ZIM vs IND T20I Series 2024: India’s predicted XI against Zimbabwe for 5th T20I

Team India. (Source – Twitter/X)

India and Zimbabwe are set to face off in the fifth and final T20I of their ongoing series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 14. After losing the first T20I of the series, the Indian team made a remarkable comeback, winning the next three matches and clinching the series as well.

The fifth T20I will only be a consolation game for the hosts as even if they manage to win, it would have no effect on the outcome of the series. However, it could be interesting to see what lineup India fields in the final game.

Here’s India’s predicted XI for the 4th T20I against Zimbabwe:

Openers – Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal

Team India will once again be expected to open with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo was in fantastic touch in the fourth T20I, as chasing a target of 153 runs, Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 93 off just 53 deliveries.

On the other hand, Gill put in a just as impressive showing too, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 39. He will hope to put in another brilliant showing in the upcoming game.

Middle-order: Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in great form of late. With 133 runs to his name in the series so far, Gaikwad will be looking to put in a good showing in the upcoming clash.

Sanju Samson will again fill the role of wicketkeeper in the fifth T20I against Zimbabwe. The star batter has gotten limited opportunities in the series to showcase his skills but he is a capable batter who can win the matches on his own.

RInku Singh will complete India’s middle order. The ace batter needs no introduction and has been known to put in excellent performances in tense situations.

All-rounders: Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar

India’s all-rounder lineup will consist of Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar. After missing the first two games of the series due to being a part of the T29 World Cup squad, Dube will be keen on proving himself to maintain his place in the team. Bowling two overs in the fourth T20I, Dube took one wicket and conceded 11 runs. He will hope to have a contribution with the bat as well in the final T20I.

Washington Sundar could be the second all-rounder in India’s lineup. Sundar bowled four overs in the fourth T20I, where he took one wicket and conceded 32 runs.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Khaleel Ahmed

India’s bowling attack for the fifth T20I could consist of two pacers and one specialist spinner. Ravi Bishnoi will fill the role of spinner. The star bowler failed to take any wickets in his last game; he bowled four overs and conceded 22 runs.

On the other hand, Tushar Deshpande and Khaleel Ahmed could be India’s two pace options. Deshpande made his international debut in the fourth T20I, where he took one wicket and conceded 30 runs in the three overs. Meanwhile Khaleel Ahmed bowled four overs and took two wickets, conceding 32 runs.