India wrapped up the T20I series against Zimbabwe in style, winning the final match by 42 runs at Harare Sports Club. With this win, India clinched the series 4-1. Key performances by Sanju Samson and Mukesh Kumar were pivotal in securing this victory.
Middle Overs: The Turning Point
The middle overs proved decisive as Zimbabwe's chase lost momentum due to consistent strikes by Indian bowlers. During this period, Zimbabwe lost four crucial wickets and struggled to maintain a steady run rate. In contrast, India capitalized on a steady 65-run partnership, setting a strong foundation for a late-innings assault.
Powerplay: Early Setbacks for India
India: 44/3 (RR: 8.67; 3x4s, 3x6s)
Yashasvi Jaiswal started India's innings with a bang, hitting two sixes in the first two balls, one off a no-ball. However, Zimbabwe quickly struck back, with Sikandar Raza bowling Jaiswal in the opening over. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma also fell early, leaving India at 44/3 by the end of the Powerplay.
Middle Overs: Samson and Parag Steady the Ship
India: 69/1 (RR: 7.67; 0x4s, 5x6s)
After the early setbacks, Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag took a cautious approach to stabilize the innings. Although boundaries were few, they kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and occasional big hits. Brandon Mavuta faced the brunt of their aggression, with Samson hitting two consecutive sixes off him in the 12th over.
Death Overs: Dube's Late Surge
India: 54/2 (RR: 10.80; 2x4s, 3x6s)
Despite Samson's dismissal after his half-century, Shivam Dube stepped up to continue the attack. Dube, along with Rinku Singh, ensured a strong finish for India, adding crucial runs in the final overs. Dube hit a low full toss from Ngarava over long-on for a six, while Rinku Singh smashed Faraz Akram straight down the ground for another six, helping India post a competitive total of 167/6.
Zimbabwe's Innings
Powerplay: Positive Start Despite Setbacks
Zimbabwe: 47/2 (RR: 7.83; 9x4s, 0x6s)
Zimbabwe began their chase aggressively, even after losing Wessley Madhevere for a duck in the first over. Brian Bennett hit some crisp boundaries before falling to Mukesh Kumar. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers kept the momentum going, scoring 16 runs in the last over of the Powerplay.
Middle Overs: India Strikes Back
Zimbabwe: 47/4 (RR: 5.22; 3x4s, 0x6s)
India regained control during the middle overs with frequent breakthroughs. The spin trio of Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, and Washington Sundar, along with Dube's medium pace, made scoring difficult for Zimbabwe. After the dismissals of Marumani and Myers, Raza was run out by a direct hit from Dube. Jonathan Campbell's wicket in the following over further derailed Zimbabwe's chase.
Death Overs: Faraz Akram's Effort Falls Short
Zimbabwe: 31/4 in 3.3 overs (RR: 8.86; 1x4s, 2x6s)
Faraz Akram attempted to mount a counterattack, but the required run rate had climbed too high. Mukesh Kumar returned to take two more wickets in the death overs, ensuring Zimbabwe's innings ended at 125 in 18.3 overs.
Match Summary
- India: 167/6 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 58, Shivam Dube 26; Blessing Muzarabani 2-19)
- Zimbabwe: 125 in 18.3 overs (Dion Myers 34, Faraz Akram 27; Mukesh Kumar 4-27, Shivam Dube 2-25)
- India won by 42 runs
India's comprehensive performance throughout the match underscored their dominance in the series, providing a fitting end to the tour with a decisive win.
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