After levelling the five-match T20 series 1-1, India will take on Zimbabwe in the crucial third match at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. After losing the opening game, Shubman Gill’s side bounced back in the second match, making the upcoming encounter even more crucial for both teams. The third match is crucial as both teams aim to take the lead in the series. India will be in a strong position if they win and Zimbabwe will regain the lead. With the stakes high, both teams are expected to be at their best at Harare Sports Club.
Pitch and Conditions at Harare Sports Club
Indian batsman Ruduraj Gaikwad highlighted the challenging conditions at Harare Sports Club during the pre-match press conference. According to Cricinfo, he noted the unique nature of the pitch, with variable bounce and double-speed speed making it difficult to score quickly. However, once the ball gets older, the short boundaries provide an opportunity to score quick runs, he said.
India vs Zimbabwe live streaming
Fans can watch the match live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD and HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD and HD (Tamil and Telugu) from 4:00 PM IST. The contest will also be available for live streaming on Sony LIV in India.
Weather Forecast at Harare
The weather is expected to be pleasant in Harare on Wednesday with plenty of sunshine and a maximum temperature of 26°C. Clear and sunny conditions should provide the ideal setting for an exciting match.
Boost for Team India
Following their victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India have been strengthened by the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, allrounder Shivam Dube and batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal in the remaining T20Is against Zimbabwe. The team will be filled with new energy and vigour as they aim to take a lead in the series.
India Probable XI
The final XI could include Jaiswal, Samson and Dube. India’s Probable XI: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Shubman Gill (captain), 3. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 4. Ruduraj Gaikwad, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Sanju Samson (VK), 7. Ringu Singh, 8. Washington Sundar, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Avesh Khan, 11. Mukesh Kumar.
Momentum Shift: India’s Comeback
India bounced back in the second T20I with Abhishek Sharma scoring his maiden international century. This remarkable turnaround has set the stage for India to dominate the series. Chasing a modest target of 116 in the first match, India crumbled for 102, giving Zimbabwe an early lead. However, India’s resolute response in the second game has now levelled the playing field.
Second T20I Recap: India’s Dominance
In the second T20 match, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bat first. Abhishek Sharma’s 100 off 47 balls and Ruduraj Gaikwad’s unbeaten 77 off 47 balls helped India score 234/2 in the stipulated 20 overs. Ringu Singh also played an important role by scoring 48 runs off 22 balls. In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 134 in 18.4 overs. Their top scorer Wesley Mathewray scored 43 runs off 39 balls. Indian bowlers Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar took 3-3 wickets while Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar took two and one wicket respectively.
