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Zimbabwe and India lock horns in a five-match T20I series starting Saturday at the Harare Sports Club, marking a significant turning point for both teams.
With the next T20 World Cup hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, this series becomes a crucial stepping stone for both sides. India, fresh off their World Cup triumph last weekend, aim to build upon their winning momentum. In contrast, Zimbabwe, having failed to qualify for the recent global event, are on a mission to rebuild and reassert themselves.
Zimbabwe ushers in new era
Justin Sammons, the former South African batting coach, takes the helm as Zimbabwe’s new head coach. The squad selected reflects a youthful approach, with captain Sikandar Raza as the sole player above 30. Notably absentees are veteran players Craig Ervine and Sean Williams, dropped after Zimbabwe’s recent 4-1 defeat to Bangladesh.
The series against India provides a platform for exciting young talents like Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta.
Also READ: ZIM vs IND 2024 – India’s best playing XI for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s best XI for India T20Is: A mix of experience and youth
Opening act:
- Jonathan Campbell: The young opener, making his mark in T20Is this year, will look to continue his form.
- Milton Shumba: The experienced campaigner, with 30 T20Is under his belt and a best score of 66, provides stability at the top.
Middle-order boost:
- Dion Myers: The middle-order batter brings firepower, averaging close to 120 with a best of 36 in his 8 T20I appearances.
- Sikandar Raza (c): The skipper and anchor, with nearly 2000 T20I runs and 60 wickets, is crucial for Zimbabwe’s batting and bowling balance.
- Innocent Kaia: The talented middle-order batsman, with a best of 54 in his 17 T20Is, has the potential to step up.
All-round depth:
- Wessly Madhevere: The bowling all-rounder adds batting depth with a best of 73, alongside his 13 wickets in 60 T20Is.
- Clive Madande: The lone wicketkeeper-batsman offers experience with 30 T20Is.
Bowling attack
- Tendai Chatara: The seasoned campaigner, just one wicket away from 50 in T20Is, leads the pace attack.
- Wellington Masakadza: The left-arm spinner provides variety and boasts 39 wickets in his 50 T20I appearances.
- Blessing Muzarabani: The pace spearhead, with 60 wickets in 51 T20Is, will trouble the Indian batsmen with his pace and bounce.
- Richard Ngarava: Partnering Muzarabani, Ngarava’s height and 62 wickets in 52 T20Is pose a significant threat to the Indian batting lineup.
