The stage is set for the final match of the World Cup group stages before the Super 12s, as Zimbabwe will be up against Scotland in an evening encounter on Friday, October 21, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
The two sides will set foot at the venue after suffering defeats in their previous encounter against West Indies and Ireland. With a place in the Super 12s up for grabs, the teams will be itching to record a win and continue to showcase their talent at the mega event.
Ground details
In the 14 innings played thus far at the Bellerive Oval, the average first innings total batting first is around the 170-run mark, and the average winning total is around 180.
Wickets in Australia have been conducive to seamers, and they have scalped 68 out of the 96 wickets to have fallen at this venue, which is almost 70.8 percent compared to 28 wickets and 29.2 by the spinners.
On average, fast bowlers pick 4.9 wickets per innings compared to two by the spinners.
Suggested teams
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy suggestions
For small leagues: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Mark Watt (vice-captain)
For grand leagues: Michael Jones (Captain), Sikandar Raza (vice-captain)
Stats that matter
In the four T20I matches played thus far between the two sides, Zimbabwe have dominated proceedings and registered three wins.
In T20Is since 2022, Sikandar Raza has single-handedly shouldered the bulk of the responsibility of the Zimbabwe side. The right-handed batter has been in sublime form and smashed 82 off 48 deliveries in their first game against Ireland.
Mark Watt is the second leading wicket-taker for Scotland with 61 scalps in 49 innings. The left-arm spinner has been the mainstay of the bowling unit for a long time and will be the key for the team on bigger boundaries in Australia.
Watt conceded only 12 runs in his four overs against West Indies and picked three wickets to derail the opposition batting unit.
Scotland will rely on the experience of Richie Berrington and George Munsey to shoulder the batting responsibility.
While the skipper is the leading run-scorer of the side with 1771 runs in 71 innings at an average of 31.07 and a strike rate of 128.4, Munsey is third on the list with 1384 runs in 53 innings at 28.24 and a strike rate of 143.4.
Grand league punts
In the 17 innings played thus far this season, Raza is the leading run-scorer of the team and has scored 612 runs at an average of 40.8 and a strike rate of 154.9.
He is also the leading wicket-taker for them and scalped 19 wickets at an economy rate of 5.9 runs per over.
Another player to watch out for in this high-voltage clash is Michael Jones. Opening the batting for Scotland, Jones smashed 86 off 55 deliveries to power the team to a formidable first innings total.
Despite being new to international cricket, the 24-year-old has an average of 35.33 and a strike rate of 143.2. With form on his side, he can help you maximise your points.
Top Criclytics predictions
Probable XIs
Scotland - George Munsey, Michael Jones, Matthew Cross (wk), Richie Berrington (Captain), Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal
Zimbabwe - Regis Chakabva (Captain and wk), Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Tony Munyonga, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.