Zimbabwe look to impress against West Indies

Zimbabwe start their tour in the Caribbean with a one-off T20 International against West Indies at Port of Spain on Sunday.

It is difficult to see Zimbabwe take any wins on this tour, despite the fact that West Indies are struggling with some major concerns of their own. The visitors played a practice match against the UWI Vice Chancellor eleven, which they won but had to struggle to escape. They were disappointing in the series against Bangladesh, which they lost 4-1. This makes the hosts clear favourites to take the series and any win for Zimbabwe would be miraculous. Zimbabwe’s only advantage is that they have a new look side with most players not known to the opposition. They also have some impressive individual talents in Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Charles Coventry and Tatenda Taibu, who are very capable on their day but need to click as a unit.

West Indies has a new look to their side from the one that played in Australia. Denesh Ramdin will lead the side in the absence of Chris Gayle, who has been rested for the T20 International. Adrian Barath makes a return to the team and a lot will be expected of the talented opener. Shivnarine Chanderpaul is an experienced campaigner and he will be delighted to take his place in the side after recovering from a thumb injury. Darren Bravo had done well in the Champions League T20 for Trinidad and Tobago and there is a strong case for his inclusion into the playing eleven on Sunday. Allrounder Dave Bernard jnr and Andre Fletcher have also been recalled to the squad. West Indies will be confident of their chances as Zimbabwe have never beaten West Indies in a bilateral ODI series though the two sides have never faced each other in a T20 International.