Zimbabwe stuns India in thrilling 1st T20I
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Zimbabwe produced a spirited performance with the ball to stun India and register a 13-run win in the first T20I of the five-match T20I series in Harare on Saturday (July 6). Sikandar Raza and his bowlers managed to defend 115 runs as India were bundled out for just 102 runs in 19.5 overs, marking India’s first T20I loss of the year. Raza and Tendai Chatara picked up three wickets each and Clive Madande‘s late blitz helped secure the victory, leaving India to rue their poor bowling in the death overs and rash batting.
India won the toss and opted to field first. The decision seemed justified initially as Mukesh Kumar cleaned up Innocent Kaia for a duck in the second over. Wesley Madhevere and Brian Bennett then put together a steady partnership for Zimbabwe. However, Ravi Bishnoi turned the game in India’s favor by dismissing Bennett and Madhevere in his first two overs. Despite a steadying effort from Raza and Dion Myers, Avesh Khan‘s dismissal of Raza triggered a collapse, reducing Zimbabwe to 90/9. Nevertheless, Madande had other plans, scoring 29 runs off 25 balls as the Indian pacers struggled with their yorkers. Bishnoi was the standout bowler for India, taking 4 wickets for 13 runs in his 4 overs.
India’s struggle in the chase
India’s chase started poorly with Abhishek Sharma being dismissed for a duck. Ruturaj Gaikwad also failed to make an impact, giving Zimbabwe hope. Riyan Parag‘s debut with the bat turned into a disappointment as he was dismissed for 2 runs, followed by Rinku Singh‘s dismissal for a duck. Shubman Gill kept India in the hunt, but Dhruv Jurel couldn’t provide much support and was dismissed for just 6 runs.
Raza dismissed Shubman Gill, leaving India at 47/6. Raza continued to shine by ending Bishnoi’s resistance. Although Avesh provided some hope with a score of 16 and a partnership with Washington Sundar, Raza’s catch put Zimbabwe back in control. Raza then cleaned up Mukesh Kumar, bringing his side close to win. Chatara bowled an excellent last over to secure the victory for Zimbabwe.
Here’s how Fans reacted:
Big big result for 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe.
The cricket community there must be elated. #INDvZIM
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 6, 2024
THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND OF ZIMBABWE
– SIKANDER RAZA 🌟
— Sahil (@cover_pointt) July 6, 2024
The team who didn’t even qualified for the T20 World Cup has conquered India
– Not a Proud Moment for South Asia 🇮🇳#INDvsZIM #INDvZIM #ZIMvsIND pic.twitter.com/4oKKsHUhUU
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) July 6, 2024
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