*ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2023 MATCH 1- ZIMBABWE VS NEPAL PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
After narrowly missing out on a precious spot in the World Cup in 2019, It was a heartbreaking story for Zimbabwe and its cricket team.
The World Cup Qualifiers this time around, however, are set to take place in their own backyard where they would fancy their chances but will they be good enough against an already strong and favourites of this pre World Cup stage- West Indies and Srilanka? Only time would give us an answer to that.
The men in red could be more than handy in conditions which they are accustomed to, so well and don’t be surprised if they manage to create an upset and break into the Top 10 competing for the ultimate glory in India later this year.
Moving on from Zimbabwe, the true underdog story this year could be that of Nepal who have the adequate resources in their team, are gelling along nicely and have good game time heading into this tournament. They hold the ability to shake the cricketing fraternity by cashing on moments of inconsistencies from other teams as they look to build their case in fashion. Nepal are featuring in a World Cup for the first time ever, their heroics and improved performances over the last few years are a testimony to how well associate teams can play and how they hold the edge in the qualification.
*ZIM PROBABLE XI:*
Craig Ervine(c), Joylord Gumbie, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
Sikandar Raza, the most important player of this team and a star all rounder would look to start on a bright note. With scores of 110 and 44 backing him in the warmups, he looks set for a mighty stead at the Qualifiers. Just like always, his expertise in the middle overs- playing the field and depositing it in the stands is what Nepal would look to stop and standup strong against.
Blessing Muzarabani, one integral piece of Zimbabwe’s bowling puzzle did not bowl in the last warmup against Scotland however he was instrumental against Oman in the African team’s defense. He gave simply 44 runs and accounted for the wickets of Jatinder Singh and Shoaib Khan, proving his mettle and warming up nicely before the ball starts rolling.
We could see opener Joylord get the nod ahead of Innocent Kaia largely because of the former’s three ball duck vs Oman and his two ball duck vs Scotland. With such horrendous form backing the 30 year old, expect ZIM to take this harsh decision come their first game today.
*NEPAL PROBABLE XI:*
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(wk), Bhim Sharti, Kushal Malla, Rohit Paudel(c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Aarif Shiekh, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami, Partis GC
Sompal is one bowler who’d be high on confidence and strength as he claimed a five wicket haul against Oman getting the likes of Zeeshan Maqsood and Kashyap back into the hut. He’d be looking forward to the challenge that the inform ZIM batters present in front of him. What makes his case even more interesting is how he came back stronger against a much tougher opposition in the warmups after getting just one wicket for 57 runs vs UAE. His role as an opening bowler, a middle overs enforcer with the ball and at the death will prove to be crucial.
Sandeep Lamichhane, the only Nepal player to make a name for himself and be renowned for his performances all around the globe would look to make this a tournament to remember. In the game vs Oman, he picked up 3 wickets but ended up being on the expensive side giving away 66 runs. A better and a more economicsal show is expected.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR ZIM:*
Highest run getter- Craig Ervine/Sikandar Raza
Highest wicket taker- Blessing Muzarabani/Tendai Chatara
*FOR NEPAL:*
Highest run getter- Kushal Bhurtel/Bhim Sharti
Highest wicket taker- Sandeep Lamichhane/Sompal Kami
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Zimbabwe to win