Following the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, Zimbabwe is set to welcome India for a thrilling five-match T20I series starting July 6. All the action will unfold at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, culminating in the series finale on July 14. Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed this exciting development through a press release, along with the release of the complete series schedule.

Notably, India’s last visit to Zimbabwe was in 2022 for a three-match ODI series, where they secured a clean sweep victory of 3-0 against the hosts. This upcoming T20 series promises to be captivating, marking the Men in Blue’s return to Zimbabwe for T20 after several years, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the cricketing spectacle.

India’s Tour of Zimbabwe: Five-Match T20I Series Schedule Revealed

The Complete Schedule:

Zimbabwe Cricket has officially announced the series schedule following productive discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, expressed his excitement in unveiling the series schedule. He emphasized that hosting India represents Zimbabwe’s premier international cricket event at home this year, acknowledging India’s significant contributions and influence on the sport. Mukuhlani also extended gratitude to the BCCI for their continued commitment to touring Zimbabwe.

Expressing his excitement, he stated, “We are incredibly excited to welcome India for a T20I series in July, marking our premier international event at home this year. India’s unwavering dedication and influence have greatly enriched the game of cricket. A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI for their steadfast commitment to touring Zimbabwe once again. This tour holds immense significance, especially as we endeavor tirelessly to reclaim our position as a formidable force in the highest echelons of the sport.”

The last T20I series between India and Zimbabwe took place in 2016, featuring three thrilling matches that ended in a 1-1 draw, with India clinching victory in the final game. Zimbabwe displayed commendable competitiveness throughout the series, narrowly losing by a margin of only two runs in the first match and three runs in the third. Additionally, in 2015, India engaged in a two-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which also ended in a 1-1 draw.

The anticipation lies in whether prominent Indian players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah will participate in the upcoming series. With the T20 World Cup final scheduled for June 29, 2024, the Indian cricket team faces a hectic schedule if they advance to the final, adding further excitement to their potential involvement in the Zimbabwe series.

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Following a mutual agreement with Zimbabwe Cricket, the former South African all-rounder has resigned as Zimbabwe’s batsman coach ahead of the T20 World Cup. As Zimbabwe ramps up their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on October 16 in Australia, his resignation will be a significant setback.

Klusener’s decision was influenced by his desire to take on additional international professional obligations. According to Zimbabwe Cricket’s statement, After reaching an agreement with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), Lance Klusener will step down as the senior men’s batting coach of Zimbabwe immediately.

“According to his agent, the decision follows Klusener’s desire to pursue professional engagements around the world that will affect his full-time availability for national team events. We are grateful to Lance for everything he has contributed during his time with us.”

Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director Givemore Makoni also commented on Klusener’s departure. 

That includes helping us qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, which is going on in Australia.

He could not continue with us on a full-time basis:-

“Unfortunately, due to his pressing commitments elsewhere. He could not continue with us on a full-time basis. And we agreed that his contract would have to be terminated in the best interest of both parties. We wish him all the best as he pursues new endeavors,”

he concluded.

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After serving as the team’s batting coach from 2016 to 2018, Klusener joined the team in March of this year. Along with Ireland, West Indies, and Scotland, Zimbabwe has been placed in the first round’s Group B. On October 17, he will begin his campaign against Ireland.