India clashes against Zimbabwe in their ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 Match 2, and it is a must-win game for them after a heavy blow to their semi-final hopes with a humiliating defeat to South Africa in the first match. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side would be hoping for a complete match with the rain gods favouring them in Chennai.
India were the favourites in this edition of the T20 World Cup, and especially against South Africa, they had never seen that coming. India hosted South Africa for a T20I series just months before the World Cup, which they won 3-1 and then played their only warm-up game against the Proteas before the start of the World Cup, which they comfortably won as well.
However, India were thrashed back by a humiliating margin of 76 runs by the Proteas in their first clash of the Super-8 group stage. India's net run rate has faced a heavy blow, and their remaining two games have not only turned do-or-die for them but also made the winning margin a considerable figure.
India are currently third on their group table, only above Zimbabwe. The West Indies and South Africa have a huge advantage with higher net run rates. This run-rate difference was worsened by the West Indies' commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe.
India have their next match scheduled against Zimbabwe at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, the 26th of February. Though it is a must-win game for the Men in Blue, they would not be officially knocked out of contention for the semi-finals, even if they lose this game.
However, their chances would largely depend on the other teams and also the net run rate. If South Africa defeats West Indies and India beats Zimbabwe in today's clashes, this is their greatest win-win situation. However, if the West Indies beats South Africa and India beats Zimbabwe, then the situation gets tricky.
The final and most unwanted scenario for India would be them losing another match and the West Indies defeating South Africa. Under such circumstances, they have nothing to do but wait for the South Africa vs Zimbabwe match and hope for a massive upset.
Weather Forecast at the MA Chidambaram Stadium: Will Rain spoil India's ploy?
To keep itself in the competition, India will have to keep a check on the net run rate in the competition. The best way to have an advantage is to defeat Zimbabwe by a huge margin, which can bring their run-rate back into the positive integers.
The game is scheduled in one of the most challenging venues in India. India have considerably struggled against spinners, and Zimbabwe are not very short of them. Instead, Ryan Burl's statement made it clear that they have also kept India's spin struggles in their strategy.
Chennai will provide an overall good cricketing atmosphere with no chances of predicted rainfall on Thursday. On a coolish evening, the humidity factor could be a little higher, and the dew factor is very likely to come into play.
Indian side to undergo massive changes after the South Africa defeat
The Indian side is likely to be revamped after their defeat in the previous game. Opening batsman and wicket-keeper Sanju Samson has been seen taking wicket-keeping drills in the nets, while fellow wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan was seen taking fielding drills.
This indicates the two forming an opening pair for India, with Abhishek Sharma being rested for the overwhelming presence of off-spinners in the Zimbabwean side. However, it is also to be noted that Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, the two quicks, have been their standout performers so far in this tournament.
India might also be resting Rinku Singh after the batter missed his training sessions, as he had to visit his father, who is hospitalised with poor health. Washington Sundar could hence retain his spot, as India might bring in their third spinner with Axar Patel. Kuldeep is not in the options due to India not being ready to compromise on their batting depth.
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