The Indian team in Zimbabwe may be different from the one that won the T20 World Cup, but the fact remains that the world champions have been defeated by a team that failed to even qualify for the tournament. Shubhman Gill’s captaincy started with India facing their loss to Zimbabwe since June 2016, and he will be eager to redeem that in the second T20I on Sunday.
The pitch has traditionally suited pacers in Harare, who have contributed nearly 63% of the wickets at the venue. Along with the advantage for pacers, the average is of 24.7, along with a strike rate of 19.1 and an economy of 7.7. A bright and sunny day is expected to be in Harare on Sunday. The match will be played on the same ground as before, the Harare Sports Club.
Thought India doesn’t usually make big changes to their teams after the first match of a T20I series, especially when they have lost it, two changes area likely to be made. VVS Laxman might be looking to give as many chances to players having key positions. Jitesh Sharma might take over Dhruv Jurel as the wicketkeeper. In bowling side, Harshit Rana can be expected to make a debut ahead of Khaleel Ahmed.
With Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja putting a full-stop to their T20I careers, a window of opportunity has opened up for there youngsters to confirm their place in the Indian team. However, the debuting trio of Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Abhishek Sharma failed to pile up runs for the team. Despite showing a fierce display of bowling, restricting Zimbabwe to 115/9, India’s batters failed to deliver while chasing 116.
India was 5 down with just 43 runs by the 10th over, but still India had hope, will Gill and Washington Sundar on the crease looking to propel India towards victory. But the game completely turned around as Gill was taken down by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza. With Sundar on the crease, along with Avesh Khan playing a quick cameo, India still had a little bit of hope of snatching the game at the end. However, bowlers of Zimbabwe held their nerves and made India face their first defeat of T20I 2024.
