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Australia (AUS) and Zimbabwe (ZIM) will lock horns in the first ODI at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville on Sunday, August 28. Ahead of the match, here’s all you need to know about the AUS vs ZIM prediction.
Australia will begin their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup, albeit with a bout of ODI cricket against Zimbabwe. The Aussies have a strong squad in place with Steve Smith and David Warner adding experience as well. Although they are missing Pat Cummins, they have enough firepower on the bowling front. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has impressed over the last few months with a series win against Bangladesh as well. With Blessing Muzarabani returning to the side, Zimbabwe should pose a threat to the Aussies in their backyard.
AUS vs ZIM Match Details, 1st ODI
The first game of the three-match ODI series will be played on August 28 at the Tony Ireland Stadium. The game is set to take place at 5:10 AM IST.
AUS vs ZIM, 1st ODI
Date and Time: 28th August 2022, 5:10 AM IST
Venue: Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville
AUS vs ZIM pitch report for 1st ODI
Although much international cricket has not been played here, chasing seems to be the preferred option. The pitch is a decent one to bat on, with the average score being 233 at the venue. There should be enough help available for the pacers with extra pace and bounce being a key trait of Australian pitches.
Last 2 Matches at the Venue
Matches Won by Batting first: 0
Matches Won by Bowling first: 2
Average 1st-innings score: 232
Average 2nd-innings score: 234
AUS vs ZIM ODI Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
Australia: LLWLL
Zimbabwe: WLLLL.
Zimbabwe is probable to play 11
Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (c&wk), Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani/Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava and Luke Jongwe.
Australia is probable to play 11
David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa.
Top Picks
Regis Chakabva
Regis Chakabva is an experienced campaigner, having played 58 matches. He had a decent series against India, scoring 53 runs in three games. Chakabva recently also scored his first ODI hundred against Bangladesh. With Alex Carey batting in the middle order, Chakabva stands out in this department.
David Warner
David Warner is an elite white-ball cricketer with an average of 44.52. He also had a good series against Sri Lanka, scoring over 100 runs in three matches. Given Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, Warner should be a top pick for your AUS vs ZIM team.
Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza has been in scintillating form, scoring three hundred in his last six matches. He has also picked up three wickets. With Raza in fine form, he is another must-have in your AUS vs ZIM team.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc nearly picks up two wickets a game at an average of 22.46. He will also play in his 100th match on Sunday. With Zimbabwe struggling against left-arm pace in recent matches, Starc should take a wicket or two.
AUS vs ZIM match captain and vice-captain choices Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is a genuine wicket-taker in the ODI format. While his skill is well-known, Zimbabwe’s openers are inexperienced. They might not feel at ease against Starc, whose ability to generate high pace and nail-searing yorkers make him a fine captaincy option.
Sean Williams
Sean Williams has a good record in Australia, averaging more than 50 in this format. He is a handy bowler and should pose a threat against Australia’s batting unit.
Australia vs Zimbabwe Prediction
Australia is never a quiet team and we expect them to be highly captivated, motivated, and energized across this match. Although Zimbabwe does have some useful batters, they lack enough penetration with the ball and we are predicting a win for Australia
Final Verdict
Australia is the favorite to beat Zimbabwe.
