http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 – 1st ODI – Match Preview
After a mauling suffered in the T20s, Zimbabwe will look to get back to winning ways when they entertain a ruthless Kiwi contingent in the first ODI, which will be played at the Harare Sports Club, today, October 20, 2011.
It has been back to old ways for the hosts, who find themselves struggling against the formidable cricket nations- the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, the other two series at home have seen them outplayed
in all departments, which has again raised questions over their long term future.
The weak link remains the bowling line-up, which failed to deliver and went for plenty of runs in the T20s, which mainly came from the bat of New Zealand opener, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Guptill-c1980. With no bowler stepping up, it has put the team in a much
familiar situation.
However, a 50-over-game will give them respite, where the likes of Raymond Price and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/CB-Mpofu-c1219 will hope to bowl much incisive spells and improve on their recent outings. On flat tracks, assistance will be minimal so varying the pace will be key.
The batting line-up will welcome back http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sibanda-c2740, who missed the T20s due the death of his mother and his inclusion, will offer the team solidarity to the top order. The hosts need to come out of their shell and start playing with an attacking instinct,
which will probably hold them in good stead.
The onus remains on skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BRM-Taylor-c1200 to marcher his troops, and bring aggression in their game, which has so far been lacking throughout the T20s. His form will a positive for the team and he will be looking to continue adding notable contributions
coming in at no 4.
The tourists under their new skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849 have been impressive with the opening pairing adding two commendable hundred-run partnerships in the last two outings. The team looks hungry and the battle with Rhodesians will keep everyone in good shape
for the more important assignments later in the year.
Still success in the ODI will be on their immediate list of priorities and a good showing will be demanded by the coach. So far, the openers have done most of the damage, while the rest of the batters have been warming the benches.
Ideally, the batting line-up will hope to get some time playing time on the field, however, the McCullum- Guptill pairing is likely to steal the limelight once again. The two have been in scintillating touch and one expects another special from the duo.
McCullum remains an important member of the team and his good form is a bonus for the side. The player has the ability to hit the ball hard and the Rhodesians will be hoping to get him out, as early as possible.
The bowling department will also see the return of pacer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/NL-McCullum-c2120 will perform
their duties as the spinners in the side.
After rain affected T20s, the forecast is much brighter for the day; however, the conditions are expected to be partly cloudy. The pitch will remain flat and will give batsmen, plenty of stroke making opportunities. Therefore, it will be up to the hosts
to step and get counted.
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