'A Very Good Chance': Hamilton Believes Sikandar Raza & Co Can Upset Shubman Gill's India
Ind vs Zim [X.com]
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Hamilton Masakadza is optimistic about Zimbabwe's chances against India in their ongoing five-match T20I series in Harare.
After the teams exchanged victories in the first two matches, Masakadza emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where a single player can turn the tide of a game.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe's strategy, he noted their reliance on the T20 format as a platform for nurturing young talent, despite missing several senior players who contribute to longer formats.
I see us having a very good chance: Masakadza
"In T20 cricket, anything can happen on the day. It's a bit different from 50 overs and Test cricket in that performances need to be sustained over longer periods and involve more players. In T20 cricket, one person can change the game on the day," Masakadza told Times of India in an interview.
"So, I see us having a very good chance, much like the Indian side as well. We've been using the T20 format for a while now as a breeding ground and platform to introduce new players. Our team is also slightly younger, with a few fresh faces looking forward to making their mark in the international setup. We're really looking forward to it."
India, having suffered an initial setback with a surprising defeat, showcased their resilience in the second match with a dominant victory, bolstered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive century.
Masakadza acknowledged India's depth of talent and the competitive edge each player brings to the squad.
"There's a lot of talent in the Indian team, and many players are competing for spots in the senior side. We used to have them quite frequently, where they would select the best performers from the IPL and then come straight to Zimbabwe. They did this for three or four years in a row with players like Raina and Kohli. It's exciting that India is back on our shores. Playing against India is always a significant challenge for any team."
Looking ahead, the series stands poised at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for July 10th at Harare Sports Club.