Injuries and the dead-rubber-ness of the third T20I between India and Zimbabwe would likely bring in quite a few changes to the visitors’ playing 11 in Harare on Sunday (July 26).
Shreyas Iyer’s men sealed the 2-0 series win with a commanding 90-run victory in the second game on Saturday, overcoming an early batting wobble to post 219 for five. After losing Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cheaply, Ishan Kishan steadied the innings with 81 before Tilak Varma smashed an unbeaten 60, helping India score 61 runs in the final five overs.
Zimbabwe’s chase began brightly through Brian Bennett’s 32, but Yash Thakur dismissed him, and India quickly reduced the hosts to 58 for five. Abhishek then claimed 3/17 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 129.
It was almost all happy and jolly, but, as has been the pattern for the last few weeks, another injury left a sour aftertaste. This time it was Prince Yadav, who went off the field clutching his hamstring after pulling up in only his second over. The Delhi quick was one of the silver linings for this overseas sojourn covering the UK and Zimbabwe — he took two wickets in eight balls here as well — but is now set to miss the third match.
Replacing him should not be a big issue, with Ashok Sharma, who made his debut in the first match, a ready-made substitute.
Unforced changes
India don’t need to win this game, which presents an opportunity to test out some talent on the bench. It’s the perfect opportunity to hand T20I debuts to wicketkeeper-opener Prabhsimran Singh and spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey.
While it would make sense to rest Ishan Kishan, who’d be more secure than ever about his place, for Prabhsimran, India have tended to prefer giving players chances in their usual positions. Abhishek, who hasn’t been at his best in this series but is still India’s first-choice, could sit out.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should get another game after his 20 (9) in the second.
Harsh, who played the ODIs against Afghanistan, could come in for Ravi Bishnoi (or Tilak Varma if the team wants to give the leg-spinner an extended run when he’s in form), while Shedge can be given a chance at Shivam Dube’s expense. Together, Harsh and Shedge could provide the batting depth that will be lost with Dube out of the team.
India’s likely 11
Prabhsimran Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Suryash Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Ashok Sharma, Yash Thakur and Mayank Yadav.
