India clinched the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 42-run victory in the final match. Sanju Samson’s fifty and a career-best bowling performance from Mukesh Kumar were the key factors behind India’s success. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 167/6, with Samson leading the charge. In reply, Zimbabwe were bundled out for 125, as Kumar’s lethal spell dismantled their batting order.
The difference: The middle overs
Zimbabwe‘s promising start to the chase was derailed in the middle overs. Regular wickets and a tight economy stifled their momentum. India, on the other hand, capitalized on this period, constructing a crucial 65-run partnership that laid the groundwork for a late surge.
Powerplay Stumble
India got off to a flying start with Yashasvi Jaiswal smashing two sixes off the first two balls, including one off a no-ball. However, Zimbabwe struck back swiftly, removing Jaiswal and both Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma in the Powerplay. India found themselves reeling at 44/3 after six overs.
Samson and Parag Rebuild
After a top-order collapse, Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag steadied the Indian ship with a cautious approach. The duo faced a challenging pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers. While they struggled to find boundaries through the middle overs, they rotated strike effectively and ensured India stayed in the game. Samson particularly targeted Brandon Mavuta, smashing four sixes off his bowling, including two consecutive maximums in the 12th over.
Dube’s Late Onslaught
With Sanju Samson departing shortly after his half-century, Shivam Dube took charge of the innings, forming a dangerous partnership with death overs specialist Rinku Singh. Dube unleashed his power, clearing long-on with a disdainful loft off Ngarava. Rinku joined the party, depositing Faraz Akram straight down the ground for a massive six.
Zimbabwe’s Explosive Start
Despite losing Wesley Madhevere early, Zimbabwe made a blistering start to the chase. Brian Bennett looked in fine touch before falling to Mukesh Kumar. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers capitalized on the momentum, plundering 16 runs off the final over of the powerplay to put Zimbabwe in a commanding position.
India Regain Control
India clawed their way back into the game through a flurry of wickets in the middle overs. Zimbabwe’s set batters, Marumani and Myers, were dismissed, and the spin trio of Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, and Washington Sundar, along with Shivam Dube’s medium pace, proved too much for the hosts. A direct hit run-out by Dube and a catch by the deep square leg fielder off Dube’s bowling further dented Zimbabwe’s hopes, leaving them reeling at 47/4.
Zimbabwe’s Late Charge Falls Short
Faraz Akram launched a counter-attack against the Indian bowlers, but the required run rate proved to be too steep. Mukesh Kumar returned to the attack and claimed two more wickets in the death overs, effectively ending Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback. The hosts were eventually bowled out with nine balls remaining.
India 167/6 (20 overs) beat Zimbabwe 125 (18.3 overs) by 42 runs.
India: Sanju Samson 58, Shivam Dube 26; Blessing Muzarabani 2-19
Zimbabwe: Dion Myers 34, Faraz Akram 27; Mukesh Kumar 4-27, Shivam Dube 2-25
