ZIM vs WI, 2nd Test: Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Live Streaming
Zimbabwe celebrating a wicket [Associated Press]
A rain-hit game spoiled the mood for the first Test between Zimbabwe and West Indies. It was a match where the batters from both the teams enjoyed the batting paradise and scored truckloads of runs.
Records were broken for fun as the West Indies opening duo of Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul stitched the highest opening partnership for the Windies in Test history. The latter also scored his maiden Test double century and took the attack to the opposition.
West Indies will be relatively pleased with how things went for them in the first Test. Almost all the boxes were ticked - A solid batting performance, a good bowling display by the pacers.
However, there is one area where the Caribbean side still have to work on. The middle order doesn't provide the confidence, and if Zimbabwe can sneak past the top-order, things could get spicy.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe showed grit and determination in their first innings with the bat. Despite having a mediocre game with the ball, the home team replied strongly with the bat and never let the game slip out of their grasp.
There were lots of positives for the home side. Gary Ballance scored his first Test century for Zimbabwe, Brandon Mavuta picked up a fifer that pulled things back for the Chevrons.
The bowling woes still remains an issue, but if they can sort that out, things will get better for Zimbabwe in the second Test.
Match Details
Date and Time: February 12, 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
The second Test will be played at the same ground as the first one, and if things stay the same, expect truckloads of runs. The Bulawayo track had nothing for the bowlers, and batters took advantage of it. It will get a touch better for the spinners as it slows down, but will stay good at-least for the first three days. Win the toss and bat first.
Probable XI
ZIM: Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine (c), Gary Ballance, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Victor Nyauchi, Richard Ngarava
WI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach
Key Players
Tagenarine Chanderpaul: A stellar maiden Test century converted into a daddy double ton. The wicket was flat and he took full advantage of it. He'll be a key player for West Indies once again.
Brandon Mavuta: He changed the complexion of the game. When the Windies were running away with the contest, he came in and picked up a fifer to derail the momentum for the visitors.
Prediction
Another drawn game is on the cards. If the track remains the same, expect a run-feast. Both the teams are missing an X factor, and as a result, it could head towards a draw.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
