Zimbabwe vs Netherlands, ZIM vs NL, Today Match Prediction 21 March 2023

zim vs nl Match Prediction & Analysis

Zimbabwe will look for an early lead as they take on the Netherlands in the first game of the three-match ODI series at home. Both teams don't play much of ODI cricket, which will be a good opportunity for them. Zimbabwe drew their last ODI series against Ireland at home. The Netherlands is returning to this format after nine months and had lost the last series against Pakistan at home.  

The Netherlands have lost the last 15 ODIs they have played. The side hasn't won a game since 2021, and it will affect the players' confidence. They have struggled with the bat, and it will be interesting to see how they approach the game. Zimbabwe plays at home and has a strong batting line-up.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Zimbabwe Preview

Craig Ervine would like to take an early lead in the series. They didn't impress in their last series against West Indies and shall look for a determined effort from their players. They know the conditions and have a strong batting line-up. Ervine would want the senior players to lead from the front and guide the side to a win.  

The loss of early wickets has been a perennial problem for the team. Wesley Madhevere and Innocent Kala must deliver a good start to the side in this game. The middle order has the experience, and they would like to see Ervine, Gary Ballance, and Sikandar Raza set up partnerships. Sean Williams and Clive Madande must lift the scoring rate down the order.  

They have a good bowling attack for these conditions. The side would like to see tight spells with the new ball from Tendai Chatara and Richard Ngarava. Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani have a lot of experience, and they must put brakes on the scoring rate. Raza and Sean Williams add depth to this attack.  

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Gary Ballance, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara

Zimbabwe Actual Playing XI:

Richard Ngarava, Brad Evans, Craig Ervine, Wellington Masakadza, Clive Madande, Sikandar Raza, Garry Ballance, Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere

Netherlands Preview

Scott Edwards' side comes here with a poor record where they haven't won a game in a long time. The batting line-up has been inconsistent, and the bowling attack lacks teeth which is a major problem for the team. They take on a stronger side, and Edwards would like his players to play positively in this game.  

Max O'Dowd and Vikramjit Singh must put runs on board at the top for the side to do well. The middle order is strong, and they shall like to see partnerships between Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, and Bas de Leede. Scott Edwards and Teja Nidamanuru must use the long handle and add quick runs in the death overs.  

The bowling attack must execute its plans for the team to be comfortable. Fred Klaassen and Vivian Kingma must get early breakthroughs for the side. Tom Cooper and Paul van Meekeren must bowl good lines in the middle overs. The side will also need tight spells from Shariz Ahmed and Nidamanuru. 

Netherlands Predicted Playing XI:

Scott Edwards (c & wk), Colin Ackermann, Vikramjit Singh, Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Tom Cooper, Teja Nidamanuru, Shariz Ahmad, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klassen, Vivian Kingma

Netherlands Actual Playing XI:

Tom Cooper, Scott Edwards, Anil Nidamanuru, Musa Ahmad, Max O Dowd, Shariz Ahmad, Brandon Glover, Colin Ackermann, Paul Van Meekeren, Vikramjit Singh, Fred Klaassen

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There would be odd clouds over Harare. We expect the wicket to be tough to bat on, as we have seen in the last few games played here. Batsmen will have to be cautious in their approach and play patiently. Any score over 270 runs would be a good total on this surface and difficult to chase.

Venue Details

The pitch at Harare Sports Club is slow, requiring batsmen to play the waiting game well. The large outfield also poses a challenge, and batters must rotate the strike at this venue to do well. There is early assistance for the fast bowlers, and spinners have also done well by using the slowness on the surface. 

Toss: To Bowl

The wicket will have slowness and overcast weather conditions will make batting difficult. It isn't a venue for high-scoring games, and most teams prefer to chase scores. Hence, the side winning the toss may opt to bowl first.