Predicting India’s Playing XI for their third T20I against Zimbabwe

After a shock defeat in the series opener, Team India staged a brilliant comeback in the second T20I against Zimbabwe to clinch a massive 100-run win. Shubman Gill and Co. will now aim to extend their lead when they meet Sikandar Raza’s men for the third match at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, July 10.

It was opener Abhishek Sharma who led the charge with a blitzkrieg 46-ball hundred. India posted 234/2 in 20 overs before bundling out the hosts for 134 in 18.4 overs, thanks to Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan’s three-wicket haul.

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue team will have the services of three World Cup champions Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube in the upcoming match. But will they go with the winning combination or make some changes?

Here is India’s predicted playing XI for the 3rd T20 against Zimbabwe:

Openers: Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma

One of the main doubts in the Indian line-up will be their opening. With Shubman Gill being the captain, he will continue to play although he failed to shine as expected in the first two matches. But what about Abhishek Sharma’s spot with the return of Yashasvi Jaiswal?

Abhishek registered a duck in the first match but slammed a record-breaking match-winning century in the previous match. Given his scintillating form in the 2024 IPL and internationally, the southpaw is expected to remain in the opening role. Jaiswal, who has played 17 T20 matches so far, is expected to sit out for the upcoming match.

Middle-order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh 

Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to bat at No. 3. In the last match, the Chennai Super Kings skipper struggled to get going at the start but later accelerated and finished with an unbeaten 77 off 47 balls. Meanwhile, Dhurv Jurel is expected to be replaced by the experienced Sanju Samson.

The Rajasthan Royals skipper’s presence in the middle order will be a big advantage for India. He is a clean hitter of the ball against both spin and pace bowling. Riyan Parag is expected to get another chance despite failing to shine in the first match, scoring just two runs. Rinku Singh will be the finisher. The southpaw slammed a quick-fire 48* off 22 balls in the previous match.

All-rounders: Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar

Shivam Dube is likely to find a place in the XI and be set up with the role of middle-order acceleration. The series is a great opportunity for the fast-bowling all-rounder to show his all-round prowess. Washington Sundar was brilliant with the ball in the first match, picking up two wickets at an economy of 2.80. He also chipped in with 27 runs with the bat.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar

Ravi Bishnoi is currently the leading wicket-taker of the series with six scalps from two matches. The leg-spinner registered figures of 4/13 and 2/11 in the first and second match, respectively. He is expected to continue his brilliant form in the upcoming matches.

Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar will take charge of the fast bowling. Both had a mediocre outing in the first match but were impressive in the previous one. Although Mukesh conceded an economy of over 10, he grabbed three wickets. On the other hand, Avesh took three wickets at an economy of just 5.00.

India’s Predicted XI vs Zimbabwe in 3rd T20I

Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

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