Two-time T20 world champs West Indies were stunned by associate nation Scotland in their first preliminary qualifying round game of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Led by aggressive opener George Munsey’s brilliant 66 runs knock Scotland posted a total of 160 on the board, which at that point felt 10 runs short. However, as the game went on and the West Indies batter capitulated, that total proved 42 runs more than what WI could manage courtesy of an inspirational Scotland bowling effort, headed by Mark Watt’s 3/12.
In the second game of Group B, Zimbabwe swept aside Ireland by 31 runs after setting a big target of 175 runs. Experienced all-rounder Sikandar Raza put up a terrific all-rounder show – first, he scored 82 runs off 48 balls with the bat before registering figures of 1/22 with the ball. Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani picked up three wickets on his return from injury. All the matches of this group are being played at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
West Indies and Zimbabwe will meet on Wednesday. While West Indies need a win to keep their hopes of qualifying to Super 12 round alive, Zimbabwe will aim to seal a Super 12 spot with a win.
WI vs ZIM Pitch report, Date and Time
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
In the two matches so far, the surface in Hobart has had something for everyone – batsmen, pacers and spinners. However, only the good, skilful and those batsmen who are willing to set themselves in have managed to play long innings while the bowlers have got a decent amount of assistance. Expect 160-165 to be a good score here.
Date and Time: October 19, 1.30 PM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
WI vs ZIM Predicted XIs
Zimbabwe predicted XI
Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
West Indies predicted XI
Kyle Mayers, Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy
Today’s match prediction: Zimbabwe to win the match
West Indies being a shade of the T20 powerhouse they were a few years ago and they perhaps don’t have enough firepower to even push aside lower-ranked nations, their loss to Scotland once again highlighted that the team is transitioning poorly.
We are predicting the Zimbabwe team, which has experienced batters and variety in bowling, to emerge victorious.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
