India v Zimbabwe Preview, Match 39, Auckland

But, while the talk has centred around the bowling, it is not as though the batting has done badly. Almost every player in the top order has performed, in one game or another, and Shikhar Dhawan, with two centuries has epitomised India’s turnaround in fortunes.

The prosperity of the bowling and batting departments has been backed up by some clinical fielding, with energy levels being maintained constantly through the tournament. The catching has been safe, the infielding sharp and the outfielding reliable, allowing bowlers to be constantly on the hunt for wickets, even when opposition batsmen put together a bit of a partnership.

The challenge for India, of course, is not to take things lightly against Zimbabwe. In the normal course, this might have been something of a risk, but the manner in which matches have been spread out in this tournament has ensured that the players are constantly hungry, and looking to play cricket. Practice sessions have been lively and professional, every member of the 15 making the most of any opportunity to get out there and stretch his muscles.

Teams (likely):
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (capt, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav

Zimbabwe (likely):
Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (capt, wk), Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Regis Chakabva, Tinashe Panyangara, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tendai Chatara

You can follow the build up to the game and the live scoring and match highlights for India v Zimbabwe here in the ICC Match Centre.