IND vs ZIM 2024 3rd T20I Preview: India vs Zimbabwe live streaming, toss, pitch report, probable playing 11 and squad

India set to take on Zimbabwe in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club. (Pic Courtesy: X- @BCCI)

After a disappointing loss in the low-scoring first T20I, India bounced back strongly the following day, demonstrating their potential with both bat and ball.

Despite Zimbabwe remaining formidable opponents, they have clear limitations. With the task of turning the series around from 1-1 to a win already challenging, it has now become even tougher for them. India's squad will receive a boost from the inclusion of three players who were key to their successful T20 World Cup campaign: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube.

Zimbabwe must approach the rest of the series strategically. They need to focus on mastering the basics - dropped catches magnified their defeat margin in the second T20I. Moreover, they must realistically assess their aspirations, understanding that younger players - chosen over experienced seniors like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine for this series - require time to develop.

"Our young players have made mistakes primarily due to their lack of experience rather than their skills, which is a positive," noted Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza after the second T20I. "As they gain more international exposure, they will improve. We've all been in their position."

India vs Zimbabwe Spotlight

In the current series, Brian Bennett has shown his potential as a game-changer for Zimbabwe. Batting at No. 3, he scored a brisk 22 off 15 balls in one innings and followed it up with a quickfire 26 off 9 balls in another. His clean striking and effective offspin highlight his value to the team, suggesting he could influence the outcome of matches if given substantial time at the crease.

Having missed out on playing during India's recent World Cup campaign and the first two matches of this series due to celebratory commitments back home, Sanju Samson is now set to make his mark. Despite having only appeared in 25 T20Is since his debut nearly nine years ago, Samson now finds himself slated for three consecutive matches and will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity.

India vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head

India have faced Zimbabwe in a total of 10 T20Is . They've won seven and lost three.

India vs Zimbabwe Pitch Report

Ahead of the match, Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad succinctly described the conditions at Harare Sports Club during his pre-match press conference.

"Indeed, the conditions pose a challenge," he remarked. "They're somewhat unique. When there's seam movement, you can manage if it's consistent. However, here it's a bit two-paced with variable bounce. Initially, scoring is tougher with the new ball, but as it wears down, the boundaries become quicker, especially the straight ones which are relatively shorter."

India vs Zimbabwe Weather Report

The weather forecast for Wednesday predicts clear, sunny skies with temperatures reaching the mid-20s Celsius.

India vs Zimbabwe Toss

Harare pitch will support spinners and some early help for fast bowlers. The team that wins toss will look to bat first and score big for the opposition to chase.

India vs Zimbabwe Probable 11

Zimbabwe captain Raza prefers stability over frequent changes in response to Sunday's defeat, but he indicated after the match that left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava would be brought in if he passed a fitness test. "If he's fit to play, he'll go straight back into the team."

The returns of Jaiswal, Samson, and Dube add complexity to India's selection. Jaiswal is expected to replace B Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the second T20I but did not get a chance to bat. The question remains whether Jaiswal will open or bat in the middle order. Meanwhile, Dube's inclusion raises the issue of who he will replace. Samson's situation is more straightforward; he is likely to take the place of his Rajasthan Royals teammate Dhruv Jurel. Whatever combination India opts for, they may find themselves with at least two top-order batsmen batting lower than their preferred positions.

India Probable 11: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Zimbabwe Probable 11: Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (capt), Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe/Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara.

India vs Zimbabwe T20I match timings

The T20I matches of the India vs Zimbabwe series will begin at 4:30 PM IST.

India vs Zimbabwe T20I series live streaming

The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network in India. The India vs Zimbabwe T20I series will be streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website in India.

India vs Zimbabwe Squads

INDIA: Ꮪhubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.

ZIMBABWE: Sikandar Raza (c), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.