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Zimbabwe will face Australia in the third and final ODI of the series at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, September 20. The hosts have already conceded the series after Australia secured an 84-run victory in the second ODI, but Sikandar Raza and his team will have an opportunity to finish the series on a positive note.
The Chevrons have shown glimpses of competitiveness across the first two matches but have struggled to sustain pressure against a strong Australian side. Zimbabwe lost the opening ODI by 59 runs before going down by 84 runs in the second game. Their batting will need to improve significantly after they were restricted to 272 while chasing Australia’s imposing 356/6.
Zimbabwe named a 15-member squad for the series, with Sikandar Raza taking over the captaincy in the absence of Richard Ngarava. Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer were recalled, while Clive Madande was unavailable.
Zimbabwe are likely to retain the same combination for the series finale after making no changes to their XI for the second ODI.
Here is Zimbabwe’s predicted playing XI for 3rd ODI against Australia:
Brian Bennett is expected to open the innings once again. The talented all-rounder has been given responsibility at the top and provides Zimbabwe with an aggressive option during the powerplay. However, he managed only 23 off 34 balls in the second ODI and will be keen to make a bigger contribution in the finale.
Ben Curran should continue alongside Bennett. The left-handed opener scored 30 off 46 balls in the second ODI and was involved in a cautious start before being dismissed by Matthew Renshaw. He will need to find a better balance between consolidation and scoring quickly against Australia’s new-ball attack.
Innocent Kaia is likely to retain his place at No. 3. He scored 34 off 47 balls in the second ODI and shared a partnership with Brendan Taylor. Kaia’s ability to anchor the innings could become particularly important if Zimbabwe lose early wickets.
Brendan Taylor should continue as wicketkeeper-batter. The veteran returned to Zimbabwe’s ODI setup after a year away and has already provided valuable experience in the middle order. He scored 39 off 40 balls in the second ODI and also contributed behind the stumps.
Craig Ervine remains one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced batters. He made 38 off 39 balls in the second ODI after scoring 59 in the series opener. His experience against quality bowling makes him a key player for Zimbabwe as they attempt to avoid a 3-0 series sweep.
Captain Sikandar Raza will continue to lead the side from the No. 6 position. He scored 45 off 49 balls in the second ODI and has been one of Zimbabwe’s most reliable performers with both bat and ball. His off-spin also gives the hosts an important middle-overs option.
Raza’s leadership will be crucial in the final match, particularly with Australia already having secured the series.
Wessly Madhevere should retain his place as an all-round option. He dismissed Travis Head in the second ODI after the Australian opener had scored 112, and his off-spin could once again be useful on a Harare surface that can slow down as the innings progresses.
Brad Evans is expected to continue as one of Zimbabwe’s frontline seamers. He had a difficult outing in the second ODI, finishing with 3/86, but his ability to contribute lower-order runs remains valuable. Evans will need to improve his economy while looking for breakthroughs against Australia’s powerful batting unit.
Wellington Masakadza was Zimbabwe’s most economical bowler in the second ODI. He dismissed both Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis and finished with 2/51 from nine overs. His ability to control the middle overs makes him an important component of the attack.
Newman Nyamhuri should retain his place despite an expensive second outing. The young left-arm seamer claimed five wickets in the opening ODI, becoming only the second Zimbabwean bowler to take a five-wicket haul against Australia in ODIs.
His ability to generate movement and attack the Australian top order makes him a key player for the hosts.
Blessing Muzarabani will complete the predicted XI. The tall fast bowler provides Zimbabwe with pace and bounce and will be expected to lead the attack alongside Evans and Nyamhuri. His experience could prove particularly useful against Australia’s aggressive top order.
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani
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