Zim v Ind, 2nd T20 Preview: India aim for redemption

After conceding the first T20 international of the Zimbabwe v India T20I series, MS Dhoni and India will be hoping to draw level in the second T20 at the Harare Sports Club. While they will certainly be hoping to square the series, the Indians will be hoping to claim redemption in the subsequent T20 international. With a plethora of players handed debuts in the first T20I, Dhoni will be looking to restore some balance and international experience into the side. With the Harare wicket expected to hold up in the similar fashion as it did in the first ODI, it will be all to play for as an exciting encounter is on the cards.

Team Analysis

Zimbabwe

After claiming victory in the first T20 international, Graeme Cremer’s Zimbabwe has finally managed to salvage some pride especially after having conceded ODI series without putting much of a fight. Moreover, the return of form for the likes of Elton Chigambura as well as Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe look much more than a team that is somewhat competitive.

However, Richmond Mutumbami, the wicketkeeper-batsman sustained an injury in the first T20 following a delivery from Jaydev Unadkat. While official word on his involvement in the second encounter remains in doubt, it could very well be seen if Regis Chakabva gets his chance. The rest of the XI is expected to remain the same as Graeme Cremer will certainly not want to change a winning combination.

India

The squad selection in the first T20 international saw the Indians take the squad rotation a bit too far. With the likes of Mandeep Singh handed debuts, it is more likely that Dhawal Kulkarni and Faiz Fazal make it back into the fold in order to swing the pendulum back in the favor the visitors.

Moreover, should the Indians lose, it will certainly go on to tarnish MS Dhoni’s record as Indian skipper in T20 internationals. The squad selection could see Dhawal Kulkarni make a comeback into the side while Rishi Dhawan seems to be on the way out. KL Rahul’s duck in the previous match may well see him rested while Karun Nair attempts to make a comeback into the fold.

Playing XI (Probable)

Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer (C), Regis Chakabva/ Richmond Mutumbami (WK), Chamu Chibhabha, Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Elton Chigambura, Donald Tiripano, Neville Madziva, Maurai Muzarabani

India: MS Dhoni (C&WK), KL Rahul/Faiz Fazal, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu/Karun Nair, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

StAttack

1. The first T20I of the series was Zimbabwe’s second win against India on the spin. Prior to their tow wicket win, Zimbabwe had defended 145 against the Indians at Harare when the two sides had met earlier.

2. Faiz Fazal is the only member of India’s squad not to have participated in IPL 2016.

3. Elton Chigambura needs just four sixes to complete 50 sixes in T20 internationals thereby becoming the second Zimbabwe player to do so.