India present huge ODI challenge for transformed Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe face their biggest challenge since Dave Houghton became coach two months ago when they host India in a series of three one-day internationals, starting on Thursday. Although several stars, including batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are being rested ahead of the Asia Cup in the UAE this month, the tourists are expected to win all three matches in Harare. India are placed third behind leaders New Zealand and England in the ODI rankings, 10 places above Zimbabwe. Under the guidance of 64-year-old former batting star Houghton, the southern Africa nation have won nine of 11 ODI and Twenty20 internationals. With Houghton in charge, hosts Zimbabwe beat non-Test teams Jersey, Singapore, the United States, Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands to qualify for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Higher-ranked Bangladesh were expected to burst the bubble, but suffered shock 2-1 losses in both T20 and ODI series. Pakistan-born batsman Sikandar Raza, whose childhood dream to be a fighter pilot was dashed by an eyesight glitch, played a key role in the ODI series with successive centuries. "He is a very good player who has been representing Zimbabwe with distinction for a long time," said India vice-captain and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan. "Sikandar is a quality cricketer with bat and ball. I am sure our bowlers will come up with nice plans against him." Houghton said the unbeaten innings of 135 and 117 by the 36-year-old had a knock-on effect as they instilled confidence in his teammates. "Playing alongside Sikandar, Innocent Kaia hit a century in his first ODI, then Regis Chakabva scored his first ODI ton with some brilliant shots."

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop hailed the Raza tons, tweeting "The things that