Tri Series 2016: Zimbabwe vs West Indies 3rd ODI Preview

Minnows Zimbabwe will look to turn their fortunes around as they get set to meet West Indies in the 3^rd ODI of the Tri-Nation series at Bulawayo on Saturday. The slightly historically prone will know the significance of this fixture as the venue’s first List A game resulted in a famous victory for the home team against the mighty Caribbeans way back in 1981. It is perhaps the much-needed inspiration required by the African nation to get back into the series after suffering a crushing loss against Sri Lanka in the opening fixture.

The first match saw Zimbabwe tottering at 29/4 before Peter Moor and Graeme Cremer resurrected the innings somewhat but the Lankan bowlers were disciplined enough to skittle out the hosts for 154 in 41.3 overs. The visitors chased down the target comfortably with 153 balls to spare.

Despite fielding three debutants, the Caribbeans began the series with a thumping win against Sri Lanka. Useful contributions by Jonathan Carter, Shai Hope and Rovman Powell propelled their score to 227. It turned out to be a tricky run chase for Sri Lanka as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Shanon Gabriel and Ashley Nurse picked up three wickets each while captain Jason Holder returned with figures of 2/16 in 8 overs to grab the Man of the Match Award. The Sri Lankans were eventually bowled out for 165 in 43.1 overs.

“This is my third tour, but until now I have not got a game. I have been on the sidelines watching the guys win sometimes, watching the guys lose sometimes, and it can be frustrating,” Nurse, one of the three debutants, said of his performance. “I thank God for the opportunity and I am glad I have the opportunity now.”

With both West Indies and Sri Lanka having won their opening game with bonus points, Zimbabwe needs to win the 3^rd ODI to keep their hopes alive in the series. Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer was hopeful of preventing the swashbuckling Windies batting order from scoring big. “We know their batsmen are pretty fearless. We know they like to hit boundaries,” he said. “We will try to stop that, and starve them of the boundary option to put them under pressure.”

Recent form:
(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe: LLLLL
West Indies: WLLLL

Venue: Queens Sports Club Bulawayo
Date & Time: 19th November 12: 30 IST
Telecast: Ten 3 in India

Teams (from)

Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer (capt), Hamilton Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, Chamu Chibhabha, Peter Moor (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chisoro, Brian Chari, Carl Mumba, Christopher Mpofu, Tinashe Panyangara.

West Indies: Jason Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell.