: Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza

Sean Williams has played some crucial innings with the bat but has managed to scalp only one wicket in the Super 12 stage. Sikandar Raza is a veteran of the game, and one of the legendary cricketers in the squad currently.

Raza has been in great touch with the bat as well as with the ball. In the tournament so far, he has managed to pick up the crucial wickets, and also score the important runs in the middle to save his team from a collapse. He will be the one to look out for.

Bowlers: Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans

Pacer Tendai Chatara replaced Luke Jongwe in the playing combination in the last game but went wicketless. Nevertheless, he did not allow many runs to be scored and gave away just 18 runs in three overs at a decent economy. Richard Ngarava has been mighty impressive this season and will be expected to continue his good form against the Netherlands as well.

Alongside Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani also has nine wickets in the tournament and is the joint-highest wicket-taker for his side. On the other hand, 25-year-old Brad Evans has also been pretty impressive with the ball. But the team would need him to be at his best while facing the Netherlands batters.

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI against the Netherlands: Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine (c), Milton Shumba, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wk), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani