ZIM vs IND 2nd T20I: Match prediction, pitch report, weather forecast

India and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, with the visitors eyeing an unassailable 2-0 lead. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, must win to force the series into a decider on Sunday.

Shreyas Iyer registered his maiden T20I victory as India's captain in the series opener after the visitors defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets.

India's bowlers, led by Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, restricted the hosts to 125/7 before youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a blistering maiden T20I fifty off just 18 balls during the chase.

Match prediction

India head into the contest as overwhelming favourites after their dominant performance in the first T20I.

The visitors appear settled in both departments and are expected to retain the same playing XI.

With confidence restored after ending a six-match losing streak in T20Is, India are predicted to clinch the second game and seal the series 2-0.

Zimbabwe, however, cannot be written off. Led by Sikandar Raza, the hosts will need a much-improved batting display from Ben Curran, Wessly Madhevere and Ryan Burl, while Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava must strike early with the ball to challenge India.

Win probability

• India: 79%
• Zimbabwe: 21%

Pitch report

The Harare Sports Club surface is expected to offer something for both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers are likely to enjoy swing and bounce with the new ball, while batters can score freely once they settle in. As the game progresses, spinners could find assistance from the slowing pitch.

A first-innings score of around 160 to 170 is expected to be competitive. The team winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first, with chasing expected to become easier later in the match.

Weather report

The weather in Harare is expected to remain ideal for cricket. Temperatures will hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius with humidity around 60%, which could aid seam movement early in the innings.

Light winds of around 10 to 12 kmph are forecast, while rain is unlikely to interrupt play.

Head-to-head record

India have dominated Zimbabwe in T20Is, winning 12 of the 15 meetings between the two sides. Zimbabwe have managed three victories, with their last win over India coming in Harare in 2024.

Probable XIs

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Dion Myers/Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri.

India: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma.

Live streaming details

The second T20I between India and Zimbabwe will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website. There will be no live television broadcast of the series in India.