India vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction: Who will win today's 1st T20I match?
The dust hasn't yet settled on the 2024 T20 World Cup. But the international cricket schedule, like time, waits for none. As Mumbai finishes embracing the World Cup winners, a second-string India are all set to face off against Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series.
The series will serve as an opportunity for plenty of Indian youngsters to make names for themselves. Several debuts are expected, with the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Tushar Deshpande among those in contention to feature in the opening game on Saturday, July 6.
Shubman Gill will lead the Men in Blue after a disappointing Indian Premier League campaign in which the Gujarat Titans finished eighth. He doesn't have a great deal of experience to call upon either, with even Sanju Samson missing out on the first two T20Is.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, aren't in a great place right now. They missed out on qualification for the 2024 T20 World Cup and are in a transition period where they're moving on from the veterans who have served their side well over the years.
However, the African nation will know the kind of eyeballs an India series draws, that too one that's five matches long. The scope of the assignment cannot be underestimated for Zimbabwe, who have enough talent in their ranks to ask a couple of questions of an inexperienced Indian side.
Zimbabwe have beaten India in two T20Is before. Can they add to that tally on Saturday? Or will India breeze past them like they're expected to?
IND vs ZIM 2024: India start as overwhelming favorites
Zimbabwe will pose a threat with the ball. Richard Ngarava is a terrific bowler, and Blessing Muzarabani's new-ball prowess cannot be understated. With Harare not being particularly batter-friendly, India could be in trouble if they play too many shots too early.
However, the Men in Blue heavily outmatch the hosts in the other department. Ravi Bishnoi will lead a spin attack that has plenty of part-time options, while Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan nearly made the 2024 T20 World Cup squad and are canny operators in their own right.
Zimbabwe are without the experience of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Ryan Burl, and while that's a move that could serve them well in the long run, their replacements are likely to take some time to adjust. The Indian bowlers could prove too challenging for the home side's batting unit.
Anything can happen in a game of cricket, but India are the overwhelming favorites for this encounter.
Prediction: India to win 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe.