Both teams entered the contest under pressure after heavy defeats in their opening Super Eight matches. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, suffered a 76-run loss to South Africa, while Zimbabwe were hammered by 107 runs by the West Indies.
With semi-final qualification on the line, the stakes are simple — the winner remains in the hunt, while the loser bows out of the tournament.
Historically, India have dominated this rivalry. In 13 T20Is between the two sides, the Men in Blue have won 10, with Zimbabwe managing three victories. The two teams have met once before in T20 World Cup history — during the 2022 edition in Melbourne — where India registered a commanding 71-run win.
At the toss, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza explained his decision and confirmed one change to the XI.
“We’re going to have a bowl. Not your usual Chennai wicket. Looks moist, want to give the best chance to the seamers. If we can restrict India to a low total, will go a long way. As much as we’re feeling the heat, our opposition will be feeling the same. It’s holding on alright. One tactical change, Cremer misses out,” Raza said.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed two changes to his side. Axar Patel replaced Washington Sundar, while Sanju Samson came in for Rinku Singh.
“Happy with the decision, were looking to bat first. Boys are ready. Mood in the camp is relaxed. Huddle was too good, the way he spoke in the huddle (Hardik). Even if you win or lose, you learn something out of it. Just forget what happened in the last game. Axar comes in for Washington, Samson comes in for Rinku,” Suryakumar said.
Teams:
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
