In one of their most memorable wins in recent history, Zimbabwe beat India in a low-scoring thriller, defending 115 successfully, and then bowling India out for 102.
A famous win for Zimbabwe
It was the first time Zimbabwe beat India in T20Is since 2016, only their third win in nine matches. Albeit a new-look team, this was India's first T20I since they went undefeated through the 2024 T20 World Cup, beating South Africa in the final to win their first ICC tournament since 2013.
India's 12 match-winning streak was broken as Zimbabwe defended the lowest total ever against India. This was also India’s first defeat in the format in 2024.
The day began with an experimental India team handing debuts to three players: Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel. The majority of India's T20I regulars were part of their victorious T20 World Cup campaign, with Shubman Gill in charge of the travelling unit in Zimbabwe.
Collapse of the top-six
Gill was the only one in the India top six who managed to get to double figures as the lineup combusted dramatically, slumping to 22-3 and then 47-6, when Gill was dismissed for a 29-ball 31. Sikandar Raza then razed through in the middle overs, leaving them at 86-9, still 30 runs away from their target.
India needed 16 off the final over, with Washington Sundar their last hope and Khaleel Ahmed at the other end, and Tendai Chatara bowling.
Zimbabwe win the first T20I by 13 runs 🎉 #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/cy88BNqogL
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) July 6, 2024
A last-over miscalculation?
Washington refused a run off the first ball and ran two off the next, leaving 14 to get in four. However, he bizarrely did not run off the next ball, with Jonathan Campbell doing extremely well to make a tumbling save at deep extra cover.
He was the last wicket to fall with 14 needed off the last two, his dismissal setting off celebrations in the Zimbabwe camp as well as in the Harare Sports Club stands.
Earlier, Gill won the toss and put Zimbabwe in to bat. The hosts were put into a tangle by Ravi Bishnoi, using his wrong 'uns consistently to cut through their batting lineup, assisted ably by his spin partner-in-crime Washington. Khaleel Ahmed, playing his first T20I since 2017, was the most expensive, going for 28 from his three.
Wicketkeeper Clive Madande at No.6 was the top-scorer, making 29 off 25.
The teams will play two more T20Is, both in Harare. The second game will be played in less than 24 hours, and the third on July 10.
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