IND vs ZIM, 1st T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Shubman Gill will lead India in ZIM T20Is [X]

On Saturday, defending T20 champions India will cross swords against a spirited Zimbabwean outfit in the first T20I of the much-awaited five-match series. The high-voltage face-off is scheduled at the iconic Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe. 

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Team Previews

India

Led by Rohit Sharma, India recently defeated South Africa by seven runs in a nerve-wrecking final to clinch their second T20 World Cup title. 

However, the Men in Blue will field a second-string side against Zimbabwe, with young batter Shubman Gill leading the team. 

Besides Gill, the burden of Indian batting will be on Ruturaj Gaikwad and IPL 2024 sensation Abhishek Sharma, who will likely make his debut in Yashasvi Jaiswal's absence. 

Meanwhile, India's middle-order batting will revolve around Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag, who had a stellar IPL 2024 stint with Rajasthan Royals. 

In the absence of Sanju Samson, there will be a toss-up between Dhruv Jurel and Jitesh Sharma for the keeper's slot, while Washington Sundar will bring immense all-round value to the table. 

The Indian pace attack looks incredibly potent, with Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar capable of running through the Zimbabwean batting lineup. Meanwhile, young tweaker Ravi Bishnoi will pose a serious threat to the Chevrons with his wily leg spin. 

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Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe [X]

Much like India, Zimbabwe will also miss several senior players, particularly Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Ryan Burl. However, the Sikandar Raza-led side can give the Indians a run for their money, riding on their squad balance and home advantage. 

Skipper Raza will be the biggest asset with bat and ball for Zimbabwe, with the lethal duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava leading the hosts' bowling attack. 

The eyes will also be on bowling all-rounder Luke Jongwe, who will play the series as one of the senior-most players. 

Apart from these names, Zimbabwe will also rely on Brian Bennett, Wesley Madhevere and Innocent Kaia, who are expected to play key roles with the bat. 

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Match details & Live streaming

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Harare Sports Club Pitch Report

As it's an afternoon game, expect a flat pitch offering excellent batting conditions at Harare Sports Club. 

The batters will exploit the track's even pace and bounce to score runs, while the seamers will likely rely on cutters and variations to succeed at this venue. 

The spinners might get a hint of turn, particularly in the latter half. However, as it's the first game of the series, don't expect the track to deteriorate. So, the toss-winner might opt to bowl first. 

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Probable Playing XIs

India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar

Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Wesley Madhevere, Clive Madande (WK), Luke Jongwe, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Richard Ngarava

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

IND vs ZIM 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the strength of both teams, we reckon India will emerge triumphant in this match. 

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