Scotland vs Zimbabwe – 1st T20I Match Preview and Prediction
After a dismal ODI series against Ireland, Zimbabwe will now play a three-match T20I series against Scotland. They would be content to return to the shorter version of the game, since they appeared more at ease in that format versus Ireland.
The opening match of the series versus Scotland will be contested on September 15, 2021, at Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh. Given that Zimbabwe fared well against Ireland a few weeks ago and that Scotland is playing at home, this match promises to be exciting. A fantastic match is certainly on the cards.
Match Details to Note
Match: Scotland vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I, Zimbabwe tour of Scotland, 2021
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Grange Cricket Club, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh
Scotland vs Zimbabwe Team Previews
Scotland
Team Scotland hasn’t played an international match in a long time, and this next series is surely something they’ve been looking forward to. They will be anxious to accomplish something here and generate some positive outcomes, and they will definitely have a reason to do so. Furthermore, we have seen them pull off several major shocks in recent years, which would greatly enhance their confidence.
Scotland will use this brief series as a dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2021, which begins in less than two months. While Scotland has Kyle Coetzer and Richard Berrington available, the absence of Brad Wheal and Josh Davey might be a deciding factor.
Overall, they have a good side, but they need to get rolling right away. Despite the fact that they have the home advantage, acclimating to the conditions without enough match preparation is never easy. However, if they are at their best in the next competition, Zimbabwe will have their job cut out for them.
Since September 2019, George Munsey has been Scotland’s outstanding performance in the T20I format. With a strike rate of 159.10 and 428 runs in 12 innings, he has one century and two half-centuries to his name.
Munsey’s strong form would be hoped upon by the team management in this T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Scotland’s middle order will be made up of Matthew Cross, Richie Barrington, and Calum MacLeod for this first match.
The onus will be on bowlers like Mark Watt, Alasdair Evans, Josh Davey, and Hamza Sharif to provide vital breakthroughs.
Scotland T20I Squad
Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), George Munsey, Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington, Michael Leask, Alasdair Evans, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Hamza Tahir, Chris Greaves, Adrian Neill, Ollie Hairs, Craig Wallace, Gavin Main, Chris Sole, Dylan Budge
Scotland have played a total of 65 T20 matches in which they won 29 and the opposition team won 33. Their three matches finished in a draw, while one resulted in a no-result.
Predicted XI: Kyle Coetzer (captain), Calum MacLeod, Matthew Cross (wk), George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Michael Leask, Tom Sole/Hamza Tahir, Alasdair Evans, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif and Mark Watt.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will be a generation short in the next encounter since their most experienced player, Brendan Taylor, will be unavailable. It will be interesting to watch how they deal with the vacuum left by his retirement; but it will not be easy.
What works for Zimbabwe is that they will be well-acquainted with the circumstances; having just returned from a lengthy tour of Ireland, where the conditions are nearly identical to those in Scotland. They also fared well in the T20I series, which they lost but put up a strong fight.
Zimbabwe have a solid side on paper, with players like Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burn, and Craig Ervine available. They will need those veterans to deliver against the hosts, and if they do; Zimbabwe would be a very difficult team to deal with.
The onus will be on batsmen like Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, and Regis Chakabva to produce the majority of the runs.
Wesley Madhevere has been Zimbabwe’s highest run-scorer in the T20 format. Madhevere has 401 runs at an average of 26.73 in 16 matches, including four half-centuries.
The onus will be on bowlers Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava to provide vital breakthroughs in this opening match.
Zimbabwe T20I Squad
Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Tarisai Musakanda, Donald Tiripano, Blessing Muzarabani
Zimbabwe has played a total of 93 T20 matches up to that point. They won 24 games while the other teams won 69.
Predicted XI: Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Regis Chakabva (wk), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Milton Shumba, Luke Jongwe, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava
Scotland vs Zimbabwe Toss Prediction
Both teams that win the toss bat first and score more than 170 runs. The majority of games at Grange Cricket Club have been won by the team that bat first.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The turf of the Grange Cricket Club facility is equally beneficial to both hitters and bowlers. However, as the game develops, the spinners are expected to receive some pitch help.
Tomorrow’s weather at Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, according to global weather online, will be Patchy rain likely with a maximum temperature of 17°c and a low temperature of 12°c. The total amount of precipitation anticipated is 0.60 mm.
Scotland vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction
While the series may not be as important as the forthcoming ICC T20I World Cup; it will play a significant role in shaping the destiny of these two sides. Scotland will want to get some match practice in before the big event; while Zimbabwe will want to show what the rest of the world is lacking in cricket. When comparing the two teams’ previous results and on-paper rosters; Zimbabwe appears to be somewhat ahead and is hence our choice to win the forthcoming match.
Zimbabwe is the favourite to win this match.
