The final match of the group stages of the T20 Cricket World Cup Super 12 section takes place in Group 2 which sees India up against Zimbabwe.
THE LOG
India topped the log going into the final round of matches and now they only have to win or get a point out of this one to make the semi-finals. The advantage they will have is that they will know exactly what is required from them going into this game. Zimbabwe have 3 points from their 4 matches and are out of contention for the last 4.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe’s opening match against South Africa was rained out and the rain which had already reduced the game to 7 overs came just in time to save them from defeat. They then made a real go of beating Pakistan losing by 1 run before going down to Bangladesh by 3 runs.
Probably their biggest disappointment of the World Cup was their last match against the Netherlands where they lost by 5 wickets with 2 overs left. Zimbabwe had won the toss and decided to bat, but could only reach 117 with Sikandar Raza top scoring with 40 off 24 balls. The Netherlands reached 120 for 5 in 18 overs and Richard Ngarava with 2 for 18 and Blessing Muzarabani with 2 for 23 both off 4 overs were the pick of the bowlers.
INDIA
India began their Super 12 Campaign with an excellent 4 wicket win over Pakistan in a game they looked like losing at one stage. They then beat the Netherlands by 56 runs before losing to South Africa by 5 wickets, a game which meant they were under pressure going into their match against Bangladesh last time out.
Bangladesh won the toss and sent India into bat and India scored 184 for 6 with Virat Kohli continuing his excellent form with 64 off 44 balls and there was a quick fire 50 off 32 from Rahul who up until this point in the Tournament had yet to fire. The rain intervened and Bangladesh had to chase 150 to win in 16 overs and they fell 5 runs short with Hardik Pandya taking 2 for 28 off 3, Arshdeep Singh 2 for 38 off 4 and Mohammed Shami bowled excellently for his 1 for 25 off 3.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides have met 7 times in the T20 format with India winning five and Zimbabwe twice
BETTING – Click here to bet
Zimbabwe 9/1
India 1/14
Suggested Bet: Zimbabwe Total at First Dismissal under 14.5 at 17/20
This India attack has been on fire in the World Cup and while Zimbabwe have certainly punched above their weight I think they are going to struggle to get going in this one.
Suggested Bet: India Total 6’s over 5.5 at 15/20
For this bet to arrive we need India to clear the ropes at least 6 times and while there is a worry they could be chasing a low Zimbabwe score, I am banking on them either batting first or making short work of the chase as they certainly have plenty of big hitters in the squad.
Suggested Bet: Sikandar Raza, Total Performance over 30.5 at 17/20
This is a very interesting bet as it involves a number of different disciplines and you get 1 point per run scored with the bat, 20 points per wicket, 10 points per catch and 25 points per stumping
Click here for all T20 match betting and Outright Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
