Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Record Fifty Powers India To 1-0 Lead Against Zimbabwe

India began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding seven-wicket win at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, thanks to a sensational 18-ball half-century from teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The victory also marked Shreyas Iyer’s first win as India’s T20I captain after seven unsuccessful attempts.

After restricting Zimbabwe to 125/7, India comfortably chased down the target in just 13.2 overs with 40 balls to spare.

Chasing 126, Sooryavanshi launched a blistering assault from the outset, smashing four boundaries and four sixes during his 18-ball fifty. The knock made him the youngest player to score a half-century in international cricket.

Sooryavanshi took apart Richard Ngarava in the second over with two towering sixes and a boundary before continuing the attack against Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani.

Although Abhishek Sharma departed for one, Sooryavanshi maintained the momentum and reached his maiden international fifty before holing out to deep third man off Ngarava in the seventh over.

Ishan Kishan contributed a fluent 35, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 27 alongside Tilak Varma (5 not out) to complete the chase without any late drama, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series.

Earlier, Zimbabwe managed only 125/7 in their 20 overs, with Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 39 and Tadiwanashe Marumani remaining unbeaten on 27. Mayank Yadav (2/18) and Prince Yadav (2/19) were the standout bowlers for India.

Brief Scores:

Zimbabwe 125/7 in 20 overs (Wessly Madhevere 39, Tadiwanashe Marumani 27 not out; Mayank Yadav 2-18, Prince Yadav 2-19) lost to India 126/3 in 13.2 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 50, Ishan Kishan 35; Blessing Muzarabani 2-26, Richard Ngarava 1-30) by seven wickets.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer’s India Seek Fresh Start Against Zimbabwe In Harare T20I Opener