Zimbabwe batter Innocent Kaia believes his team has what it takes to beat India at home in the forthcoming three-match ODI series, which begins on August 18 in Harare.
Kaia and company are brimming with confidence after 2-1 triumphs against Bangladesh in both the ODI and T20I series.
The rookie batter made a huge impact against the Tigers in the first ODI, scoring his maiden century in only his fourth ODI innings and forming a crucial 192-run partnership with the in-form Sikandar Raza as Zimbabwe chased 304 with five wickets and 10 deliveries to spare.
Kaia expects that the Regis Chakabva-led side will hand India, who are preparing to put their bench strength to the test, the same fate as Bangladesh: a 2-1 series defeat. The 30-year-old has also set lofty personal objectives.
“2-1 in favour of Zimbabwe. We win the series. 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 told Times Now.
Kaia has extra motivation to make an impression versus India by aspiring to join 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.”