Zimbabwe inflicted a thrilling 13-run defeat on India in the first T20I

2024.07.08

Sikandar Raza’s outstanding all-around performance earned him the title of Player of the Match.

On Saturday, July 6, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack stunned India and won the opening Twenty20 international of the five-match series by a margin of 13 runs. India lost their first Twenty20 international match of the year, being bowled out for just 102 runs in 19.5 overs despite a valiant effort by Sikandar Raza and his bowlers to protect 115 runs. India was left to regret their careless batting and poor bowling in the last overs as Raza and Tendai Chatara both took three wickets to help seal the victory. Clive Madande’s late burst also contributed to the victory.

After winning the toss, India chose to field first. When Mukesh Kumar dismissed innocent Kaia for a duck in the second over, the judgment appeared to be well-founded at first. Brian Bennett and Wesley Madhevere then formed a reliable team for Zimbabwe. Ravi Bishnoi, nevertheless, changed the tide of the match in India’s advantage by getting rid of Bennett and Madhevere in his opening two overs. Raza and Dion Myers made a stabilizing effort, but after Raza was fired by Avesh Khan, the team collapsed, dropping Zimbabwe to 90/9. But Madande had other ideas. While the Indian pacers were having trouble with their yorkers, he scored 29 runs off only 25 balls. With four wickets for 13 runs in his four overs, Bishnoi was India’s most impressive bowler.

Abhishek Sharma was out for a duck, which made the Indian chase seem bad from the off. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who gave Zimbabwe optimism, was likewise unable to leave an impression. Rinku Singh was out for a duck after Riyan Parag was dismissed for two runs, making his bat debut disappointing. India was able to stay in the hunt because to Shubman Gill, but Dhruv Jurel was removed for just six runs due to lack of assistance.

After Raza dismissed Shubman Gill, India was behind 47/6. Raza’s success was cemented when she overcame Bishnoi’s opposition. With a 16 and a partnership with Washington Sundar, Avesh gave some optimism, but Raza’s catch put Zimbabwe back in command. Raza then eliminated Mukesh Kumar, almost winning for his team. For Zimbabwe, Chatara bowled a superb final over to ensure victory.

@charith