India and Zimbabwe face off in the crucial 2nd T20 International at the Harare Sports Club on July 25, 2026.
The second T20 International (T20I) between India and Zimbabwe in 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, 25 July 2026, at the Harare Sports Club. Following recent white-ball challenges in Europe, Shreyas Iyer leads a transition-era Indian team looking to assert its dominance against a highly spirited Zimbabwean side under Sikandar Raza.
Complete Series Schedule
The bilateral engagement comprises three T20Is. To maximize spectatorship, all three fixtures are compactly grouped across four days in late July:
| Date | Match | Venue | Kickoff Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 23 July 2026 | 1st T20I | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| Saturday, 25 July 2026 | 2nd T20I | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
| Sunday, 26 July 2026 | 3rd T20I | Harare Sports Club | 4:30 PM |
Venue Details & Pitch Conditions
The entire series takes place at the historic Harare Sports Club in the capital city of Zimbabwe. Nestled in the heart of Harare, this venue is renowned for its picturesque setting and balanced playing surface.
Historically, the pitch offers reliable bounce and carry during the initial overs, aiding seam bowlers who maintain a disciplined line. As the game progresses, it flattens into an excellent batting track where batsmen can play through the line. The high altitude of Harare ensures that the ball flies well, making high-scoring thrillers common. However, afternoon matches often experience spin value in the second innings as the surface undergoes wear under the sun.
Kickoff & Match Timings
The second T20I begins at the following local and regional standard times on 25 July:
- Local Time (Zimbabwe): 1:00 PM
- Indian Standard Time (IST): 4:30 PM
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 11:00 AM
Broadcast, TV Channels & Live Streaming
Cricket fans worldwide can easily access the live action from Harare through official regional broadcast networks:
- In India (Television): The television rights are held by Unite8 Sports, which will provide comprehensive live coverage across its network channels. Free-to-air users can watch the live broadcast on DD Sports available via DD Free Dish.
- In India (Digital/Streaming): High-definition streaming is available exclusively via the FanCode App and Website, where viewers can purchase a standalone match pass or subscription package.
- In the United Kingdom: Select sports providers will broadcast the games at 12:00 PM BST.
Tickets Information
Tickets for the match can be booked directly through the official [Zimbabwe Cricket](https://zimbabwe cricket.org) portal or at designated physical counters around Harare Sports Club. Given the enormous popularity of Indian cricket tours, tickets are tiered into affordable open-stand tickets for local fans, premium grandstand access, and elite corporate hospitality boxes. Fans are strongly advised to secure digital tickets well in advance to prevent match-day gate congestion.
Squad Analysis & Team News
India
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted for a transitional squad, resting multi-format stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah following an intensive calendar. Shreyas Iyer takes the captaincy reins with Tilak Varma named as vice-captain.
India faced a forced change leading up to the tour when spinner Varun Chakaravarthy suffered a hamstring injury. The selectors promptly drafted leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi into the squad. Young domestic sensations Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, and Harsh Dubey are in line for crucial international exposure, alongside explosive hitting prospects like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Rinku Singh.
Full India Squad:Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Ishan Kishan (WK), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Cricket has re-engineered their structure following their matches against Bangladesh. Skipper Sikandar Raza anchors a seasoned unit that balances veteran reliability with athletic fielding. Zimbabwe brought in Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga, and Newman Nyamhuri to enhance structural balance, benching Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, and Tashinga Musekiwa.
Full Zimbabwe Squad:Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Richard Ngarava, Wessly Madhevere, Milton Shumba, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tanaka Chivanga, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri.
Head-to-Head T20I Statistics
India retains a highly dominant footprint over Zimbabwe in the shortest format:
- Total Matches Played: 14
- India Wins: 11
- Zimbabwe Wins: 3
The teams last encountered each other in a major tournament during the T20 World Cup, where India claimed a decisive 72-run win after racking up a massive score of 256/4.
Predicted Playing XIs
India Probable XI:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Tilak Varma
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Harsh Dubey
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mayank Yadav
- Yash Thakur
- Ashok Sharma
Zimbabwe Probable XI:
- Brian Bennett
- Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK)
- Wessly Madhevere
- Sikandar Raza (C)
- Ryan Burl
- Dion Myers
- Tafadzwa Tsiga
- Brad Evans
- Wellington Masakadza
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
Match Prediction
While Zimbabwe has the benefit of playing on a familiar home deck at Harare Sports Club, India remains the clear favorite on paper. Even with major frontline players rested, the explosive young top-order consisting of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan possesses immense structural fire power. Furthermore, the searing pace of Mayank Yadav coupled with the clever wrist-spin variations of Ravi Bishnoi should pose severe questions for Zimbabwe’s middle order.
Zimbabwe’s primary route to victory relies heavily on captain Sikandar Raza delivering a flawless all-around performance and Blessing Muzarabani exploiting early bounce with the new ball. However, India’s profound tactical depth and structural bench strength give them a decisive advantage heading into this second match.
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