India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I match: India’s future aim to make a mark in absence of seniors against Zimbabwe

Shubman Gill will lead Team India for 5-match T20Is series against Zimbabwe.

The newly crowned champions of the T20 World Cup received a warm welcome upon their return home. While the nation celebrates these trailblazers, attention is also focused on the future.

Fifteen promising young cricketers from India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently in Zimbabwe laying the groundwork for their own potential future glory: an exhilarating open-top bus parade, cheered on by adoring fans stretching as far as the eye can see.

Opportunities are up for grabs, particularly two spots that Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are vying to secure. Rinku Singh was part of the Barbados squad but only as a reserve; he aims to change that. Riyan Parag is beginning to fulfill his early promise, while 24-year-old Washington Sundar, injury-free, could fill the void for India as a new spin-bowling all-rounder in their preferred eleven.

Zimbabwe also eyes opportunities, especially in upsetting the newly crowned champions, having missed out on the World Cup themselves. Hosting an India series promises an influx of revenue and significant attention, with scouts keenly observing for talents that could shine in lucrative franchise tournaments worldwide. Today, a cricket match represents more than just team glory—it's a gateway to numerous possibilities.

India vs Zimbabwe Team's Form

Shubman Gill is currently navigating a challenging phase. His initial stint as captain, during April and May, didn't unfold as expected, with Gujarat Titans finishing eighth out of ten teams in IPL 2024. His stint with India at the T20 World Cup in June was fleeting. Now, in July, he finds himself with the freedom to play as he wishes over these five matches. The question remains: will he adopt India's preferred aggressive batting approach from the outset, or will he opt for a different strategy?

Zimbabwe faced a significant setback during the Africa T20 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. Sikandar Raza, the captain, led them to host Ireland in December. Despite contributing significantly to a narrow one-wicket victory, he was suspended for the remainder of the series due to an on-field altercation. Raza then experienced a dip in form, posting single-digit scores in four out of six T20I innings. However, his recent innings, a match-winning half-century against Bangladesh, signals a resurgence. Moreover, his performances for Northamptonshire in the Vitality Blast have been impressive, amassing 206 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 153. Raza is on an upward trajectory and is eager to lead his team to success once more.

India vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head

India have faced Zimbabwe in only eight T20Is over the course of 14 years. They've won six and lost two.

India vs Zimbabwe Pitch Report

Harare is gearing up for its inaugural T20I of the year. Recent first-innings scores have been somewhat moderate, with only five out of the last 12 matches surpassing 150 runs. During these matches, spin bowlers have excelled, claiming 69 wickets at an average of 19.71 and an economy rate of 6.6, outperforming fast bowlers who have taken 80 wickets at an average of 25.92 and an economy rate of 7.82.

India vs Zimbabwe Weather Report

The weather forecast predicts no rainfall, with temperatures hovering in 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

This India squad is still evolving, so the XIs that emerge from it may not cover all aspects adequately. For instance, the batting lineup may extend only up to No. 7, which doesn't fully support their aggressive, boundary-hitting approach they aim to perfect. Moreover, the players themselves are relatively untested at this level, having had limited exposure. Expect several debutants, possibly four or five. Shubman Gill has confirmed that Abhishek Sharma will partner him in opening the batting.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is also in search of fresh talent. Some of their more established players like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine have not been considered for this series, and Ryan Burl has been dropped. However, Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta are back in contention after completing four-month suspensions for drug use.

INDIA: Shubman Gill (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel/Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Khaleel Ahmed

ZIMBABWE: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Sikandar Raza (capt), Johnathan Campbell, Antum Naqvi, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani

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: Shubman Gill (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana.

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.