Heading into the third match of this already exciting Tri-Series, both Zimbabwe and New Zealand will lock horns in hopes of furthering their chances to the finals. As the Black Caps have come off a massive victory against South Africa, their side has already asserted dominance in this tournament. Currently being 1-0, they hope to make it two straight and go into their last couple of matches with a clear gap against the rest of these teams.
Although many key pieces like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips didn’t get to play during their first group stage match, there is a likely chance for them to be back. Under the guidance of a great captain in Mitchell Sataner, his calm and composed nature will help these other pieces uplift New Zealand’s spirits.
Now, looking at Zimbabwe, they had many hopes of creating an upset during the first match before South Africa trashed them towards the end. In their first Tri-Series since 2014, this group hopes to make tons of noise since they received their chance once again and defeat a top-notch nation.
As they are currently 0-1, coming out victorious in a match like this could do a ton for their confidence and give them real motivation to make it all the way through the finals. Since Captain Sikandar Raza has shown prowess to beat some top nations like Australia and Pakistan, he will lead the charge for this group once again in hopes of making this match extremely competitive.
Zimbabwe: All-Rounders Will Have A Lasting Impact
The main part of what can make this Zimbabwe team very successful will be their all-rounders, who are the heart and soul of the side. As Sikandar Raza remains their top one, he showed great form in their group stage match against South Africa after knocking a 52-run cameo and remaining not out.
Someone who can continuously bat with good form and touch, Raza will once again have a great performance, while his bowling is also a lethal threat. Getting 81 wickets in 106 matches, this is someone who can have a magnificent spell and produce key overs at any time. With Ryan Burl being their other key piece, he may not have had the bowling numbers Zimbabwe fans hoped for during their first match, but still provided great batting with a 29-run knock as a lefty.
Lastly, orthodox left-handed spinner Wellington Masakadza may produce some batting later on down Zimbabwe’s order after he already remains their top spinning option. Looking at him, though he struggled against South Africa in bowling after having a 10.25 economy, this is still someone who finishes his full quota with allowing less than 7.50 runs per over.
Zimbabwe: Bowlers Are Going To Produce
Now, looking at this group’s full-time bowlers, Zimbabwe has one of the most underrated pace attacks at this moment. It all starts with Blessing Muzarabani, who has become a well-known name worldwide after winning the title with RCB in this IPL season. Someone who’s picked up 78 wickets in 71 career T20Is, he also was bowling at a 7.33 economy last match and managed to keep it there throughout his career. Known for his Kagiso Rabada-like action, Muzarabani can be both a threat in the powerplay and death overs. Coming in from the other side, Richard Ngarava is another bowler who can make a massive impact, as he has picked up 83 wickets in 70 career games.
Breaking the record in the last match itself, he has always bowled at a very fast pace and been a threat for any batsman to try going big against him. With him having 3 wickets in the previous match, he can also limit runs as he went for just under an 8.3 economy against South Africa’s top batsmen.
As this has become a massive trio, the third piece is Trevor Gwandu, who is almost impossible to hit against and another key wicket-taker. It was shown in his latest performance as many opposing batters kept trying against him, but he only leaked 15 runs in 3.1 overs, plus got two inning-changing wickets. Seeing that this lineup is super clear on where to attack the stumps and fool batsmen, they could move many games in their side’s favor.
New Zealand: Batting Depth Is Unbelievably Good
For New Zealand’s side, their batting will remain a force since both all-rounders and top-order players can continue producing. As Devon Conway is one of the better openers, he will bounce back from his 9-run performance, with him being someone who has scored 1,417 runs. His partner on the other side is going to remain Tim Seifert as a wicket-keeping batsman who can go big consistently.
Finishing with 22 runs during his appearance against South Africa, Tim Seifert looked in good touch early until he unfortunately hit a ball directly to the fielder. This group has a ton of options at one down if Rachin Ravindra doesn’t play again, including Tim Robinson, who got 75 not-out or move Bevon Jacobs up the order after a fantastic debut.
Seeing that this squad hopes to have Glenn Phillips back, he will be looking to cross the 2,000-run mark in T20Is and also remain the world’s most athletic fielder. If he doesn’t get called up, though, Bevon Jacobs could also potentially bat at a similar position as this match and create partnerships with Daryl Mitchell.
With Mitchell having smacked 1478 runs in this short format, his form should be better next match after getting out for 5 in their first. The last major batting piece that will potentially make a major impact is all-rounder Michael Bracewell, if he gets a chance to play, as he’s someone who has demonstrated consistency in all three formats of the game during this past year.
New Zealand: Bowling Attack Will Be Dangerous
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, has helped this bowling attack regain form despite all the retirements and injuries from last year. As he himself has picked up 121 wickets in the T20 game, the left-handed spinner continues to provide this group with massive moments. After the first match, Jacob Duffy also made his mark in four overs as he got three wickets and was also bowling at an economy of 5.00.
Although he is quite new to international cricket, Duffy has developed much faster than expected and helped out Matt Henry. With Henry adding three more wickets to make it 30 after last match, Ish Sodhi, 146 wickets, can’t be forgotten as his prowess and veteran leadership have impacted many others.
Previous Matches
Times Played: 6
Zimbabwe Won: 0
New Zealand Won: 6
Last 5 Matches: New Zealand is 5-0.
Prediction
Zim Batting 1st: 140-150 runs for 6 wickets lost
NZ Batting 1st: 170-180 runs for 5 wickets lost
Zim Batting 2nd: Win by 2 wickets or lose by 30 runs
NZ Batting 2nd: Win by 7 wickets or lose by 2 runs
Final Prediction: NZ will win by 25 runs if batting 1st and 6 wickets if bowling first.
Key Players
Zimbabwe
Blessing Muzarabani- Top-tier bowler who’s got one of the smoothest bowling actions
Richard Ngarava- Amazing wicket-taker in both powerplay and death overs
Sikanadar Raza- Big-match player and tremendous finisher who can provide with both bat plus ball
Brian Bennett- Only true batsman on this squad who consistently puts up runs
New Zealand
Mitchell Sataner- Captain and long-time lefty spinning threat
Devon Conway- Great opening batsman who has provided vital innings
Glenn Philips- Gun fielder and top-class power hitter
Ish Sodhi- Best right-handed spinner on this side
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara