Zimbabwe and India will play each other in a three-match ODI series, starting August 18. All three matches will be played in Harare. The hosts are enjoying a good run of form, beating Bangladesh in both ODIs and T20is to win successive series. India are also enjoying a solid run of form, beating England and West Indies in both limited-overs series. This is another series India will be aiming to seal ahead of the 2022 Asia Cup.
India and Zimbabwe have featured in 53 ODI matches. India have a 51-10 win-loss record, with two matches being tied. India are without star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya, besides many other first-team regulars. However, KL Rahul is back, and he will hope to lead the team well. India last toured Zimbabwe in 2016 and clinched series wins in both ODIs and T20Is.
Here we present the major records and stats on offer ahead of the ODI series.
Dhawan eyes these feats
Senior Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan is a master in ODI cricket. The southpaw has amassed 6,493 runs in ODIs at 45.40. Dhawan is just seven shy of the 6,500-run mark. He is in line to become the 10th Indian batter to score 6,500 runs. Dhawan can also surpass the likes of Allan Border (6.524) and Grant Flower (6,571) in terms of ODI runs. Dhawan has gone on to score a total of 2,866 runs away (home of opposition). He can get to 3,000 runs in this regard and go past Virender Sehwag (2,999).
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill can claim these records
Rahul is back after a long period of time after being on the sidelines. He has piled up 1,634 runs in ODIs and can get past former Indian star Ambati Rayudu (1,694). The stylish Rahul also has a total of 6,012 runs in international cricket across formats. He can surpass K Srikkanth (6,153). He has 606 runs in away ODIs and can get past VVS Laxman in this regard (712). Shubman Gill could open the innings for India alongside Dhawan. The youngster has scored 833 runs in international cricket and can get to a mark of 1,000.
Sikandar Raza is a prime asset for Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza has been in the set-up for a long time in Zimbabwe’s ranks. The all-rounder is a pivotal force for the hosts, and his contribution will be key. Recently, he hammered two match-winning tons in the series against Bangladesh. Raza has piled up 3,483 runs in ODIs and is nearing the 3,500-run mark. He can become just the eighth Zimbabwe batter to notch this milestone. He has smashed 288 fours and is 12 shy of the 300 mark. He also has 68 wickets in the 50-over format and is seven shy of 75. He can become the 13th bowler to register this feat.
Other records that can be achieved
Zimbabwe’s W Madhevere has piled up 404 runs in ODIs and is 96 shy of the 500-run mark. Alongside the player, Ryan Burl, who has 436 runs, can also get to a mark of 500. Shardul Thakur has 92 dismissals in international cricket. The right-arm pacer can get to a mark of 100. Kuldeep Yadav has picked 109 wickets in ODI cricket at an average of 28.29. He can get past the likes of Yuvraj Singh (110) and Ishant Sharma (115).