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Team India will face Zimbabwe in Match 42 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Before the clash between South Africa and the Netherlands, India needed to beat Zimbabwe to qualify for the semi-finals.
However, a shocking defeat for the Proteas has ensured that Rohit Sharma’s men are through to the final four. Now, a victory against Zimbabwe will place them at the top in Group 2 and set up their semi-final clash against England in Adelaide on November 10.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are already out from the semi-finals race. But they have impressed one and all with their spirited performances. The Chevrons will be looking to end the World Cup on high with a win against the Men in Blue.
Pitch and Weather report:
The track at MCG has offered good bounce and pace for fast bowlers with the added advantage of big square boundaries. The average score batting first here in the two games has been 158.
There’s no forecast for rain on Sunday. Therefore, fans can expect a full 40 overs contest.
Probable XIs:
India: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Zimbabwe: Wesley Madhevere, Craig Ervine (c), Regis Chakabva (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
Recent form:
India: WLWWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Zimbabwe: LLWWL
What they said:
“As a playing unit, to only believe in that [match-ups] and say this is what it is and this guy will bowl to this person, you can’t work like that. But I think it is giving a tactical edge to teams,” said India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the match.
“This is a great opportunity to bowl against some of the best guys in the world. How often do you get the opportunity to put Virat Kohli in your pocket? Our fast bowlers will be raring to go come tomorrow,” said Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine.
