Harare: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his maiden Twenty20 International half-century to help India register a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-game T20I series at Harare Sports Club.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum, finishing on 125-7 from their 20 overs. All-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 39, while Tadiwanashe Marumani remained unbeaten on 27 after the pair shared a 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
India made light work of the chase, reaching 126-3 with 40 balls to spare, thanks to a stunning innings from the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi. The young opener blasted 50 off just 18 deliveries, striking four sixes and four boundaries, to put the visitors firmly in control.
View this post on Instagram
Sooryavanshi, who recently became the youngest player to represent India during the T20I series against England, had managed just 42 runs in three innings before producing his breakthrough international fifty in Harare.
His explosive knock ended when he edged a delivery from Richard Ngarava to Ben Curran at deep third man, departing with India on 68-2. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan then contributed 35, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 to complete the chase.
The victory ended India’s disappointing recent run in T20 internationals after four consecutive defeats against England, including a record 125-run loss, and a 2-0 series defeat in Ireland.
The win also marked Shreyas Iyer’s first victory as India’s T20I captain, ending a seven-match winless streak since taking over the role.
Iyer added that the pitch offered uneven bounce throughout the game and expressed confidence that the team’s performance would provide momentum heading into the remaining two matches of the series.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s innings was held back despite Madhevere’s resistance. Sooryavanshi’s promising knock ended in a run-out after an unsuccessful attempt to take a second run, bringing an end to his valuable partnership with Marumani.
MOST READ | 2028 Total Solar Eclipse puts Dunedin in global spotlight
