Join Us 
India bounced back emphatically from their opening T20I defeat, thrashing Zimbabwe by a massive 100 runs in Harare on Sunday. A whirlwind century from young opener Abhishek Sharma laid the foundation for India’s mammoth 234/2, the highest total ever posted against Zimbabwe in a T20I match.
Sharma’s knock, the joint third-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, came on a pitch that was described by Ruturaj Gaikwad as “tough” and “two-paced.” His innings of 100 runs off just 46 balls, featuring 7 fours and a staggering 8 sixes, defied the challenging conditions and propelled India past a slow start.
Sharma’s Fireworks Light Up the Innings
After losing captain Shubman Gill early, the responsibility fell on Sharma to carry the innings. He began with a bang, smashing a six off the first ball he faced, and never looked back. A dropped catch by Wellington Masakadza at 28* only served to fuel his fire. Sharma reached his maiden T20I century in style, smashing three consecutive sixes off Tendai Chatara, but was dismissed the very next ball.
Partnerships Lay the Platform for Late Onslaught
While Sharma stole the show, valuable contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (77* off 38 balls) and finisher Rinku Singh (48* off 22 balls) ensured India posted a daunting total. The duo added a crucial 137-run stand for the second wicket, the highest partnership by India against Zimbabwe in T20Is. Gaikwad anchored the innings with his experience, while Rinku Singh provided the late flourish, hammering three sixes against Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s best bowler on the day.
Indian Bowling Dominates
Zimbabwe’s chase never really got going. Openers Innocent Kaia and Wessly Madhevere fell cheaply, while skipper Sikandar Raza was bounced out by Avesh Khan in the Powerplay. The Indian pacers, particularly Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, took early wickets, while the spinners, led by the economical Ravi Bishnoi (3/16) and Washington Sundar (1/22), choked the flow of runs in the middle overs. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for just 134 runs in 18.4 overs, handing India a comprehensive 100-run victory.
This win puts India 1-1 in the five-match T20I series. The third match will be played on next match.
Brief Scores: India 234/2 (Abhishek 100, Gaikwad 77*, Rinku 48*) beat Zimbabwe 134 all out in 18.4 overs (Madhevere 43; Avesh 3-15, Mukesh 3-37) by 100 runs.
