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Zimbabwe face New Zealand tomorrow in the fourth game of the Videocon Cup tri-series, with even the most biased Zimbabwe supporter fully expecting a third drubbing at the Harare Sports Club. Is there any hope of an upset?

Despite some batting wobbles in their game against India, New Zealand have comprehensively won both their previous matches in this tournament, and are sitting comfortably at the top of the series table. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have been having a torrid time - Monday’s 65 all out is the 12th lowest ODI score ever (Zim also hold the record there, with 35 all out against Sri Lanka in 2004), and their batting form at the moment isn’t anywhere near the standard it needs to be.

Even looking at the plus point from the India game - the field performance - isn’t going to produce much hope. New Zealand proved in Bulawayo that Zim’s bowling didn’t present much of a threat for them, and will no doubt be looking for a repeat performance.

New Zealand are already looking towards a final against India - in interviews earlier on Tuesday, captain Stephen Fleming spoke exclusively of the threat India may pose, and had nothing to say about Zimbabwe. It’s also possible some first-string players, including Shane Bond, may be rested for the game.

For Zimbabwe, the only way is up. It would be good to see the team at least put up a fight, but the result would appear to be a foregone conclusion.