Zimbabwe stunned India in the first T20 international cricket match of their five-match series, beating the T20 World Cup champions by 13 runs. Sikandar Raza led the way for Zimbabwe with impressive bowling figures of 3-25, while Tendai Chatara, Wellington Masakadza, and Blessing Muzarabani also contributed with wickets as India was bowled out for 102 runs. Despite Ravi Bishnoi’s 4-13, Zimbabwe managed to defend their total of 115-9, ending India’s 12-match unbeaten run.
India struggled in their chase of the low total, with their top order failing to deliver. Debutants Abhishen Sharma and Riyan Parag were dismissed for ducks, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rinku Singh also fell cheaply. Skipper Shubman Gill managed to score 31 runs before being bowled by Raza. Despite a fighting effort from Washington Sundar, India fell short as the asking rate kept climbing. Avesh Khan’s 16 off 12 balls was not enough as Zimbabwe claimed victory.
Zimbabwe’s Clive Madande top-scored with an unbeaten 29 off 25 balls, guiding his team past the 100-run mark. Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, and Wessly Madhevere also contributed twenties to the total. Sundar put in an all-round performance for India, picking up 2-11 with the ball, but it was not sufficient to prevent India’s first T20 defeat in 2024. Zimbabwe’s catching and fielding were praised by skipper Raza, who emphasized the need to take the series one game at a time.
Raza’s off-spin and Chatara’s pace troubled the Indian batsmen throughout the innings, with Gill’s dismissal being the turning point. Sundar’s efforts with the bat were in vain as Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept taking wickets at crucial moments. The fans at Harare Sports Club provided the home team with energy, which lifted their spirits and contributed to their solid performance in the field. Sundar tried his best to finish the chase but was left stranded as Zimbabwe emerged victorious in the first match of the series.
With this unexpected win, Zimbabwe has set the tone for the remaining matches, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket. India, on the other hand, will look to regroup and bounce back in the upcoming games. The series promises to be exciting and full of twists and turns, with both teams eager to showcase their skills and come out on top. The second T20 international between Zimbabwe and India will be a crucial encounter, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance and take the lead in the series.
