By Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has dismissed the idea of 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions India being favourites in their upcoming three-match T20I series, saying the contest will not be one-sided and both teams will have an equal chance of emerging victorious.
Zimbabwe are hosting the Shreyas Iyer-led side, with all three matches of the series to be held at the Harare Sports Club. The first match will be played on Thursday.
India head into the contest after a poor run of form against Ireland and England. Under new captain Iyer, the team endured a 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland in Belfast before going down 4-0 in a five-match T20I series against England. India failed to impress in the ODIs, too, losing a three-match series 2-1 under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
“Both countries will have an equal chance in this series,” Raza told Star Sports. But one thing I am very sure about is that because Zimbabwe have been playing very consistent and very entertaining cricket, I can say for sure that this series will be very entertaining.
“I think, as far as winning or losing is concerned, which is important for both countries, both countries have an equal chance to win the series.”
According to Raza, just like India, Zimbabwe are also going through a transition phase, which will make the series interesting.
“Yes, I think India are also going through a transition, and I think to some extent you’ll see Zimbabwe are also going to have a little bit of transition. I don’t see it being a one-sided series,” he added.
India and Zimbabwe have played each other 10 times in T20Is. India lead the head-to-head record with seven wins to Zimbabwe’s three.
The last T20I encounter between the two teams took place on 26 February 2026 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where India defeated Zimbabwe by 72 runs.