India is all set to take on Zimbabwe this Saturday, at Eden Park, in Auckland. While MS Dhoni and his men will be looking to end their group stage journey with a sixth consecutive win, Zimbabwe will be hoping to put up an impressive show before they head back home. Also, there’s an emotional significance to this game for the Zimbabwean lot, as long standing wicket-keeper batsman Brendon Taylor is expected to bid adieu to international cricket after Saturday’s encounter.
Weather at Auckland for India’s final Group B game is expected to remain partly cloudy with chances of light rain during afternoon. Maximum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C while minimum will settle at around 18°C.
Team India is expected to walk out with the winning combination. Captain MS Dhoni has already made it clear that experimentation will take place only if there are injury concerns. The game is an inconsequential affair for the men in blue who will remain group toppers regardless of what happens at Eden Park on Saturday. As for Zimbabwe, they’ll be hoping to gift a winning farewell to Brendon Taylor. On paper, India are a much better side than Zimbabwe and India’s recent form means that an upset is highly unlikely. But after South Africa’s close shave against Whatmore’s boys earlier in the group stages, MS Dhoni and Co. will not be taking things lightly. A defeat at this point in the tournament wouldn’t really help the morale of the defending champions.
Rain may deny Australia No. 2 spot in Group A
Meanwhile, in Hobart, co-hosts Australia will take on a winless Scotland in their final Group A game. Weather forecast points towards a healthy chance of short disruption or even a complete washout at Hobart due to moderate to heavy showers. A washout will put Australia at No. 3, while Sri Lanka will move to No. 2 in the group rankings.
Clarke and his troops will be looking to register a big win against the Scottish side who've been in bits and pieces throughout the tournament. Hobart’s very own George Bailey will be hoping to make a comeback to the side at his home ground. Another hometown talent Pat Cummins is expected to make it to the Playing XI for the clash on Saturday. On the other hand, Scotland will hope to use the experience garnered so far in order to conjure up a miraculous turnaround.
As the curtain falls on the group stages of the ICC World Cup 2015, both India and Australia will be looking to keep the rhythm going, before the knockout round begins. As for Zimbabwe and Scotland, Saturday will be about signing off in style and with respect. Skymet will keep you updated on weather, cricket, and more as the ICC World Cup 2015 affair gets more intense.
