India to face Bangladesh’s fate, predicts Zim batter
Zimbabwe batter Innocent Kaia reckons his side have got what it takes to edge past India at home in the upcoming three-match ODI series, with the first match set to commence on August 18 in Harare.
"We are not afraid to play our shots anymore; it's just that things have changed and it's not something that is really big."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Kaia and Co are oozing with a new-found belief following 2-1 victories against Bangladesh in both ODI and T20I series. The rookie batter made a strong impression against the Tigers in the first ODI, where his maiden century in only his fourth ODI innings and a partnership of 192-run stand with in-form Sikandar Raza had played a pivotal role as Zimbabwe chased 304 with five wickets and 10 deliveries to spare.
Kaia predicts the Regis Chakabva-led side to give India, who are set to test their bench strength, the same treatment as Bangladesh -- a 2-1 series defeat. The 30-year-old has also set high personal goals.
"2-1 in favour of Zimbabwe. We win the series," Kaia told Times Now.
"As for personal expectations, I want to be the leading run scorer and score hundreds. Simple plan. I just want to score runs to be the leading run-scorer in the series. That's my goal."
Kaia's confidence, certainly not unwarranted given Zimbabwe's recent run of form, echoes with Sikandar Raza, who was the player-of-the-series in the ODIs against Bangladesh. In an interview with The Daily Star after Bangladesh faced their first ODI series defeat against Zimbabwe after nine years, Raza had said, "Zimbabwe is playing fearless cricket, and was playing fearless cricket as well."
"It's not about the ticking of things, but it's just the mindset," Kaia added.
"We are not afraid to play our shots anymore; it's just that things have changed and it's not something that is really big."
Kaia has added incentives to make an impact against India, with the desire to make his way into an Indian Premier League (IPL) team.
"Yes, sure, that's my dream [to play in IPL]. I am just praying that I perform well against India and score big runs so that they can notice me and I can go and play in the IPL."
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