Zimbabwe returns to the whites after an 18-month absence, and the new-look side will be hoping for a good performance against the West Indies. There are several new players in the squad, and they will aim to perform well at home. The West Indies are coming here after a disappointing tour of Australia and would like to get the series off to a good start.
Zimbabwe’s record against the West Indies is dismal. They have yet to defeat them in a Test Match, which will be difficult for the young team. The side has only won three tests in the last decade, which does not inspire confidence. It will be interesting to see how Zimbabweans approach this game, as the visitors are notorious for their inconsistency.
The 1st Test between Zimbabwe vs West Indies will take place on February 4th, 2023 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Match Details to Note
Match: Zimbabwe vs West Indies, 1st Test, West Indies Tour of Zimbabwe 2023
Date: February 04, 2023 (Saturday)
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe vs West Indies
Zimbabwe (Match Odds – 4.90):
Preview:
Craig Ervine is the new captain, and he faces a difficult task because some of the team’s key players will be unavailable. The team has new faces who haven’t played in the longer format before, and it will be difficult for them to compete against an established team. Ervine will have to rely on his experience to lead the young team to victory.
Gary Balance’s addition brightens their batting prospects, and he must add runs at the top alongside youngster Tanunurwa Makoni. Ervine must make good use of his experience in this game by forming alliances with Milton Shumba and Joylord Gumbie. Brad Evans, Innocent Kala, and Chamu Chibhabha must also contribute during the game.
West Indies have two of their best players at the top, so Richard Ngarava and Wellington Masakadza will have to take early wickets. Donald Tripano has gained experience and will play a significant role in this game. The team will also look for good performances from Chamu Chibhabha and Evans with the ball.
Full Squad:
Faraz Akram (c), Wesley Madhevere, Privilege Chesa (wk), Timycen Maruma, Joylord Gumbie, Carl Mumba, Donald Tiripano, William Mashinge, Milton Shumba, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tanaka Chivanga, Tanunurwa Makoni, Tony Munyonga, Kudzai Maunze, Tafadzwa Tsiga
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Possible Playing XI:
Craig Ervine (c), Richard Ngarava, Donald Tripano, Gary Balance, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Tanunurwa Makoni, Innocent Kala, Milton Shumba, Chamu Chibhabha
West Indies (Match Odds – 1.18):
Preview:
Kraigg Brathwaite’s team enters this series off the back of a humiliating loss to the Australians, in which they lost both games. The West Indies captain will look to put that behind him with a victory here. They are more powerful than the hosts, and Brathwaite wants his players to perform to their full potential.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul performed well in Australia and will look to carry that form forward and provide a strong start for skipper Brathwaite. Jermaine Blackwood must score runs at No. 3 to keep his spot in the lineup. In the middle order, he must form alliances with Devon Thomas and Jason Holder. Down the order, the team will look for runs from Joshua Da Silva and Roston Chase.
Kemar Roach joins the team and hopes to use his experience to take early wickets alongside Alzarri Joseph. Jason Holder is a champion bowler who, along with Shannon Gabriel, will look to trouble the Zimbabweans. Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase will try to exploit the slowness on the surface to cause problems for the hosts.
Full Squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican, Gudakesh Motie
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Possible Playing XI:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Jermaine Blackwood, Devon Thomas, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Gudakesh Motie
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Head to Head
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Head to Head Stats in Tests
| Matches Played | ZIM Won | WI Won | Draw | NR | |
| Overall | 10 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Toss Prediction
Rain and cloudy skies are expected on the first two days of the game. It will make batting difficult on this surface. From Day 3 on, the batting conditions would improve. In this game, the team that wins the toss will prefer to invite the opposing team to bowl first.
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Pitch Report
The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is fast and provides early assistance to fast bowlers. Batsmen who become accustomed to these conditions have fared well, as time spent on the crease is the key to success. Spinners perform well at this venue as the pitch deteriorates.
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Beginning February 4, there will be overcast skies over Bulawayo, which will be ideal for fast bowlers. Spinners are expected to benefit from the conditions beginning on Day 3. In the first two days, the pitch is expected to be difficult to bat against. The team batting first will be pleased with 350 runs scored in the first innings.
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Prediction
Zimbabweans arrive after a long break, and performing well in a 5-Day game is difficult. With the exception of a couple of players, the batting is inexperienced. To win this game, the hosts must punch above their weight. The West Indies have a strong batting order as well as experienced fast bowlers. They will prefer the overcast weather to the hosts. Our prediction is that the visitors will win this game. Check out the odds at Cricbaba!
West Indies is the favourite to beat Zimbabwe at the odds of 1.18.
Zimbabwe vs West Indies Most Recommended Player for Bet:
Kraigg Brathwaite, the captain of West Indies team, is the most experienced batter on the team and will look to dominate the opposition. He will be determined to lead from the front as captain. Brathwaite is well-known for his crease technique and patience. He enjoys driving the ball with a proper technique that is pleasing to the eyes. We believe Kraigg Brathwaite will be the West Indies’ leading run scorer.
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