India will aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. After a convincing win in the opening game, Shreyas Iyer’s side will be eager to continue the momentum, while Zimbabwe face a must-win situation to keep the series alive. Here’s a look at the predicted playing XIs, team news, full squads and what fans can expect from the contest.
India eye series win after dominant opening victory
India couldn’t have asked for a better start to the series. The visitors outplayed Zimbabwe in every department during the first T20I, with both the bowlers and batters delivering clinical performances.
Leading the side for the first time in a T20I series, Shreyas Iyer enjoyed a winning start as captain. After a difficult run that included defeats in Ireland and England, India finally looked settled, confident and in control.
Another victory on Saturday would give India an unbeatable 2-0 lead and wrap up the series with one match still to play.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi steals the spotlight
The biggest story from the series opener was undoubtedly 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Making his international debut, the youngster played with remarkable confidence, smashing a breathtaking half-century that completely changed the game. His fearless approach inside the powerplay left Zimbabwe with little chance of making a comeback as India chased the target in just 13.2 overs.
If he continues in the same form, Zimbabwe’s bowlers will once again have their hands full.
India’s pace attack looks dangerous again
India’s bowlers laid the foundation for the opening victory.
Returning after a long injury break, Mayank Yadav looked sharp from his very first spell, consistently bowling at high pace and troubling Zimbabwe’s top order.
Young pacer Prince Yadav provided excellent support, helping India reduce the hosts to 32/4 before Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere steadied the innings.
Spinner Ravi Bishnoi also kept the pressure on through the middle overs with his variations.
With every department clicking, India are unlikely to make any changes to the winning combination.
Zimbabwe searching for answers
Zimbabwe showed glimpses of resistance in the first match but failed to recover after losing early wickets.
Captain Sikandar Raza will once again be central to Zimbabwe’s hopes, while experienced fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani will need to strike early if the hosts are to level the series.
The home side is also expected to back the same XI despite the defeat.
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India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Predicted Playing XI
India Predicted XI:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
Zimbabwe Predicted XI:
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Full squads
India Squad:
Shreyas Iyer (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Newman Nyamhuri.
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What to expect from the Harare pitch
The Harare Sports Club surface offered assistance to fast bowlers early in the first T20I before becoming much easier for batting under lights.
If conditions remain similar, the team winning the toss could again prefer to bowl first.
India will look to attack with Mayank Yadav’s raw pace and Ravi Bishnoi’s spin, while Zimbabwe’s hopes could rest on Sikandar Raza’s all-round abilities and Blessing Muzarabani’s new-ball spell.
Another key battle will be whether Zimbabwe can stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his sensational debut innings.
Final word
India head into the second T20I full of confidence after a comprehensive victory in the series opener. With both the batting and bowling firing together, the visitors will start as favourites to clinch the series. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, need a much-improved performance if they are to force a decider and keep the contest alive.
