Zimbabwe's Brad Evans Prepares for T20 World Cup Clash Against India

As Zimbabwe prepares for a crucial T20 World Cup match against India, all-rounder Brad Evans emphasizes the team's focus on their own performance rather than the opposition. After a significant defeat to the West Indies, Evans reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of adapting to Chennai's conditions. With strategies in place for India's left-handed top order, the team aims to leave everything on the field. This match is pivotal for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 00:56 IST

Zimbabwe's All-Rounder Ready for Challenge

As Zimbabwe gears up for a crucial T20 World Cup match against the reigning champions India, all-rounder Brad Evans expressed the team's commitment to giving their all on the field. This comes after a significant defeat to the West Indies, a two-time champion, in Mumbai.

The upcoming double-header on Thursday is pivotal for India, whose title defense has hit a snag following a 76-run loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad. To stay in contention, India must win their remaining two matches and hope South Africa secures victories against both West Indies and Zimbabwe. The challenge is steep, especially against the undefeated West Indies, who recently set a tournament record with a score of 254 against Zimbabwe at Wankhede Stadium.

Focusing on Their Own Game

In an interview, Evans emphasized that the team's focus is on their own performance rather than on India. He stated, "They are a formidable team, but our concentration is on ourselves. We have established our strategies and engaged in meaningful discussions within our batting, bowling, and fielding units. Our aim is to leave everything on the field."

Learning from the West Indies Defeat

Despite a strong group stage where Zimbabwe triumphed over Sri Lanka and Australia, Evans refrained from claiming an easy victory over India. Reflecting on their previous match against the West Indies, which resulted in a 107-run loss that adversely affected their net run rate, he acknowledged that many players were experiencing their first match in India after competing in Sri Lanka.

"The last game did not unfold as we had hoped. We faced a team well-versed in these conditions, and many squad members were playing their first match in India. However, we rose to the occasion, learned valuable lessons, and are eager to showcase our best performance against India," he remarked.

Adapting to Chennai Conditions

Evans noted that while there was minimal dew in Mumbai during the second innings, Chennai presents a different scenario with some dew, which could favor the team chasing a target. He mentioned, "We have devised plans to address this when we arrive here."

Strategies for India's Top Order

Regarding India's left-handed top order, which includes players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, Evans, a right-arm pacer, stated that he has specific strategies for both left-handed and right-handed batsmen, particularly during the powerplay and death overs.

Squads for the Match

India Squad: Ishan Kishan(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson.

Zimbabwe Squad: Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza.