Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE CHEVRONS begin another major examination of their growing credentials when they host India in the opening match of a three-game T20 International series at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.
The visitors, led by Shreyas Iyer, arrived in Harare on Sunday ahead of a series that will also feature matches on Saturday and Sunday at the same venue.
The contest comes at a crucial stage for the Chevrons, who are seeking to maintain the progress made under coach Justin Sammons.
Zimbabwe secured an historic Test victory over Bangladesh before claiming the One-Day International series.
They now face a far sterner challenge against one of the world’s leading white-ball sides.
Despite the disappointment of losing to Bangladesh, in the final T20I match and the series, Sammons believes Zimbabwe’s bowling attack has laid a solid foundation for success and insists the players must improve in key moments.
“We are hugely frustrated because it was a series we felt we should have won,” said Sammons. We only have ourselves to blame. We dropped far too many catches and, at this level, you simply can’t afford to give teams that many chances. The bowling unit has been outstanding throughout. Richie (Richard Ngarava) and Blessing (Muzarabani) have been exceptional, while Brad Evans has continued to grow into his role. They have shown clear plans, discipline and execution, and that’s very encouraging heading into the India series.”
The Chevrons will again look to experienced captain Sikandar Raza to lead from the front alongside pace spearheads Muzarabani and Ngarava, all-rounder Ryan Burl and the in-form Brian Bennett.
India arrived with a youthful but powerful squad featuring captain Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Although several senior players have been rested, the tourists possess considerable depth and start the series as favourites.
Zimbabwe squad
Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri and Milton Shumba.
India squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarthy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav and Prabhsimran Singh.
