Zimbabwe defeated reigning World Champions India by 13 runs in the first match of the five-game T20I series at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
The home team bowled out Shubman Gill’s squad for 102 after setting a target of 115/9.
Wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi achieved a career-best performance, taking 4 for 13, while off-spin allrounder Washington Sundar grabbed 2 for 11. Zimbabwe lost six wickets for just 16 runs, slipping to 90 for 9 within 16 overs.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Clive Madande anchored the innings with a crucial cameo of 29 not out from 25 balls, including four boundaries. He formed an unbeaten 25-run partnership for the last wicket with Tendai Chatara.
India’s batting lineup struggled early, losing four wickets during the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma (0), Ruturaj Gaikwad (7), Riyan Parag (2), and Rinku Singh (0) were all dismissed quickly.
Dhruv Jurel was out for 7, and captain Shubman Gill, the only player to offer significant resistance, scored 31. India failed to reach even 50 runs on the scoreboard early.
Avesh Khan scored 16 runs before being dismissed, with Ravi Bishnoi falling shortly after. Washington Sundar played a lone hand, scoring 27 off 34 balls. Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets.
This victory marks Zimbabwe’s third T20I win over India, equaling their record against Pakistan.
Earlier, India had restricted Zimbabwe to 115 for nine in the first T20I of the series. Bishnoi (4/13) was well-supported by Washington Sundar (2/11) as Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships on a pitch with considerable bounce and carry. Skipper Sikandar Raza showed patience with his 17 off 19 balls, but the team lost their way, losing six wickets for 41 runs.
The second match of the series will be held on Sunday at the same venue.
