We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI
1st innings average score: 231
2nd innings average score: 195
Time: August 18, 12.45 PM IST
Probable Playing XIs for Zimbabwe & India
Probable XI for Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva (c & wk), Milton Shumba, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Luke Jongwe, Donald Tiripano, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi
Probable XI for India: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan/Rahul Tripathi, KL Rahul (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Siraj
Power Players
Shikhar Dhawan had scores of 97, 13, and 58 in the recently concluded ODIs against the West Indies. Against Zimbabwe at Harare, he has the highest score of 116.
His opening partner, Shubman Gill, too enjoyed feasting on the West Indian bowlers with scores of 64, 43, and 98*. He has played only 6 ODIs till now but has already shown signs of belonging to the big stage.
Sikandar Raza will be a hot pick in fantasy cricket, following his consecutive, unbeaten centuries against Bangladesh in the second and third ODI. He also bagged 5 wickets in the series, including the best figures of 3 for 56.
Regardless of where KL Rahul bats, expect him to fire on all cylinders. He has collected 395 runs, including one century and three fifties in his last 10 ODIs at an average of 44.
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Smart Picks
Kuldeep Yadav has never played an ODI against Zimbabwe, but his style of bowling is likely to rattle the Zimbabwean middle order. Moreover, clearing the ropes at Harare won’t be an easy task either.
Besides donning the gloves, Sanju Samson will play the role of a finisher. Although he can be reckless at times, his clean hitting against the inexperienced Zimbabwean bowlers could fetch handy fantasy points.
Deepak Hooda has got starts (33, 27, 29, and 26*) every time he has been given an opportunity with the bat in the ODIs. Like we saw in the Caribbean, he can also be introduced to break partnerships with the ball.
Deepak Chahar is returning to competitive cricket after a prolonged njury. However, his disciplined seam bowling will test the Zimbabwean top order. Wickets for the taking!
If Zimbabwe are to compete with the formidable Indian side, they would need Regis Chakabva to contribute significantly with the bat. His 102 in the second game was crucial in helping his side beat Bangladesh in the ODI series.
Innocent Kaia has played only 6 ODIs thus far but has already added 245 runs at 41, including the highest score of 110 which came in the opening ODI against Bangladesh recently.
Luke Jongwe and Donald Tiripano are the most experienced bowlers for Zimbabwe. The onus of striking in the powerplay and death will be on them. That said, their best chance will be during the slog overs when the Indian batters throw caution to the wind.
Fantasy Tip of The Day for India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI
If India bat first, picking the top 4 batters might be the way forward. Likewise, if India bowl first, the new-ball bowlers, coupled with the spinners, could do the trick for you.