India Crush Zimbabwe by 100 Runs to Level T20I Series
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India bounced back in the five-match T20I series with a comprehensive 100-run victory over Zimbabwe, leveling the series after losing the opener. The Indian batters set the stage with a mammoth total, and the bowlers defended it successfully, marking India's first win on this tour.
Opting to bat, India lost skipper Shubman Gill cheaply for two in the second over. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma then led the recovery. Abhishek reached his fifty quickly and went berserk, hitting a hat-trick of sixes to bring up his maiden T20I century off just 46 balls before falling the next ball. Gaikwad anchored the innings, and Rinku Singh joined in, propelling India to a formidable 234/2, the highest T20I team total against Zimbabwe. Gaikwad and Rinku remained unbeaten on 77 and 48, respectively.
Abhishek Sharma stuns the world with a record-breaking century in just his second T20I!
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) July 7, 2024
Finishes the job in style with a hat-trick of sixes 6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣
Watch #ZIMvIND LIVE NOW on #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/kiwutDa6M4
Chasing 235, Zimbabwe's innings started disastrously. Innocent Kaia was cleaned up in the first over, and Brian Bennet's explosive 9-ball 26 ended in the third over. Avesh Khan struck twice, reducing Zimbabwe to 58/4 by the end of the powerplay. Wessly Madhevere's 43 and Luke Jongwe's 33 offered some resistance, but Zimbabwe was bundled out for 134 in the penultimate over. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan took three wickets each, with Ravi Bishnoi adding two scalps.
India levels the series in style! A dominant all-around performance saw them crush Zimbabwe by 100 runs.
— CricGlobe (@thecricglobe) July 7, 2024
- Abhishek Sharma’s explosive maiden T20I century and stellar bowling by Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan set the stage. #Cricket #TeamIndia #T20I #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/jlCV708fRr
India's dominant performance secured a resounding victory, leveling the series and showcasing their resilience.