India vs Zimbabwe 2016, 3rd ODI at Harare: Jasprit Bumrah vs Hamilton Masakadza, other key battles

India have already sealed the three-match ODI series by winning the first two matches against Zimbabwe at Harare.

India and Zimbabwe square off for the final time in their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series on Wednesday at the same venue, Harare Sports Club. With the second-string Indian side led by MS Dhoni, has already sealed the series by winning the first two matches, this game is nothing but a dead rubber. Nevertheless, since Dhoni has won an ODI series after a long gap of two years, he will aim a clean sweep with winning the final match against Zimbabwe. Ahead of the ODI series’ final match, we list out the battles to look forward to at Harare:  FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Zimbabwe 2016, 3rd ODI at Harare

Jasprit Bumrah vs Hamilton Masakadza: This is a battle between an experienced batsman against an upcoming bowler. Hamilton has an experience of as many as 167 ODIs, who is expected to score majority of the runs for Zimbabwe. However he has not struck in the last two matches. His scores of 9 and 14 were disappointing when his side wanted their senior-most player to lead from the front. While Masakadza has failed miserably in the series so far, Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the three-match ODI series with 5 wickets with one game to go.

Ambati Rayudu vs Graeme Cremer: Rayudu who has taken the responsibility of scoring runs for India consistently, despite absence of senior players on the Indian side. He is placed second on the table of most runs with 103 from two matches so far. Zimbabwe, who will look to make a comeback and finish the series with a win, will certainly have a special plan for Rayudu. Cremer is the senior-most bowler in the current Zimbabwean side and also their new skipper, will have to take charge to stop the runs streak by Rayudu. India has an upper hand in this battle as Cremer has gone wicket-less in past twomatches.

KL Rahul vs Tendai Chatara: Rahul, who became the first Indian to score a century on his debut ODI along with Rayudu, has been the reason behind India’s successful run chases in both the ODIs against Zimababwe. While he remained unbeaten on 100 in the opening ODI, he was dismissed for 33 in the second game. India lost one wicket in the first match and that breakthrough for Zimbabwe was made by pacer Chatara. The 25-year-old who is an experienced ODI player than Rahul, will have an upper hand on the basis of know-how about home conditions.

Akshar Patel vs Sikandar Raza: This battle is between two all-rounders, despite Patel having not batted yet on this tour. Raza however has batted in both the matches but was ineffective. He was not at his best with the bat as he scored only 16 and 23 runs in the last two matches. While he went wicket-less in the first game, he picked the wicket of opener Karun Nair. On the other hand, Patel claimed wicket apiece in the first two matches and more importantly he has managed to be one of the most economical bowlers on the tour so far. This will be an interesting battle to vouch for in final ODI.

(Sakshi Gupta, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a sports fanatic whose mantra in life is “do only what you enjoy.” Her Twitter handle is @sakshi2929)