Harare, July 23: India made a winning start to the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, cruising to a seven-wicket victory in the opening match at the Harare Sports Club under new captain Shreyas Iyer. Chasing a modest target of 126, India reached 126/3 in just 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The star of the match was 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who produced a breathtaking knock of 50 off just 19 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes. He raced to his maiden T20I half-century in only 18 deliveries, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I fifty and also the youngest Indian to register an international half-century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. Ishan Kishan contributed 35 off 24 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer added a steady hand as India completed the chase with ease.
Earlier, India dominated with the ball after Iyer elected to field first. Express pacer Mayank Yadav struck on the opening ball of the innings and finished with impressive figures of 2/18, earning the Player of the Match award. Prince Yadav also claimed 2/19, while Shivam Dube and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with a wicket each to restrict Zimbabwe to 125/7. Wessly Madhevere top-scored for the hosts with 39.
The victory marked Shreyas Iyer’s first win as India’s T20I captain after a difficult start to his leadership stint. The second T20I of the series will be played in Harare on Saturday.
