Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will be looking to extend their recent resurgence when they host India in the opening match of a three-match T20I series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
Chevrons captain Sikandar Raza said they are ready to challenge one of the game’s powerhouses.
The series, which runs until July 26, comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s confidence is high after a successful home campaign against Bangladesh, where they secured a historic Test victory and won the One-Day International series before narrowly losing the T20I series 2-1.
India, meanwhile, arrive in Harare with a squad blending established internationals and emerging talent as they begin another phase of squad development under new leadership.
Raza believes the gap between Zimbabwe and the world’s leading teams has narrowed considerably.
“I don’t see it as a one-sided series. We have closed the gap and we have shown over the last few months that we can compete with the best,” Raza said ahead of the series.
Zimbabwe will once again rely on the experience of Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ryan Burl and Ben Curran, while coach Justin Sammons will expect improvements from the batting unit after their inconsistent displays against Bangladesh, particularly in the closing overs.
India are expected to hand opportunities to several young players, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among those tipped to feature.
Fast bowler Ashok Sharma is also in line for an international debut after earning his maiden senior call-up, while Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh provide experience to complement captain Shreyas Iyer.
The visitors begin the series without several senior names, making the Harare assignment an opportunity to test their squad depth ahead of a busy international calendar.
Despite that, India remain overwhelming favourites, having dominated recent meetings between the two nations.
Colletta Dube