It is practically a must-win match for both sides. But while India need to just win, Zimbabwe need to win big.

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Zimbabwe win toss and choose to field against India in high-stakes clash

In a crucial encounter with semifinal implications, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first against India in a must-win contest. The equation became clearer minutes before the toss when South Africa defeated West Indies, leaving India needing just a win to stay on track. Zimbabwe, however, require not only victory but a convincing margin to boost their net run rate.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza explained his decision to field first, citing visible grass cover and moisture on the surface that could assist seam bowlers early on. Despite nursing an injured hand, Raza avoided undergoing an X-ray to ensure he remained available for this decisive fixture — underlining the importance of the match for his side.

Sanju Samson returns; Axar Patel back in India XI

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the game was the inclusion of Sanju Samson, whose return drew loud cheers from the Chennai crowd — a city that will also serve as his IPL home. Samson replaced Rinku Singh and is set to take up wicketkeeping duties. His batting position was closely watched, as India reshuffled their top order for this crucial fixture.

India also brought back vice-captain Axar Patel, who had been rested for tactical reasons in the previous game against South Africa. Washington Sundar made way for Axar, strengthening India’s all-round options.

Rinku Singh had briefly left the squad to visit his ailing father in Delhi but rejoined the team ahead of the match. Meanwhile, Samson’s inclusion signals India’s intent to reinforce both their batting depth and wicketkeeping stability in a pressure situation.

Zimbabwe bring in pace option Maposa

Reading the conditions in favour of seam bowling, Zimbabwe replaced legspinner Graeme Cremer with fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa. The move reflects their strategy to exploit early movement and put India’s batting lineup under pressure.

With experienced pacers like Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava in the attack, Zimbabwe will look to make early inroads.

Playing XIs

India XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt.), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Zimbabwe XI:
Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (capt.), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava