2nd T20I: Unchanged Zimbabwe elect to bowl first against India, Thakur handed debut
Harare, July 25
An unchanged Zimbabwe have won the toss and elected to bowl first against India at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. India are leading the three-game series 1-0 and a win on Saturday will help them take an unassailable lead.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his playing eleven is unchanged from their seven-wicket loss on Thursday. "First reason being the winter wicket as we know, it's slightly spicier at the start, so hopefully we can make early inroads and then see what comes in the batting order later on.
"The surface is certainly a lot better today than it was in the first game, so it may not be as spicy, but we know that in Harare, especially during winter, there will be a bit of spice at the start and hopefully our seamers can make inroads. If they do, it'll go a long way towards helping us stop them. We're going to back the same boys," he said.
India skipper Shreyas Iyer said pacer Yash Thakur has been handed his international debut and replaces Ashok Sharma in the playing eleven. Thakur, 27, represents Punjab Kings in the IPL and won the Ranji Trophy in 2024/25 with Vidarbha. He has been a regular with the India 'A' team for the last 12 months.
"We were going to bat first. It looks a bit different. It is not that tacky as the first game. Let's make sure it is a belter to bat on. We just pass on the message to stay in the present, it is essential to stay in the moment and play to the best of our abilities," he said.
Playing XIs
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani
India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, and Mayank Yadav
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sikandar Raza is such a smart captain! Bowling first in these conditions shows his experience. But honestly, our batting looks strong this time - Vaibhav and Abhishek at the top are exciting to watch. Let's see if Zimbabwe's seamers can trouble them early on.
I'm a bit surprised they didn't bring in any fresh face in batting after that first win. But I guess the management knows best. Shreyas Iyer leading from the front will be key - he's been in good form. Come on India! 🏏
Honestly, Zimbabwe have been improving a lot under Raza. They pushed us in the first match too. This is a great series for both teams - young players getting exposure and competitive cricket. Just wish we could see more bilateral series with them.
Love seeing Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav in the same XI - that's some serious pace! Hope Thakur can complement them well. The bowling attack looks really balanced. And Vaibhav Sooryavanshi...what a name! Feels like a Bollywood hero! 😄
This is the kind of series that matters for Indian cricket development. Youngsters getting international exposure against a decent Zimbabwe side. But I feel we should have given a game or two to some other fringe players too. Anyway, good luck to Thakur on debut! 🇮🇳
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