Our Bureau
Harare
India opened their three-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe with a commanding seven-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club, producing a clinical all-round performance led by teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
After winning the toss, India opted to field and restricted Zimbabwe to 125/7 in 20 overs through a disciplined bowling effort. Wessly Madhevere top-scored for the hosts with 39, but Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships against a sharp Indian attack. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav made an immediate impact by dismissing Brian Bennett with the very first ball of the match, setting the tone for India’s dominance.
Chasing a modest target, India reached 126/3 with 40 balls to spare. The highlight of the innings was 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive maiden T20I half-century. The left-hander raced to a fifty in just 18 balls before finishing with 50 off 19 deliveries, laced with four fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan added a brisk 35, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 to guide the visitors home comfortably.
The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked Shreyas Iyer’s first win as T20I captain after a difficult start to his tenure. The performance also underlined India’s emphasis on nurturing young talent, with Sooryavanshi emerging as the standout performer on the day.
All three matches of the series are being played at the Harare Sports Club. Cricket fans in India can watch the remaining fixtures live on DD Sports via DD Free Dish and through FanCode’s streaming platform. India will now look to seal the series in the second T20I, while Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back and force a decider.
