WHY ZIMBABWE AND INDIA CRICKETERS ARE WEARING BLACK ARMBANDS FOR THE SECOND T20I

India and Zimbabwe players were seen wearing black armbands during the second T20I in Harare on Saturday - here’s why.

The two teams took on each other in the second game of the three-match T20I series on Saturday (July 25). At the toss, which was won by Zimbabwe, both skippers, Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza, were seen wearing black armbands, the reason for which was later confirmed by the BCCI.

Why are India and Zimbabwe wearing black armbands for the 2nd T20I?

According to a statement by the Indian cricket board, both Team India and Zimbabwe players are paying their respects to the Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night.

Zimbabwe Cricket mourned the loss of Matshaka, 76, who passed away following a short illness on Friday. He joined the ZC board in 2006 and served as the vice-chairman since 2015. He was also part of the leadership that oversaw Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in 2011, after a six-year absence.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, paid tribute to Matshaka: “Mr Matshaka was a steady hand during some of the most defining moments in our history and his wisdom, sound judgement and quiet strength helped shape the organisation we are today, while his passion for growing the game touched countless lives across Zimbabwe.”

India make one change, Ashok Sharma dropped

India made one change to their XI, bringing in debutant Yash Thakur for Ashok Sharma for the game. Ashok, who had also made his debut in the last game, conceded 0-29 in four overs on Thursday. Zimbabwe were unchanged, hoping to draw level in the series after India clinched the first game by seven wickets.

The third T20I will be played tomorrow, Sunday, July 26

- Wisden

INDIA'S STAR BATTER VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REFLECTS ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH HARARE AHEAD OF ZIM VS. INDIA T20I SERIES

India's star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects on his unique connection with Harare ahead of the ZIM vs IND T20I series (Image source: X)

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi spoke about his special connection with Harare before the Zimbabwe T20I series.

• Suryavanshi will look to bounce back in form as India take on Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20I series.

Table of Contents

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart

• Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

Following back-to-back T20I series setbacks, reigning world champions India have arrived in Zimbabwe seeking a swift turnaround. The three-match T20I series kicks off on July 22 at the Harare Sports Club, and all eyes are firmly on 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a quiet start to his international career in England, the teenage prodigy is eager to regain his explosive rhythm on familiar ground.

Suryavanshi, India’s youngest senior international cricketer, faced a baptism of fire during his debut tour, posting scores of 14, 13, and 15 across three matches. However, returning to Harare offers the young left-handed opener a chance to reset his game at a venue where he produced one of the most memorable innings of his blossoming career.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart

For Suryavanshi, stepping back onto the lush turf of the Harare Sports Club brings back overwhelming nostalgia. Just four months ago, the venue served as the backdrop for India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, where Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking, match-winning performance.

In a video released by the BCCI ahead of the series opener, Suryavanshi expressed his excitement about returning to the historic venue:

“We are currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the U-19 World Cup here and won it, so it’s a very special ground. Representing India is everyone’s dream, and it’s a truly special moment to return and play on such a great ground where we created history just four months ago. It is a wonderful feeling, so we will enjoy it.”

During that dramatic U-19 summit clash against England, Suryavanshi hammered a record-breaking 175 off just 80 deliveries. That masterclass included 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to their sixth youth world title. Having already mapped out the pitch conditions and boundary dimensions from his previous stint, the teenager remains confident in applying those insights as India seek a dominant series victory.

Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

While Team India aim to test their tactical depth, hosts Zimbabwe are determined to capitalize on home advantage. Zimbabwe Cricket announced a formidable squad led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, balancing seasoned international experience with promising young talent.

The squad features key pace weapons Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere strengthen the middle order. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Madhevere makes his return to the national setup. With Suryavanshi looking to turn past memories into fresh runs, the stage is set for an exciting clash in Harare.

- Akash Thapa