Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has rejected claims that India are overwhelming favourites to win the three-match T20I series. The veteran all-rounder feels Zimbabwe and India have equal odds of winning and expects an exciting series in Harare.
The series will commence on July 23 at Harare Sports Club, and the remaining two will be played on 25 and 26 July, respectively, at the Harare Sports Club.
India will be heading into the series after a tough white-ball tour of Europe. The team, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, lost 2-0 to Ireland before suffering a 4-0 series defeat to England in the T20I series. The visitors also lost the ODI series to England 2-1 with Shubman Gill leading the charge.
Sikandar Raza Backs Zimbabwe's Chances
Although India has been quite superb in T20 cricket, what Raza feels is performances shown by Zimbabwe lately justify them as a genuine contender.
"Both countries will have an equal chance in this series. But one thing I am very sure about is that because Zimbabwe has been playing very consistent and very entertaining cricket, I can say this for sure that this series will be very entertaining."
He also noted that with the 'changing of the guards' between the teams, more young players are getting chances.
"Yes, India is going through a transition and to some extent you'll see Zimbabwe is also gonna have a little bit of transition happening as well. I don't see it as a one-sided series."
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Zimbabwe Look to Continue Strong T20 Form
Under Raza's leadership, Zimbabwe has achieved many great results in the shortest format of the game. It was he who gave Zimbabwe an unlikely win over Australia in the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe also had notable wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
India will be buoyed by their last visit to Zimbabwe in 2024, when they responded to a first-up loss to clinch a 4-1 win in the five-game T20I series under Shubman Gill.
The series will provide both sides with a chance to lay a platform ahead of the next international series. India will hope to get out of the rut of disappointing results, while Zimbabwe will hope to show that they can challenge one of the best sides around.
Representing two enthused sides, the three-game tussle will surely test the endurance, just as Raza is expecting.
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