New Delhi. The Indian T20 team is moving towards a new era. When the teams of India and Zimbabwe face each other at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday (23 July 2026), eyes will not only be on the result of the match but also on the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer. This tour is going to prove to be very important for Shreyas Iyer as a captain. He will take the field in search of his first win as India’s T20 captain in the opening match of this three-match series against Zimbabwe.
Earlier, India and England T20 and ODI series matches were being broadcast live on TV on Sony Sports Network and live streaming was being shown on Disney Hotstar, but to enjoy the T20 series matches played between India and Zimbabwe, you will have to change the TV channel as well as the app on mobile. Also, at the time you were watching T20 from England, there will be no live telecast of the series from Zimbabwe. That means time is also changing.
If we look at the statistics, Shreyas Iyer’s T20 International journey as a captain has been a bit ups and downs so far. They have faced defeat in six of their first seven matches played so far. During this period, India had to lose series against teams like Ireland and England. This is the reason why Iyer would like to return to the winning path in this three-match series at any cost and will try to improve his captaincy record. There is definitely a challenge in front of them, but this time there are many enthusiastic young players in the team, who have the ability to turn the match.
Return of old faces in the team and opportunity for new players
The Indian selectors have bet on a new and energetic team for this tour. Explosive batsman Rinku Singh has returned to the team, which will strengthen the lower order batting. Apart from this, fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his speed, is also making a comeback after injury or break. At the same time, this time the selectors have expressed confidence in four new faces who have performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. Wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh, fast bowlers Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey have been included in the Indian T20 squad for the first time. These players have this golden opportunity to prove themselves on the international stage.
Zimbabwe’s preparation and domestic challenge
On the other hand, the Zimbabwe team led by Sikandar Raza is also in no mood to take this home series lightly. Zimbabwe has made some important changes in its team. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman Tafadzwa Tsiga has been included in the T20 International squad for the first time. Apart from this, all-rounder Wesley Madhevere and fast bowler Newman Nyamahuri have returned to the team. Taking advantage of the home ground and conditions, the Zimbabwe team will enter the field with the intention of giving a tough competition to the Indian youth.
When and where will the first T20 match between India and Zimbabwe be played?
The first T20 match between India and Zimbabwe will be played on Thursday, 23 July 2026. This match will be held at the Harare Sports Club ground in Harare. The toss in the match will take place at 4:00 pm Indian time.
Where can you watch live telecast of the match on TV in India?
This match will be telecast live on TV in India on ‘Unite8 Sports’ channel.
Where can fans watch live streaming?
Fans who want to enjoy the match on mobile or laptop can watch live streaming of this match on ‘FanCode’ app and its website.
Squads of both the teams
Indian team:
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh and Rinku Singh.
Zimbabwe team:
Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Tanaka Chiwanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Wesley Madhewere, Tadivanashe Marumani, Wellington Masabadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarwa, Newman Nyamahuri, Milton Shumba, Tafadzwa Tsiga.
