ZIM vs IND: The 1st T20I between Zimbabwe and India began with Shubman Gill's team opting to bowl first at Harare Sports Club. With three debutants in the lineup, India hoped for impressive performances from the newcomers. However, it wasn't to be as Zimbabwe produced one of the biggest upsets this year, becoming the first team to beat India this year in T20 internationals.
IND Bowlers Dominate vs ZIM
Mukesh Kumar provided an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Innocent Kaia in the 2nd over. India struck again during the powerplay, with spinner Ravi Bishnoi taking the wicket of Brian Bennett.
Sikandar Raza and Dion Myers attempted to form a partnership to set a competitive total. However, Avesh Khan took the crucial wicket of Raza in the 12th over, leading to a collapse in Zimbabwe's batting order, leaving them struggling at 89/7 in 14.3 overs. Washington Sundar also contributed with two wickets.
Ravi Bishnoi led the bowling attack with four wickets, helping India restrict Zimbabwe to 115/9 in their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe Produce Upset In 1st T20I
India's chase started poorly with debutant Abhishek Sharma getting out for a duck in the 2nd over. Ruturaj Gaikwad, expected to build momentum, was dismissed for just 7 runs by Blessing Muzarabani.
Another debutant, Riyan Parag, fell for 2 runs, contributing to India's top-order collapse. Rinku Singh, returning from his stint as a reserve in the T20 World Cup, was also dismissed for a duck. Captain Shubman Gill tried to anchor the innings, but saw Dhruv Jurel depart for just 7 runs in the 10th over, as he endeavored to avoid an upset in the first T20I.
What followed was an utter domination as Team India was restricted to just 102 with Sikandar Raza turning out to be the match winner with a 3-fer for the hosts yet again. This is the first time that Team India have been defeated in T20Is in 2024.
For Shubman Gill and co., it is back to the drawing board as they'll try and spring back to good form tomorrow in the 2nd T20I.
Also Read: ZIM vs IND LIVE: No Ro-Ko, No Party? Team India Top Order Falter Against Zimbabwe