*ZIMBABWE VS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MATCH 18 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*ZIMBABWE ON A ROLL WITH AN EMPHATIC WIN TO BACK THEM UP:*
It was a victory of sorts, a famous one, one that runs chills down the spine when Zimbabwe stumbled upon Windies by 35 runs in front of a packed roaring crowd that soaked in every single delivery of the game. Sikandar Raza was the rightful star again, taking a toll of West Indies on both the fronts, pushing them on the back foot and landing the knockout punch. With that win, Zimbabwe also qualified for the Super 6s round going into the next stage of the tournament undefeated and undemoralised.
They will be facing the USA tomorrow with a reputation which they will be keen on maintaining. A win again will most certainly be morale boosting for the African side in a game where they would not like to take their opponents lightly.
The United States however are having a hard time at the Qualifiers. Expectedly, they haven’t turned up in all departments and it is clearly visible out there to the world. They have shown moments of magic at certain points in the tournament but none of it has been game changing or awe inspiring. Tomorrow, though, gives them a chance to brush all of this aside and complete an upset that would not just be exciting for them but also for the future of this tournament.
*USA PROBABLE XI:*
Steven Taylor, Sushant Modani, Saiteja Mukkamwala, Aaron Jones(c), Gajanand Singh, Shayan Jahangir(wk), Nisarg Patel, Jessy Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Netravalkar, Ali Khan
He is a shining armour, a batter that has gone past all odds to make it count for his team. He has shown some consistency throughout and an average of 105 is a testimony to the fact that he’s been the standout player for the States. With scores of 39, 100 and 71, Shayan has been sensational and has stunned the entire cricketing fraternity with his display. He has to be back at his best again come tomorrow if USA have to achieve even a 1% chance of toppling the Ervine led side.
Saurabh Netravalkar, the left arm medium pacer has mixed his pace well all this tournament. With 5 wickets up his kitty and outstanding economy rates in the last two games, Saurabh has been nothing short of brilliant and has entertained the crowds. He could be the one to upset the crowd as well come the 26th if the hosts are bundled.
With scores of 23,2 and 8 in his first 3 games as a skipper and the leading figure of this side, Aaron Jones has been mediocre and has returned with under par innings. He has alot to prove and needs to get his hunger back to stun one of the most competitive sides in international cricket.
*ZIM PROBABLE XI:*
J Gumbie, Craig Ervine(c), Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande(wk), Brad Evans, W Masakadza, Richard Ngarava/L Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara
ZIM after their famous win over WI could look to rest Raza, who has now won back to back Player-of-the-match Awards and has been on the receiving end of 11 POTM awards since 2022 for ZIM in international cricket across formats. The bowling allrounder Brad Evans having picked up 12 wickets in 13 ODI games he has featured in with 104 runs backing him up could replace the superstar. Though he does not offer the same value as that of Raza but could be more than handy vs the likes of USA.
Tendai Chatara, with his skiddy action and the ability to surprise batters picked up a three-fer vs WI, it would still be fresh in his mind. It was an example of his sheer accuracy with the bowl in hand. Alongside the 32 year old, Ngarava has also been belting oppositions and would be key to the success of ZIM again.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR ZIM:*
Highest run getter- Craig Ervine/Sean Williams
Highest wicket taker- Richard Ngarava/Tendai Chatara
*FOR USA:*
Highest run getter- Shayan Jahangir/Steven Taylor
Highest wicket taker- Netravalkar/Jessy Singh
*FOR THIS GAME:*
ZIM to win this game.