Sanju Samson led the charge with his second T20I half-century, while Mukesh Kumar recorded his career-best bowling performance, as India secured a convincing 42-run victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday at the Harare Sports Club. This win allowed India to clinch the five-match series 4-1. Posting a total of 167 for 6, the Indian bowlers then dismissed Zimbabwe for 125 in an all-encompassing display of control and aggression.
The turning point of the match was the middle overs during Zimbabwe’s chase. After a promising start, the host’s momentum was brought to a screeching halt due to regular fall of wickets. India’s methodical approach during this phase saw them build a vital 65-run partnership, setting a strong platform for the end-game fireworks.
**Powerplay: India’s Early Woes**
India’s innings was off to a blistering start, courtesy Yashasvi Jaiswal who struck two sixes off the first two balls, one of which came from a no-ball. However, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza responded swiftly by bowling out Jaiswal in the opening over. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma also failed to convert their starts, ending India at a precarious 44 for 3 by the end of the Powerplay.
**Middle Overs: Samson and Parag Anchor the Innings**
With the top order falling apart quickly, it was up to Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag to rebuild the innings in the middle overs. Showing remarkable restraint, the duo controlled their aggression on a pitch that still had some tricks to offer. While they did not manage to find the boundary ropes for much of this phase, they did dispatch the occasional ball into the stands, particularly punishing Brandon Mavuta, who conceded four sixes, including two back-to-back maximums from Samson in the 12th over. Accumulating 69 runs for the loss of just one wicket, India found themselves at 113/4 towards the end of the 16th over.
**Death Overs: Dube Launches Late Onslaught**
Sanju Samson’s dismissal after scoring a well-compiled half-century saw Shivam Dube rise to the occasion. Partnering with Rinku Singh, Dube took charge, smashing a low full toss by Ngarava over long on for a six. Rinku Singh also joined the party, launching Faraz Akram straight down for another six, propelling India to a competitive total of 167 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
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**Zimbabwe’s Response: Aggressive Yet Fragile**
Zimbabwe began their chase in similar aggressive fashion despite the early loss of opener Wessley Madhevere for a duck. Brian Bennett tried to stabilize the innings, crafting some elegant boundaries off Tushar Deshpande before falling prey to Mukesh Kumar, who claimed his second victim in the Powerplay. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers continued the attacking intent, pulling 16 runs from Ravi Bishnoi’s over, concluding the Powerplay at 47 for 2.
**Middle Overs: Indian Bowling Dominates**
India clawed back into the game in the middle overs, making scoring difficult with consistent wickets. Spin trio Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, and Washington Sundar, along with Dube’s medium pace, created constant pressure. Marumani and Myers’ exits marked a crucial downturn for Zimbabwe, compounded by Raza’s departure via a sharp throw by Dube. Jonathan Campbell’s misjudged pull also found its way to the fielder, leaving Zimbabwe teetering at 94 for 6 within the 14th over.
**Death Overs: Faraz Akram’s Fightback**
Attempting a last-ditch effort, Faraz Akram attacked the Indian bowlers composedly. His efforts, however, were in vain as Zimbabwe’s target had rapidly escalated beyond achievable limits. Mukesh Kumar’s return saw him removing two more batsmen, sealing India’s win with nine balls to spare.
**Brief Scores**
India’s key contributors included Sanju Samson with a brilliant 58 and Shivam Dube, who chipped in with a crucial 26 not out. On the bowling front, Blessing Muzarabani’s 2-19 provided some resistance. For Zimbabwe, Dion Myers’ 34 and Faraz Akram’s 27 were the notable efforts which were ultimately insufficient against Mukesh Kumar’s impressive 4-27 and Shivam Dube’s effective 2-25.
India’s comprehensive 42-run victory emphasized a blend of disciplined batting, aggressive stroke-play, and splendid bowling, showcasing their dominance and tactical prowess across all formats. This commanding triumph in the final game not only clinched the series 4-1 for India but also highlighted the depth and talent in their squad.