The closely contested five-match series between India and Zimbabwe is currently level at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting third T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, July 10.
The series began with Zimbabwe stunning India by bowling them out for just 102 while successfully defending a target of 116. Sikandar Raza’s exceptional captaincy played a crucial role in their victory. However, India came back strongly in the second T20I, posting a massive total of 234/2 with Abhishek Sharma scoring his maiden international century and Ruturaj Gaikwad contributing a brilliant half-century. Rinku Singh played a crucial unbeaten innings of 48 off 22 balls. Zimbabwe was then dismissed for 134 with Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan taking three wickets each.
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, will be looking to improve his form in T20Is after scoring 31 and 2 in the first two games. Mukesh’s bowling has been impressive, providing early breakthroughs for the visitors. Ravi Bishnoi has also been effective, conceding only 24 runs and taking six wickets in the series so far.
Zimbabwe will rely on Wesley Madhevere to anchor their innings while Brian Bennett has shown good form with the bat. Sikandar Raza will be eager to contribute with the bat after two low-scoring games. Blessing Muzarabani has been their standout bowler and will aim to trouble the Indian batsmen in the upcoming match.
The line-ups for the match are expected to see some changes, with the T20 World Cup-winning trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube joining the squad. This poses a selection dilemma for interim head coach VVS Laxman, with Yashasvi likely to replace Riyan Parag or Sai Sudharsan, Sanju possibly taking Dhruv Jurel’s spot, and Shivam Dube waiting for his chance after a mixed performance in the T20 World Cup.
As both teams gear up for the crucial third T20I, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter with plenty at stake for both India and Zimbabwe in this intriguingly poised series.
Match Details:
Zimbabwe: Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Jonathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi
The match is expected to be a thrilling contest with both teams aiming to gain the edge in the series. Stay tuned for all the live action and updates from the third T20I clash at the Harare Sports Club.
