The ICC has released the latest Future Tours Programme (FTP) for women's cricket for the 2025-29 cycle, bringing several key updates aimed at enhancing the global profile of the sport. Among the highlights are dedicated windows for three major T20 leagues: the Women's Premier League (WPL) in January-February, The Hundred in August, and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in November. This strategic scheduling ensures uninterrupted participation of international stars, thereby heightening the competition’s appeal and fan engagement across the globe.

ICC unveils new women's FTP with separate windows for WPL, Hundred, and WBBL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also shifted the WPL window to January-February from 2026. This adjustment aligns with Cricket Australia's (CA) decision to reschedule its marquee international home fixtures, previously held in mid-January, to a February-March window. The 2025 Women’s Ashes, set to begin in January, will be Australia’s last home series during this time slot until at least 2029. Following the WPL in 2026, Australia is set to host India for a highly anticipated tour, featuring one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

See Also: KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel head to Australia early for crucial preparation ahead of Test

ICC Women's Championship expanded and new T20 Champions Trophy announced

In a bid to expand the reach of women's cricket, the ICC Women's Championship will now include 11 teams, with Zimbabwe joining as the latest addition. This expansion follows the recent inclusion of Bangladesh and Ireland, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to growing the women’s game. With Zimbabwe’s addition, every Full Member of the ICC, except Afghanistan, will now field a team in the ODI Championship. The current cycle will culminate in the 2025 ODI World Cup in India, promising a highly competitive format with new entrants.

The ICC also introduced a T20 Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Sri Lanka in 2027. This event is part of ICC’s strategy to have at least one global women’s tournament every year, with the Champions Trophy joining an already busy schedule of major events. In 2028, fans can look forward to the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics (August) and the T20 World Cup (September), which will take place within a 14-month period, offering fans an action-packed calendar of top-level women’s cricket.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced the complete schedule for the all-format home series against Afghanistan. While Zimbabwe will host a two-match Test series, the first one will be a historic Test, which is returning to the country after 28 years.  

Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series, and another two-match Test series. As they are not in the ICC World Test Championship, it is not a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship.

Zimbabwe will host Boxing Day and New Year Tests

Zimbabwe is ready to host a Boxing Day Test. It will be their second Boxing Day Test hosting. Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day hosting was in 1996 when they hosted England at Harare. That rain-hit Test ended with a draw result.

Apart from hosting one Boxing Day Test, Zimbabwe experienced the Boxing Day Tests in 2000 (against New Zealand at Wellington) and 2017 (against South Africa at Port Elizabeth) as the visitors. 

After hosting the Boxing Day Test, Zimbabwe will also host Afghanistan in the New Year Test, starting on January 2, 2025. In Zimbabwe's cricket history, it will be the earliest of any calendar year to start a Test match. 

Already met in two Tests

Harare will host all six white-ball matches against Afghanistan. After the white-ball series, Bulawayo will host both the Test matches. 

They have already met in two Tests, which Abu Dhabi hosted in March 2021. After Zimbabwe won the first Test by 10 wickets, Afghanistan won the second Test by six wickets.

Complete international cricket schedule for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

December 9, 2024: 1st T20I at Harare

December 11, 2024: 2nd T20I at Harare

December 12, 2024: 3rd T20I at Harare

December 15, 2024: 1st ODI at Harare

December 17,. 2024: 2nd ODI at Harare

December 19, 2024: 3rd ODI at Harare

December 26-30, 2024: 1st Test at Bulawayo

January 2-6, 2025: 2nd Test at Bulawayo

Zimbabwe's Star All-Rounder smashed 133* off just 43 balls with 15 sixes and helped Zimbabwe to set a world record T20I total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B game against Gambia.

Zimbabwe's total of 344/4 surpassed the previous record set by Nepal of scoring 314/3 against Mongolia in 2023.

See Also:- Gautam Gambhir reveals about Jasprit Bumrah's workload management

They entered the charts of the Highest Total in T20Is earlier this month by scoring 286/5 against Seychelles. A week prior to that India had entered the list with a massive total of 297/6 against Bangladesh.

Highest totals in men's T20Is

Just a few days ago, India recorded the second-highest total in T20 cricket history. Now, Zimbabwe set up a new T20 record during their opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group B.

It is the Sub Regional Africa Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and Kenya is hosting this challenge. Zimbabwe faced Seychelles in their tournament opener on Saturday (October 19). 

SEE ALSO: Deandra Dottin sets new record in Women's T20 World Cup history

Zimbabwe scored 286/5 in 20 overs

After Seychelles chose to field first, Zimbabwe scored 286/5 in 20 overs. It was the fourth-highest T20 total and third-highest T20I total. 

Zimbabwean openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani set a 145-run partnership for the first wicket. While Bennett scored 91 off 35 balls with eight fours and seven sixes, the wicketkeeper-batter Marumani scored 86 off 37 balls with ten fours and five sixes. 

Also, captain Sikander Raza had a great cameo with 36 not out off just 13 balls with the help of five fours and two sixes. 

Zimbabwe broke SRH record

While it was the fourth-highest total in T20 cricket history, it was also the highest T20 total without any century. The previous record in this category was 277/3 by SunRisers Hyderabad against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. On the other hand, the previous T20I record in this category was 260/6 by Sri Lanka against Kenya during the ICC World T20 2007. 

Highest T20 totals

Zimbabwe claimed a big win

Chasing down the mammoth target, Seychelles scored 18/2 in 6.1 overs before the rain interruption. While the DLS target was set to 95 runs in that situation, Zimbabwe won the match by 76 runs in the DLS method. 

India’s chase began explosively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal setting the tone by striking three fours off left-arm seamer Richard Ngavara in the opening over. Unrelenting in his aggression, Jaiswal then targeted Tendai Chatara, hitting four more boundaries in his first over, which was the third of the innings. The seamers consistently offered him width, and Jaiswal capitalized by driving the ball through point, seamlessly switching between grounded shots and powerful cuts.

India’s rapid start saw them raise their fifty in just 3.5 overs, with Jaiswal contributing a blistering 39 runs to the tally. He showcased remarkable control and precision, reaching his half-century off a mere 29 balls. His innings was marked by aggressive yet calculated shot-making, which kept the scoreboard ticking at an electrifying pace. His dominance over the bowlers was evident as he maintained a high strike rate and displayed his wide array of strokes.

One of the most memorable moments of Jaiswal’s innings came when he faced Raza. Beaten in flight, he swiftly adjusted his stance to loft the ball through the line, sending it inside-out over extra cover. This exquisite shot bisected the narrow gap between deep cover and wide long-off, underscoring Jaiswal’s exceptional skill and composure under pressure. His adaptability and quick reflexes were on full display, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable batter.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Player Analysis: What moves are propelling Washington Sundar to the top?

Detailed Analysis of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Match Winning Innings

In the game, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his adaptability and precision against different bowling lengths, delivering a masterclass in shot selection and control. Against full-length deliveries, Jaiswal scored an impressive 26 runs off just 12 balls, maintaining an 83.3% control rate. His ability to dominate these deliveries set the tone early in the innings. When faced with good length balls, he continued his aggressive yet controlled approach, adding 27 runs from 16 balls with an even higher control rate of 87.5%. This consistency in managing varying lengths highlighted his skill in handling bowlers’ attempts to unsettle him.

Jaiswal’s prowess was further evident against back-of-length deliveries, where he amassed 40 runs from 24 balls, albeit with a slightly lower control rate of 79.1%. His capacity to score effectively from these deliveries showed his range and versatility as a batsman. Interestingly, he faced only one short-length ball, handling it with perfect control, although he didn’t score from it. This meticulous approach across different lengths not only underscored his technical proficiency but also his strategic mindset, making him a standout performer in the match.

Shubman Gill then took charge, showcasing his skill against Faraz Akram’s gentle seam deliveries with a masterful display of hitting on the up. Gill’s second consecutive half-century, reached in 35 balls, was less aggressive compared to Jaiswal’s, but no less effective. As the match neared its conclusion, the only remaining intrigue was whether Jaiswal could score the 17 of the 18 runs needed to reach his century.

Ultimately, Jaiswal fell just short, finishing unbeaten on 93. Despite missing out on a hundred, he put on an exhilarating display of batting, embodying the aggressive intent that had helped India win the T20 World Cup last month after a 17-year wait. His innings was a testament to his talent and the fearless approach that has become the hallmark of this Indian team.

See Also: MLC 2024: Season Analysis: Who tops the Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric Leaderboard?

ZIM vs IND Match Preview

India won the T20 series over Zimbabwe in perhaps the most comprehensive way possible. They chased off a par total of 156 with 10 wickets in hand, thanks to some outstanding batting from Jaiswal and Gill. The final match is meaningless in the context of the series, but both Zimbabwe and India would like to use it to learn more about their future players.

ZIM vs IND Match Details

Zimbabwe vs India – 5th Match, T20I Match

Venue: Harare Sports Club – Harare

Date & Time: 14th July 2024 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

ZIM vs IND Venue Stats

ZIM vs IND Pitch Report

Despite the bowlers dominating on Saturday and the batters struggling, India demonstrated the quality of the batting surface at the Harare Sports Stadium in Sunday’s game. Whoever bats first in this T20I will aim for a score of 180 or higher.

ZIM vs IND Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

ZIM vs IND Last Five Matches

ZIM vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Trent Boult confirms retirement from T20 World Cup following New Zealand’s group stage exit

ZIM vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

India Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Jonathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Brian Bennett – Although the 20 year old batting all-rounder made only four from five balls in the last game. He hit another boundary and India’s bowlers will be wary of him being at the crease for any length of time.
• Sikandar Raza – The captain dismissed two of India’s top three in the last match and now has picked up five wickets across this series.

Top Picks – India

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – The right-handed top order batter captained Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 Indian Premier League and hit 11 fours along with one six in Sunday’s T20I.
• Mukesh Kumar – The opening pace bowler dismissed both of Zimbabwe’s openers in Sunday’s T20I and he has now got the wicket of Innocent Kaia in both matches in the series.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill(C), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(VC), Abhishek Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Blessing Muzarabani

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Abhishek Sharma(C), Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi(VC), Blessing Muzarabani

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

Vice-captain – Ravi Bishnoi, Sikandar Raza

Wicketkeeper – Clive Madande

ZIM vs IND Probable Winners:

India has not looked like losing either of its last two matches, and they are expected to arrive at the Harare Sport Club full of confidence on Sunday. Zimbabwe should be better than they were on Wednesday, and if Richard Ngarava can return to his best form, they could be a real threat with the ball. Our prediction, based on India’s strong batters, is for another victory. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

ZIM vs IND Match Preview

With two games remaining in the T20I series, India leads 2-1 heading into Saturday’s match at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe, the hosts, took a 1-0 lead, but were defeated by 100 runs in the subsequent match and 23 runs in Wednesday’s T20I. Zimbabwe managed to extend the match on Wednesday, but they were unable to win following falling to 39/5 while chasing 183. So far in the series, they appear to be the weaker side in all departments when compared to India. There was some criticism of India’s batting strategy in the previous game, but their total of 182/4 was sufficient to win. With plenty of variety in their bowling and a long batting lineup, they should be able to secure another comfortable victory.

ZIM vs IND Match Details

Zimbabwe vs India – 4th Match, T20I Match

Venue: Harare Sports Club – Harare

Date & Time: 13th July 2024 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

ZIM vs IND Venue Stats

ZIM vs IND Pitch Report

Despite the bowlers dominating on Saturday and the batters struggling, India demonstrated the quality of the batting surface at the Harare Sports Stadium in Sunday’s game. Whoever bats first in this T20I will aim for a score of 180 or higher.

ZIM vs IND Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

ZIM vs IND Last Five Matches

ZIM vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Trent Boult confirms retirement from T20 World Cup following New Zealand’s group stage exit

ZIM vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

India Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Jonathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Brian Bennett – Although the 20 year old batting all-rounder made only four from five balls in the last game. He hit another boundary and India’s bowlers will be wary of him being at the crease for any length of time.
• Sikandar Raza – The captain dismissed two of India’s top three in the last match and now has picked up five wickets across this series.

Top Picks – India

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – The right-handed top order batter captained Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 Indian Premier League and hit 11 fours along with one six in Sunday’s T20I.
• Mukesh Kumar – The opening pace bowler dismissed both of Zimbabwe’s openers in Sunday’s T20I and he has now got the wicket of Innocent Kaia in both matches in the series.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill(C), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(VC), Abhishek Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Blessing Muzarabani

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Abhishek Sharma(C), Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi(VC), Blessing Muzarabani

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

Vice-captain – Ravi Bishnoi, Sikandar Raza

Wicketkeeper – Clive Madande

ZIM vs IND Probable Winners:

India has not looked like losing either of its last two matches, and they are expected to arrive at the Harare Sport Club full of confidence on Saturday. Zimbabwe should be better than they were on Wednesday, and if Richard Ngarava can return to his best form, they could be a real threat with the ball. Our prediction, based on India’s strong batters, is for another victory. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

In the first three matches of the series, Washington Sundar has emerged as the standout bowler, claiming six wickets at an average of 9 and an economy rate of 4.5. His exceptional performance has set him apart, boasting the best average and economy among bowlers from both sides. Sundar’s prowess with the ball has been a key factor in his team’s success thus far.

Washington Sundar made his T20I debut in 2017 and has played 46 T20Is since then. Despite his talent, he has never been a regular member of the Indian T20I squad. Various factors, such as injuries, inconsistent form, and stiff competition from players like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, have hindered his ability to secure a permanent spot. Consequently, he has yet to feature in a T20 World Cup.

Even when India required an off-spinner for the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, the selectors opted for the experienced R Ashwin over Sundar. In 2023, Sundar played eight T20Is, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 6.3. Despite the challenges, his recent performances indicate a resurgence, showcasing his potential to be a vital asset for the Indian team.

See Also: MLC 2024: Season Analysis: Who tops the Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric Leaderboard?

Detailed Analysis of Washington Sundar’s Performance in the Series

India began the series against Zimbabwe with a disappointing 13-run defeat, but Washington Sundar had a standout performance. The 24-year-old took 2/11 in his four overs and scored 27 runs in the chase. In the second T20I, he recorded figures of 1/28, yet his best performance came in the third T20I in Harare, where he achieved his best T20I figures of 3/15 in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza attempted to put pressure on Washington Sundar immediately but paid the price with his wicket. Washington, keeping his strategy simple, bowled outside off, enticing Raza into a shot that went straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket. In the same over, Johnathan Campbell was tempted into a drive, resulting in an outside edge that was comfortably caught by the slip fielder.

Washington’s first three overs were economical, conceding just eight runs before he was taken out of the attack. During the next five overs, Dion Myers and Clive Madande took advantage of his absence, adding 49 runs to the scoreboard. The duo formed a vital partnership, putting on 77 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Washington’s return to the attack saw him break the partnership by getting Madande caught at deep square leg.

Throughout the series, Washington has maintained a consistent approach. By repeatedly hitting a good length and bowling outside off, he has focused on control, forcing the batters into making mistakes. As highlighted by the statistics, nearly 92 percent of his deliveries in the series have been on a good length. Additionally, Washington has generated more turn than Ravi Bishnoi, with an average turn of 2.5 degrees compared to Bishnoi’s 2.3 degrees in the first three matches.

Interestingly, Washington hasn’t bowled a single over in the powerplay during this series. Known for his ability to bowl defensive overs with the new ball early in his career, he has instead bowled the majority of his overs in the middle phase (9 out of 12) in these three games. This strategic shift might be the best way to utilize Washington’s skills effectively, ensuring he continues to be a key asset in the team’s bowling lineup.

India boasts quality seamers like Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj, who are well-equipped to handle powerplay overs. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Axar Patel also showcased his ability to bowl effectively in the first six overs. This strategy allows India to maximize the potential of Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs, where they can exert more control and pressure on the opposition.

While there are few doubts about Washington’s bowling capabilities, particularly if he can stay fit, India will be looking for more contributions from him with the bat. As a left-handed batter, he has averaged 17.42 in T20s since 2023, which is respectable for someone batting at No.8. However, his strike rate of 111.2 needs improvement. Increasing his scoring rate will make him an even more valuable asset to the team, enhancing India’s overall batting depth and flexibility.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Match Analysis: What led to the collapse of India’s young guns on Harare’s Spin-friendly track?

ZIM vs IND Match Preview

With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Zimbabwe and India face off for the third time on Wednesday in Harare. Zimbabwe won the first game on Saturday but were defeated by India by 100 runs in Sunday’s second Twenty20 International. Zimbabwe made a surprising start to the series with a narrow victory, but few were surprised when India thrashed them in the second T20I on Sunday. However, there have been some positive individual performances, and we expect the hosts to attack again in this game. After a disappointing performance on Saturday, India returned to their best with bat and ball in Sunday’s game. They have a very confident batting lineup, and we believe they will perform well against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack in this T20I.

ZIM vs IND Match Details

Zimbabwe vs India – 3rd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Harare Sports Club – Harare

Date & Time: 10th July 2024 at 04:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

ZIM vs IND Venue Stats

ZIM vs IND Pitch Report

Despite the bowlers dominating on Saturday and the batters struggling, India demonstrated the quality of the batting surface at the Harare Sports Stadium in Sunday’s game. Whoever bats first in this T20I will aim for a score of 180 or higher.

ZIM vs IND Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

ZIM vs IND Last Five Matches

ZIM vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Trent Boult confirms retirement from T20 World Cup following New Zealand’s group stage exit

ZIM vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

India Probable Playing XIs

Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XIs

Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Jonathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

Topmost Picks for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Zimbabwe

• Brian Bennett – The young all-rounder is an excellent attacking player and he will bat at number three in this game. He has hit the most boundaries or the joint-most for Zimbabwe in each of his last three T20Is.
• Sikandar Raza – The experienced all-rounder has impressed with his captaincy and took three wickets in Zimbabwe’s victory on Saturday.

Top Picks – India

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – The right-handed top order batter captained Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 Indian Premier League and hit 11 fours along with one six in Sunday’s T20I.
• Mukesh Kumar – The opening pace bowler dismissed both of Zimbabwe’s openers in Sunday’s T20I and he has now got the wicket of Innocent Kaia in both matches in the series.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill(C), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(VC), Abhishek Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Blessing Muzarabani

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ZIM vs IND Dream11 Team:

Clive Madande, Innocent Kaia, Wesley Madhevere, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Abhishek Sharma(C), Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi(VC), Blessing Muzarabani

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

Vice-captain – Ravi Bishnoi, Sikandar Raza

Wicketkeeper – Clive Madande

ZIM vs IND Probable Winners:

India responded brilliantly to their defeat in the first game by outperforming Zimbabwe in all areas on Sunday. Brian Bennett has wowed with his attacking intent throughout the series, but he will require two or three other batters to step up in this match to give Zimbabwe a chance. India is back to their best, and we expect them to win Wednesday’s match. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

A duck on debut, followed by a stunning 46-ball century in the second match—fortunes can turn quickly in T20 cricket, especially for players who adopt a ‘high risk, high reward’ approach. Abhishek Sharma embodies this style of play. Less than 24 hours ago, the left-hander faced disappointment on his international debut, getting out for a duck in the first T20I against Zimbabwe. As the first batter dismissed in a run chase of 116, India ultimately fell short by 13 runs. On his fourth ball, Abhishek miscued a pull shot straight to the backward square-leg fielder, sparking criticism that Indian batters were playing too aggressively too early in a manageable chase.

However, for Abhishek, this aggressive approach is his signature style, the very tactic that earned him recognition in the 2024 IPL season. Despite the early setback, he remained unfazed. His explosive century in the second match showcased his fearless batting and ability to bounce back. This performance not only redeemed his debut duck but also demonstrated his potential to turn games around with his aggressive play, reaffirming his position as a key player for India in T20 cricket.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Match Analysis: What led to the collapse of India’s young guns on Harare’s Spin-friendly track?

In-depth Evaluation of Abhishek Sharma’s Ton via True Sigma Value

The 23-year-old Abhishek Sharma backed his innate aggressive approach, scoring a sensational hundred in just 46 balls, dramatically turning his fortunes around. After a four-ball duck in his debut match the previous day, he made a fitting statement by hitting a six off the first ball he faced, marking his first runs in international cricket. Abhishek reached his half-century in the 11th over with a six and continued his rampage, bringing up his century only three overs later with three consecutive sixes.

During his innings, Abhishek had a brief period of consolidation. Between the fourth and eighth overs, he managed just 10 runs off 15 balls and survived a scare when he was dropped by Wellington Masakadza in the eighth over while on 27. This dropped catch proved costly for Zimbabwe as Abhishek seized the opportunity and accelerated, scoring an explosive 72 runs off his next 22 balls.

Abhishek shifted gears particularly against Sikandar Raza, the Player of the Match from the previous game with figures of 3/25, hitting him for a four and a six. In the 11th over, he unleashed his fury on medium pacer Dion Myers, smashing three fours and two sixes. The Punjab-born cricketer’s blitz from 50 to 100 came in just 13 balls, making it the joint second-fastest century in T20I history.

True Sigma Value (tSV) is a metric that quantifies a player’s performance in terms of runs per ball relative to other players in the same match. For instance, in a recent match between India and Zimbabwe, the average runs per ball for the entire match was +1.4. Abhishek, however, scored at a rate of 2.1 runs per ball. This performance gives Abhishek a tSV of +0.7, highlighting his superior contribution compared to the overall match context.

Evaluating Abhishek Sharma’s century through True Sigma Values reveals a dynamic and adaptive innings. In the first 10 balls, Abhishek scored a brisk 18 runs with an impressive 60% True Shots, setting a strong foundation. However, he faced a challenging phase in the next 10 balls, managing only 6 runs with a lower 30% True Shots, indicating a struggle to find his rhythm.

Abhishek’s performance saw a dramatic turnaround from balls 31 to 40, where he accelerated significantly, amassing 36 runs with a remarkable 80% True Shots, showcasing his ability to dominate the bowlers. In the final 7 balls of his innings, Abhishek maintained his aggressive approach, scoring 23 runs with a 71.4% True Shots rate. This evaluation through True Sigma Values highlights Abhishek’s adaptability and strategic acceleration throughout his innings, culminating in a match-defining century.

See Also: INDW vs SAW: Player Analysis: Tazmin Brits Capitalizes on India’s Sloppy Performance