Zimbabwe vs. Australia 1st ODI Prediction

Zimbabwe lost the recently concluded three One Day International series against the formidable South African side by a margin of 0-3. The home side will take part in the triangular series involving South Africa and Australia. The Kangaroos will face the hosts in the first game of the tournament and that can be another one sided affair.

Players to watch

Elton Chigumbura and Sean Williams were the only two batsmen who accumulated hundred plus runs in three matches against the Proteas. Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and the skipper Brendan Taylor must sparkle with the willow while John Nyumbu, Prosper Utseya, Shingi Masakadza and Elton Chigumbura are their main bowlers.

The strong batting line up of Australia will revolve around, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Finch. The bowling department will be looked after by Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Faulkner and Mitchell Starc.

Time & Venue

Monday August 25, 2014 @ 07.30 GMT, 09.30 local at Harare Sports Club.

Weather

A clear bright sky with the temperatures around 11-27ᵒC.

Toss

The winner will opt to chase

The Pitch

A smooth track for sensible batting

Teams

Zimbabwe – Elton Chigumbura (C), Brendan Taylor, Richmond Mutumbami, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Malcolm Waller, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Prosper Utseya, John Nyumbu, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Brian Vitori, Tinashe Panyangara, Timycen Maruma, Shingi Masakadza.

Australia – Michael Clarke (C), George Bailey, Aaron Finch, James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Shane Watson, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin, Phillip Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Cutting, Nathan Lyon, Kane Richardson, Mitchell Starc.

Prediction

Australia will be the favourite to win the encounter.