Cricket

Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier Tips - Men in Maroon likely to strike big

By Sridhar Bhamidi

23 Jun 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 23 Jun 2023

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Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier predictions to be played at Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday afternoon, IST
West Indies have hit 20 sixes across their last 2 ODIs
Sikandar Raza has scored at least 76 in 2 of his last 3 ODIs against West Indies
Shai Hope has scored at least 76 in 2 of his 3 ODIs against Zimbabwe
Can the Men in Maroon continue their march in the World Cup Qualifiers?

Can the Windies continue their strangle hold on Zimbabwe? (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier

Group A of the ICC World Cup Qualifier will have its first Super Six confirmation when Zimbabwe play West Indies. This match #13 of the tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday from 12:30pm IST.

Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier
Head to Head
Zimbabwe Form
Zimbabwe Team News
West Indies Form
West Indies Team News

Both the teams are coming off two easy wins underlining their status as group favourites. Both West Indies and Zimbabwe likely qualify for the Super Six irrespective of the result here. Yet, with points against teams from their groups carrying forward to the Super Six stage, a win here is worth much more than just two points. I am dipping into the sixes market where West Indies have a monopoly with their strong hitters. Back them to hit the most in the match.

Zimbabwe have lost 5 of their last 6 matches against West Indies at this venue (ODIs)
Zimbabwe have lost 9 of their last 11 matches against West Indies, winning only once (ODIs)
West Indies have hit 20 sixes across their last 2 matches (ODIs)
Sikandar Raza has scored at least 76 in 2 of his last 3 matches against West Indies (ODIs)
Shai Hope has scored at least 76 in 2 of his 3 matches against Zimbabwe (ODIs)

Head to Head

Zimbabwe have played West Indies in 48 ODIs so far with ten wins and 36 losses. More recently, the Zimbabweans have lost nine of their last 11 ODIs against the Men in Maroon, tying one and winning just once. This will be the first ODI between these sides though, since 2018.

Zimbabwe Form

Zimbabwe started the tournament with two straight wins. An eight-wicket win over Nepal was followed by a six-wicket win over the Netherlands, both coming at this venue.

The strength of the hosts has been their batting with Sean Williams and Craig Ervine leading from the front. With 100 and fifty each, they have made sure that the bulk of the work is completed upfront.

Bowling remains a slight worry though, with only Richard Ngarava (six wickets) amongst the wickets in both games.

Zimbabwe Team News

Zimbabwe have used the same playing XI for both games and there’s no reason to change the team.

West Indies Form

The Windies also started with two straight wins as they defeated the United States by 39 runs and Nepal by 101 runs. The second of those wins has come at this venue.

Shai Hope’s calm presence in the middle-order has been a game changer with the Windies captain leading with a fifty and 100 to his name. With strong hitters all across the order, the visitors are a good shout for smashing sixes at will.

The bowling duties have been shared with Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph picking up four wickets. Keemo Paul has been a bit on the higher side with his economy.

West Indies Team News

West Indies have also used the same team for both their matches. There may be an inkling to involve Yannick Cariah in place of the struggling Keemo Paul, but the pacer has the management’s backing.

Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier FAQs

Where can I watch the Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier live stream.

What time does Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier start?

This Zimbabwe vs West Indies ICC World Cup Qualifier will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Saturday starting at 12:30pm IST.

Verdict

This is a crucial match not just for this round but also to the entire tournament. West Indies have an edge for this game, thanks to their big hitting. I am putting my money on them scoring the most 6s in the match. I am also backing Shai Hope and Sikandar Raza to lead the batting charts for their sides.