IND vs ZIM First ODI will be played toady. The Indian team has not lost any bilateral series since 1997. Looking to maintain invincible record of 25 years against Zimbabwe. India has played a total of 63 one-day matches so far against Zimbabwe. Indian team won 51 matches, lost 10, and tied two. Zimbabwe did not win a match in the island series for 9 years. When the Indian team goes to play the first match of the three-match series against hosts Zimbabwe on Thursday, it will be eyeing to maintain the winning record. The Indian team has always had the upper hand against Zimbabwe.
A total of 9 bilateral series have been played between the two teams so far. Out of which the Indian team has won eight. The Indian team lost the only series in 1997 when only one ODI was played. Since then, the Indian team has dominated and has won six consecutive ODI series.
Rahul’s tough test as captain
The command of the Indian team for this series is in the hands of Lokesh Rahul. Although India’s previous record against Zimbabwe is excellent, as a captain, Rahul has not been able to live up to the expectations so far. Under his captaincy, the Indian team has played a total of 3 ODIs so far and has lost all three.
Rahul Tripathi and Shahbaz can debut
In the first ODI, batsmen Rahul Tripathi and Shahbaz Ahmed can get a chance to make their debuts. Both the players had a great performance in the IPL. On the other hand, fast bowler Deepak Chahar is also likely to be included in the playing XI. Deepak, who has come back from injury, can also bat vigorously in the lower order.
Deepak Hooda is lucky for the team
All-rounder Deepak Hooda’s eyes are on making a place in the team for the T20 World Cup by performing brilliantly. Deepak, who came on the Zimbabwe tour, has proved to be very lucky for the Indian team so far. Deepak made his international debut in February this year. Since then, he has played a total of 14 matches which includes 9 T20s and five ODIs. Interestingly, the Indian team has won all these matches.
BCCI’s advice to players is to take bath soon and not to waste water
The BCCI has advised Indian players to take a quick bath and not waste water as far as possible. Actually, three ODIs of the series will be played in Harare where there is a lot of water scarcity. According to a report, the BCCI has said that the players should try to take a bath in the shortest possible time. Earlier in 2018, the Indian team, which went on a tour of South Africa, had to face a water shortage in Cape Town as well.
The Temperament of the pitch: Huge score likely to be scored in Harare
The pitch of Harare Sports Club has always been considered helpful to the batsmen. There is every possibility of getting a big score in the first ODI. Recently, a three-match series was played between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, in which big scores were made. However, in the beginning, the fast bowlers can get some benefits. India’s record in Harare has also been good against Zimbabwe. India has played 18 ODIs here. Of these 15 won, two lost, and one remained inconclusive.