Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has brushed aside the notion that India would be overwhelming favorites in the three-match T20I series that starts on Thursday. He feels that both teams have equal chances of winning the trophy as both are transitioning sides looking to make a statement.
India’s white-ball team had just completed a miserable tour of England where they relinquished their number one status.
New T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer led his team to a 2-0 series loss against Ireland before suffering a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series against England. They also struggled on the ODI front as they lost the 3-match ODI series against England 2-1 under the leadership of Shubman Gill.
Sikandar Raza Backs Zimbabwe to Continue Giant-Killing Run
Despite India’s recent struggles, Raza does not believe Zimbabwe are underdogs and says that the match between the two countries will be a toss-up.
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“Both teams will have equal chances in this series. But one thing I know for sure is that because Zimbabwe has shown very consistent and entertaining cricket, I can safely say this series will be highly entertaining,” Raza said during the Star Sports interview.
Zimbabwe comes into the series on a high after posting some spectacular results in the past year, including a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in Colombo at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which sent the hosts into shock defeat in the group stage.
In addition to the victory over Australia, Zimbabwe has also registered emphatic wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the T20Is this year.
“I feel the results that Zimbabwe has shown, especially in the last year, are a clear indication that Zimbabwe can compete with anyone in the shortest format of the game,” Raza said.
The Zimbabwean legend, who has played 136 T20I matches for his country, feels both teams have had a transition period.
“As far as winning and losing are concerned, both teams have equal chances to win the series.
Yes, India is going through a transition period, and to a lesser extent, Zimbabwe will also have a transition period. I don’t think this series will be one-sided,” Raza added.
All three matches will be played in the same stadium, with the second and third T20I matches scheduled for July 25 and 26. With India looking to turn things around and Zimbabwe looking to continue their giant-killing exploits, the two teams are expected to put on a thrilling show as each will be eager to get off to a winning start.
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