India began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a convincing seven-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, thanks to a sensational half-century from 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines with Maiden T20I Fifty
Chasing a modest target of 126, Sooryavanshi stole the spotlight by smashing his maiden T20 International half-century in just 18 balls. The young opener struck four sixes and four boundaries, helping India race to victory in only 13.2 overs.
The 15-year-old became the youngest cricketer to represent India earlier this month during the T20I series against England. After scoring 42 runs across three innings in that series, he announced his arrival on the international stage with a breathtaking knock against Zimbabwe.
His innings ended on 50 when he edged a delivery from Richard Ngarava to Ben Curran at deep third man, leaving India comfortably placed at 68-2.
Zimbabwe Struggle After Batting First
After winning the toss, India opted to field first, restricting Zimbabwe to 125-7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 39 runs, while Tadiwanashe Marumani remained unbeaten on 27. The pair added a valuable 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Madhevere was run out while attempting a risky second run.
India’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings, with:
- Mayank Yadav claiming 2-18
- P. Yadav taking 2-19
Kishan and Iyer Finish the Chase
Following Sooryavanshi’s explosive start, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan contributed 35 runs, while captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 to guide India home with 40 balls to spare.
The comfortable chase ended India’s recent struggles in the shortest format.
Captain Shreyas Iyer Delighted with First Win
The victory marked Shreyas Iyer’s first win as India’s T20I captain after inheriting the role.
Speaking after the match, Iyer praised his team’s performance.
“I think the boys were tremendous. Could not have been happier with my first win.”
He also noted that the pitch offered variable bounce throughout both innings and expressed confidence heading into the remaining two matches.
India Take 1-0 Series Lead
With the comprehensive victory, India now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. The remaining matches will be played on Saturday and Sunday in Harare.
Brief Scores
Zimbabwe: 125/7 in 20 overs
- Wessly Madhevere – 39
- Tadiwanashe Marumani – 27*
- Mayank Yadav – 2/18
- P. Yadav – 2/19
India: 126/3 in 13.2 overs
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 50 (18 balls)
- Ishan Kishan – 35
- Shreyas Iyer – 28*
- Blessing Muzarabani – 2/26
Result: India won by 7 wickets
Series: India lead the three-match series 1-0
Venue: Harare Sports Club
Toss: India won the toss and elected to field