Zimbabwe vs South Africa 1st ODI: Preview

Zimbabwe will take on South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series at Bulawayo. Zimbabwe did showcase that tunnel-visioned aim to fight it out in the one-off Test match played at Harare. So, one can expect them to give the much-fancied South African setup a run for their money. Elton Chigumbura, who last captained Zimbabwe back during the ICC World Cup 2011 has been again given the reins to captain the unit. AB de Villiers will captain South Africa's team.ZimbabweIn the shorter forms of the game, Zimbabwe haven't exactly been in good form in recent times. They only drew a ODI series with Afghanistan 2-2. It has led to a few new faces being picked in the squad. The likes of Timycen Maruma, Luke Jongwe and company have been given a chance. John Nyumbu, who impressed one-and-all with his off-spin in the Test match against South Africa has also found a place in the squad. He and former captain, Prosper Utseya, will compete for that spinner's slot. Brian Vitori, the left-arm seamer, who has a fine record in ODIs has comeback from an injury, and that should act as a morale booster for Zimbabwe's think-tank.On expected lines, Zimbabwe's batting will depend on Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza can play with a calm head on their shoulders. However, Vusi Sibanda, needs to step up to the plate and perform. Chigumbura is expcted to provide the fireworks at the end of the innings with his flashing blade. There is also Shingi Masakadza. He can occasionally clout a few big shots, and more importantly, hits the bat hard with a ball in hand.South AfricaHashim Amla and de Villiers have been the fulcrums of South Africa's batting line-up for many years now. De Villiers' coup de main has floored many an opposition in the past. Amla, with his royal flourish and dexterous wrists can compile big scores.Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy and David Miller need to play the supporting role to perfection. Curiously, du Plessis, known more for his ability in the abridged versions of the game, while playing for Lancashire Lightning in English domestic cricket has been more successful in the longer format of the game for South Africa. Ryan McLaren, the all-rounder has the ability to change gears as per how the situation demands.Wayne Parnell, Kyle Abbott, Marchant de Lange and Mthokozisi Shezi are the seamers in the squad. Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have been rested for the series. Imran Tahir is the main spinner in the squad. Tahir's wrong-un has come in handy in ODIs.Pitch conditionsThe track at Bulawayo has historically tended to be on the slower side and helped the spinners later on in the game. It has to be remembered that all three ODIs will be played at the ground.TriviaZimbabwe have only won two out of 32 ODIs against South Africa. Utseya, requires just one wicket to reach the landmark of 150 ODI wickets.