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India are all set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare this week. The first T20I is scheduled to be played on Thursday, July 23. This is going to be an intriguing series between two teams looking to bounce back strongly in the format. Zimbabwe recently lost a three-match T20I series 1-2 at home against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India are winless in the shortest format in their last seven games. They have lost six out of those games, while one ended without a result. In this article, let’s take a look at the player battles to watch out for:
3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Blessing Muzarabani
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a tough start to his international career earlier this month. Having replaced Sanju Samson in the playing XI, the 15-year-old registered scores of 14, 13, and 15 in the three T20Is he played against England. He was dropped in the fifth and final T20I, as Samson returned to the setup.
During the three games, Sooryavanshi struggled against the pace and bounce from Jofra Archer. The Zimbabwean pitches are also going to have bounce to offer, and Blessing Muzarabani can use it to good effect. However, he isn’t as quick as Archer. It will be interesting to see how this battle between Muzarabani and Sooryavanshi goes.
2. Abhishek Sharma vs Sikandar Raza
During the T20 World Cup earlier this year, Abhishek Sharma was found wanting against off-spinners. Sikandar Raza will look to challenge him, and don’t be surprised to see him bowling inside the power play. Abhishek blew hot and cold during the T20Is against Ireland and England. Abhishek made his international debut a couple of years ago in Zimbabwe. He would want to make a mark on his return to the cricket-loving nation.
Raza, on the other hand, is a clever customer. He understands his limitations and looks to focus on his strengths instead of trying to do too much extra. If he can bowl tight lines to Abhishek and build a few dots, he could put him under pressure, which can eventually lead to his dismissal.
1. Brian Bennett vs Prince Yadav
Brian Bennett was one of the top performers for Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup. He will look to play the anchor’s role, while the others around him would want to play aggressively. If Bennett gets set at the crease, he can rotate strike and hit boundaries every now and then to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Meanwhile, Prince Yadav has had an impressive start to his international career. He will hold the key when it comes to the new ball for India, especially in the absence of veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Prince’s battles with Bennett could play a defining role in the series.
FAQS:
When and where will the match be played?
The match will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, July 23.
What could be a winning score in this match?
A score of over 160 could be competitive. Spinners are expected to play a key role.
Which player can make the biggest difference?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could make the biggest difference if he can get going inside the power play. A few boundaries upfront would do a world of good to his confidence.
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