Australia vs Zimbabwe – 1st One-Day International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs Zimbabwe taking place? Sunday, August 28th, 2022 – 00:40 (UK)
Where is Australia vs Zimbabwe taking place? Riverway Stadium, Townsville
What is the expected weather for Australia vs Zimbabwe? 23-25c and extremely cloudy throughout, but dry.
What channel is Australia vs Zimbabwe on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK
Where can I stream Australia vs Zimbabwe? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app.
LAST MEETING
Zimbabwe beat Australia by three wickets.
THE LOWDOWN
AUSTRALIA
- Australia have named a very strong squad for this ODI series, a statement of respect for the opposition although Test captain Pat Cummins has been rested, no doubt with an eye on the Australian international red ball season.
- Both Marcus Stoinis and Sean Abbott have recovered from injury, each having featured in England’s Hundred competition this month and are in the squad alongside leg-spin bowler Adam Zampa, who missed Australia’s last white ball assignment in Sri Lanka to be present at the birth of his first child.
ZIMBABWE
- Although facing off against India earlier this month, Zimbabwe are back in ODI action and this time they play away from home, as they look to end a run of four consecutive defeats in the 50-over form of the game.
- The tourists are boosted by the return of influential bowler Blessing Muzarabani to the squad following injury, although captain Craig Irvine remains absent due to a hamstring problem, with Regis Chakabva set to deputise once again.
THE PREDICTION
Australia will be determined to get their 2022-23 international home campaign off to the best possible start with victory here in Townsville, but they’ll be aware of the challenge ahead despite Zimbabwe’s recent run of losses. The tourists have been playing consistent 50-over cricket throughout August and this match is their seventh ODI since the start of the month. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Zimbabwe start this match sharper than Australia, whether they be batting or bowling first as it potentially takes the hosts some time to get into a rhythm. However, the playing personnel of Australia are oozing with class right from David Warner at the top of the order, down to Mitchell Starc with the ball. Expect Australia to wind up too strong for Zimbabwe and come out on top in this first ODI.
