India bounced back from the shocking loss in the opening Twenty20 International (T20I) series match with a victory over Zimbabwe by 100 runs. India is a heavy favorite heading into the third game of the series after this triumph, which served as a declaration of purpose. India was taken aback by their close loss in the series-opening game, which came only weeks after they had won the T20 World Cup.
There seems to be a steep learning curve ahead for the young team. For the Indian cricket squad, which had just witnessed legends like Virat Kohli leave the field, it was not particularly good news. The first win gave Zimbabwe a huge confidence boost, but the second game made it clear that they would need to step it up a notch if they wanted to win the third and most important game of the series.
ZIM vs IND Team Preview & Squads
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will enter the third Twenty20 match with confidence, having shown that they are more than capable of giving India issues. With their seamen, Zimbabwe has had a significant impact. Thus far in the series, they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to swing the new ball. But Zimbabwe hasn’t been able to get off to a fast start with the bat. Blessing Muzarabani and Tendai Chatara have shared five wickets between them. Zimbabwe, whether they are batting first or chasing the game, will once again try to take advantage of this circumstance.
The player who has contributed the most to Zimbabwe’s success at bat, Wessly Madhevere, nearly reached a half-century in the second game. In both games, Zimbabwe’s middle and lower have had very little of an impact. The Indian spinners have proven to be difficult for the players to handle. With 33 runs in the second match, Luke Jongwe almost gave Zimbabwe a decent total, but they will need much more in the next three games.
Zimbabwe Squads
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza (c), Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Clive Madande, Luke Jongwe, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Wessly Madhevere, Tendai Chatara
India
The highly-anticipated Twenty20 series versus Zimbabwe got off to an unexpected start. India was undoubtedly the favorite after winning the World Cup. But, in the opening game, some questionable decisions were made due to a youthful lineup and inexperience. In the second Twenty20 match, India managed to address most of the problems.
Abhishek Sharma, a 23-year-old who is the third-quickest Indian in this format to reach a century off just 47 balls, demonstrated his strength. Zimbabwe dropped Sharma before he reached his fifty-seven, but the 23-year-old didn’t give up and scored an incredible 72 runs off of his final 23 balls.
When it comes to Ravi Bishnoi and his exceptional form, Zimbabwe hasn’t had many answers. In the two innings, he has taken six wickets at a cost of just 24 runs. Even in situations where the pitch did not provide much help, Bishnoi was still able to find methods to turn the ball. At times, the 23-year-old was unplayable.
Despite not being a regular member of the squad, Washington Sundar has taken three wickets in his two innings and scored 34 runs. With Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement, Sundar has more opportunities.
India Squads
India
Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Bishnoi, Riyan Parag, Avesh Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar
Teams who win the toss will probably decide to bat first regardless of the circumstances. Thus far, the two matches have been won by the sides batting first. It is anticipated that the game will be played in sunny, dry conditions. It is most likely going to be about 26°C. This match is not expected to see any rain, and the relative humidity is only 14%.
Both pacers and spinners are often favored on the Harare Sports Club pitch.
ZIM vs IND Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
The IND won four games in their last five matches and ZIM won just one match.
According to cricket analysts, India has a 75% chance of winning.
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