ZIMBABWE VS INDIA, 1ST T20I, HARARE, ZIMBABWE
A spirited bowling performance enabled Zimbabwe to secure a surprising 13-run victory over India in the opening T20I at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Despite India’s initial dominance, having limited Zimbabwe to 115 for 9, the hosts staged a remarkable comeback. They exploited the pitch’s extra bounce brilliantly, dismissing India for 102 in 19.5 overs. Washington Sundar (27) valiantly tried to steer India to victory but fell short. Tendai Chatara (3 for 16) and Sikandar Raza (3 for 25) stood out as Zimbabwe’s top bowlers. Earlier in the match, Ravi Bishnoi achieved his best bowling figures, helping India to restrict Zimbabwe after Shubman Gill chose to field first upon winning the toss. Bishnoi claimed four wickets for 13 runs in his four-over spell.
TOSS
India won the toss and elected to field.
India (Playing XI) –
Shubman Gill (C), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI) –
Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (WK), Wessly Madhevere, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara.
ZIMBABWE-
Powerplay – India, Zimbabwe exchange early blows
Phase score – 40/2 [RR: 6.66, 4s/6s: 8/0]
Despite fielding three debutants—Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag—India chose to bowl first. Mukesh Kumar made an immediate impact, striking in the second over to unsettle the hosts. Brian Bennett responded aggressively, quickly scoring boundaries that propelled Zimbabwe to 40 runs in five overs. However, Ravi Bishnoi ended the powerplay impressively by bowling a wicket maiden and dismissing the threatening Bennett.
Middle overs – Zimbabwe struggles to maintain momentum
Phase score – 50/5 [RR: 5.55, 4s/6s: 2/1]
After a promising start, Zimbabwe faltered in the middle overs. Bishnoi continued to trouble the batsmen, claiming another wicket with a well-placed googly. Although Zimbabwe managed to score off Abhishek and Avesh Khan, the latter redeemed himself by taking the crucial wicket of captain Sikandar Raza, who misjudged a pull shot. Washington Sundar bowled economically, taking wickets with consecutive deliveries, which significantly advantaged India as Zimbabwe approached the final overs with a score of 90/7.
Death Overs – Zimbabwe Clings to 115
Phase Score – 25/2 [RR: 5.0, 4s/6s – 4/0]
Zimbabwe’s resilience in not getting all out was unexpected, especially after the score quickly went from 90/7 to 90/9 in just six balls, with Bishnoi claiming four wickets in his spell. Nonetheless, the final pair, Clive Madande and Tendai Chatara, persevered, batting through the last overs. Madande notably hit three boundaries in the concluding over, nudging his team towards 120.
INDIA
Powerplay – Zimbabwe Off to a Strong Start
Phase Score – 28/4 [RR: 4.66, 4s/6s – 4/0]
Unexpectedly, India’s chase, which was anticipated to be straightforward, quickly became problematic. Abhishek, on his debut, was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Although Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad struck some beautiful shots, Gaikwad was soon caught at slip off Blessing Muzarabani. By the fifth over, India found themselves in deep trouble at 22/4 after Chatara took out both Parag and Rinku Singh in quick succession. Gill’s lbw dismissal was overturned after a successful captain’s review.
Middle Overs – India’s Struggles Continue
Phase Score – 47/3 [RR: 5.22, 4s/6s – 6/0]
With a rocky start, India’s hopes rested on Shubman Gill. Dhruv Jurel cautiously played himself in before hitting a boundary off Luke Jongwe, who responded by taking his wicket the very next ball. Zimbabwe tightened their grip when Raza dismissed Gill, dashing India’s main hopes. Bishnoi managed a few boundaries, but Raza contained any further threats.
Death Overs – Washington’s Effort in Vain
Phase Score – 27/3 [RR – 5.58, 4s/6s – 3/1]
Avesh Khan briefly threatened with a burst of boundaries but was halted before causing significant damage. Raza then secured an advantage for Zimbabwe by dismissing Mukesh in the penultimate balls of the 17th over. With 30 runs needed, Washington hit the innings’ first six followed by a four. He kept the strike with a single on the last ball of the over. However, needing 18 from the last 12 balls, Muzarabani and Chatara contained him, increasing the pressure. With 14 required from the last three balls, Chatara clinched the victory for Zimbabwe with a ball to spare.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe 115/9 in 20 overs (Clive Madande 29*; Ravi Bishnoi 4/13, Washington Sundar 2/11) beat India 102 in 19.5 overs (Shubman Gill 31; Tendai Chatara 3/16, Sikandar Raza 3/25) by 13 runs.