• India defeated Zimbabwe in the fifth and final T20I by 42 runs.

  • Sanju Samson played a match-winning knock of 58 runs.

Fans react as Sanju Samson helps India beat Zimbabwe in 5th T20I and seal the series 4-1
India beat Zimbabwe in the fifth T20I (Image Source: Twitter)

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In the final T20I of the India tour of Zimbabwe 2024, India emerged victorious by 42 runs, sealing the series 4-1. The match, held at Harare Sports Club, saw Zimbabwe electing to bowl first after winning the toss.

Sanju Samson shines with the bat

India’s innings began with an explosive start from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hit two consecutive sixes off Sikandar Raza‘s overstep, making him the first player to score 12 runs off the first legal delivery in a men’s T20I game. Despite his quick dismissal for 12 runs off 5 balls, India managed to post a competitive total of 167/6 in their 20 overs.

Sanju Samson was the standout performer, scoring a crucial 58 runs off 45 balls, supported by Shivam Dube‘s quickfire 26 off 12 balls. Contributions from Shubman Gill (13), Abhishek Sharma (14), and Riyan Parag (22) ensured a solid team effort. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in his 4 overs, while Raza, Richard Ngarava, and Brandon Mavuta each chipped in with a wicket.

Mukesh Kumar’s impressive bowling take India home

Chasing 168, Zimbabwe’s innings faltered from the beginning. They lost Wesley Madhevere for a duck in the first over and struggled to build significant partnerships. Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 off 24) and Dion Myers (34 off 32) were the only notable contributors at the top order. A late surge from Faraz Akram, who scored 27 off 13 balls, was not enough to steer Zimbabwe to victory. The Indian bowlers were disciplined and effective, with Mukesh Kumar leading the attack by claiming 4 wickets for 22 runs in 3.3 overs. Shivam Dube (2/25) and Abhishek (1/20) provided crucial support, while Washington Sundar (1/7) and Tushar Deshpande (1/25) also contributed to bowling out Zimbabwe for 125 in 18.3 overs.

India’s remarkable performance in the series

With this win, India wrapped up the series on a high note, having won the last four matches consecutively. Zimbabwe had taken the lead with a 13-run victory in the first T20I, but India bounced back strongly, winning the second T20I by a massive 100 runs, the third by 23 runs, the fourth by 10 wickets, and the fifth by 42 runs. The series showcased India’s depth in talent and their ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive tone for their upcoming international engagements.

Also WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal scripts history; becomes first player in the world to achieve a unique feat

Here is how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: ZIM vs IND – Sanju Samson smashes a colossal 110-metre six against Brandon Mavuta in the 5th T20I

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AKSHAT GAUR
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