Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
So, a wake up call for Australia, and a sad occasion for Zimbabwe.
Australia were completely outplayed yesterday by Pakistan, but the positive for them is that it was in the dress rehearsal for the final, not the final itself. For Zimbabwe, this is the last home fixture they are scheduled to play in until August 2019. Given the state of their financial and cricketing status, it’s quite difficult to find positives right now.
However, one silver lining for the hosts is that they were involved in the most competitive match of the series to date. They should be proud of their effort against Pakistan two days ago, where they were right in with a chance of an upset with three overs to go. With a very bare cricketing calendar, a win over Australia would be reason to smile. I hope they put on a good show.
My concern with Australia ahead of the Pakistan match yesterday was their middle order spending no time at the crease so far in the series. Yesterday was their test, having to chase nearly 200 with Finch falling early. They struggled badly, but would be better off for spending some time in the middle. Today is an opportunity to hone in on their skills ahead of Sunday’s final.
Key to a Zimbabwe win
Solomon Mire has been a shining light for the hosts in a disappointing series, with only Aaron Finch and Fakhar Zaman ahead of him in the run scoring charts.
In achieving the highest ever T20I score for Zimbabwe on Wednesday v Pakistan, Mire gave his country hope that their chances of a miraculous appearance in the final could be alive for another day. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe lost some momentum in the final five overs, scoring only 40 odd runs when 175+ was on the cards.
In this game, Mire needs to fire again, and he will need further support from his teammates. Their best avenue for victory is batting first and posting 165+, then targeting the Aussies on a slowing pitch. If they get Aaron Finch, their chief tormentor, out relatively early, then we could be in for an interesting match.
Key to an Australia win
Australia struggled with the ball against Pakistan yesterday. failing to properly execute their skills, as was on show in England.
This could be a time where they give Mitchell Swepson a go to see what he can get out of the conditions ahead of Sunday’s final. Also, D’Arcy Short is really struggling for timing, so this has to be a match where he and the middle order stand up, as relying on Aaron Finch is a dangerous prospect.
After the poor performance yesterday, this game is actually a good opportunity for Australia to get things right ahead of the final.
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Possible teams
A promising performance from Zimbabwe against Pakistan two days ago means they could stick with the same line up.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Solomon Mire, 2. Chamu Chibhabha, 3. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 4. Tarisai Musakanda, 5. Elton Chigumbura, 6. Malcolm Waller, 7. Peter Moor (wk), 8. Tendai Chisoro, 9. Chris Mpofu, 10. Wellington Mazakadza, 11. Blessing Muzarabani
For Australia, the question will be whether they decide to give the same XI another run before the final to hone in on their skills. Changes are possible, though.
Australia possible XI: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Travis Head, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Nic Maddinson, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Ashton Agar, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Billy Stanlake
Stats and Facts
- Australia can no longer overtake Pakistan as no.1 T20I team in this series, as they needed to go through undefeated.
- Aaron Finch has scored 51.72% of Australia’s runs this series.
- After this clash, Zimbabwe are not scheduled to play a game at home until August 2019.
Prediction
Expect Australia to win ahead of Sunday’s final against Pakistan. However, the performance will be important in this game, with ideally players other than Aaron Finch putting in good performances.
