IND vs ZIM 1st T20I
India’s T20I transition began on a disappointing note as the new-look team, led by Shubman Gill, suffered a 13-run defeat to Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Despite being packed with IPL superstars, the visitors failed to chase down a modest target of 115 runs, allowing Zimbabwe to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza and Tendai Chatara both claimed three wickets each, bowling India out for 102 with just one ball remaining.
Opting to bowl first, India’s bowlers performed admirably to restrict Zimbabwe to 115/9. Ravi Bishnoi achieved career-best figures of 4/13, including two maidens, while Washington Sundar added two wickets to halt the hosts’ progress. However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers dismantled India’s young batting lineup, setting the stage for a potential series upset.
India introduced a new opening pair with Shubman Gill and debutant Abhishek Sharma from Punjab. Despite a strong IPL season, Sharma struggled on his international debut, falling for a four-ball duck to Brian Bennet’s half-tracker, caught by Wellington Masakadza. Shortly after, Ruturaj Gaikwad edged a delivery from Blessing Muzarabani to Innocent Kaia at slips, intensifying the pressure on the visitors. Tendai Chatara’s double strike in the same over dismissed Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh, leaving India reeling at 28/4 during the Powerplay. Parag scored 2 off 3 balls, and Rinku Singh, fresh from celebrating India’s T20 World Cup victory, was dismissed for a two-ball duck.
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Captain Gill remained at the crease, battling against the odds, and was joined by another debutant, Dhruv Jurel. Their 21-run partnership provided a glimmer of hope but was cut short when Luke Jongwe dismissed Jurel in the 10th over. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza then bowled Gill with a quick delivery and soon trapped Bishnoi lbw, crushing India’s chances of a comeback.
Avesh Khan showed some resilience with a quick 16 off 12 balls, including three boundaries, but fell to Masakadza, caught by Raza at long-off. Washington Sundar found himself in a challenging situation, needing 16 runs off the final over. Sundar managed only two runs before being caught by Muzarabani off Chatara’s short ball, sealing India’s fate.
Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe started briskly, reaching 40/2 in the Powerplay despite some unconvincing batting. Innocent Kaia was dismissed early, dragging a Mukesh Kumar delivery onto his stumps. Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett then added a quick 34 runs, setting a foundation for Zimbabwe’s eventual total of 115/9.
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