Harare, July 6 (UNI) In a gripping spectacle at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe orchestrated a sensational upset, defeating India by 13 runs in a nail-biting encounter on Saturday.
The drama unfolded as India, tasked with chasing a modest 116 runs, stumbled disastrously from the onset. Debutant Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck, succumbing to Brian Bennett’s deceptive delivery, caught at deep mid-wicket. The woes compounded with the swift departure of fellow debutant Riyan Parag, leaving India’s batting lineup in disarray.
Amidst the chaos, Shubman Gill emerged as the solitary beacon of hope, top-scoring with a determined 31 off 29 balls. Yet, his valiant effort was overshadowed by the lack of substantial support from the other end. Zimbabwe’s Tendai Chatara (3/16) and skipper Sikandar Raza (3/25) unleashed havoc, dismantling India’s chase with surgical precision.
As wickets tumbled like dominos, India teetered on the brink at 84-8 by the close of the 16th over. Washington Sundar mounted a solitary resistance, crafting a gritty 27 off 34 balls. The equation boiled down to 16 runs needed off the final over, with just one wicket in hand—a herculean task that proved insurmountable.
In the climactic last over, Sundar’s valiant attempt ended in heartbreak. He perished off the penultimate ball, caught by Blessing Muzarabani at backward square leg off Chatara’s bowling, sealing Zimbabwe’s jubilant victory.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe’s own batting ordeal saw them struggle to 115 runs, stifled by Ravi Bishnoi’s (4/13) devastating four-wicket haul. Despite promising starts from Wessly Madhevere (21 off 22) and Dion Myers (23 off 22), Zimbabwe faltered, unable to capitalize on their partnerships.
The victory marks a watershed moment for Zimbabwe cricket, a testament to their resilience and tenacity. The Harare fans erupted in euphoric celebration, reveling in their team’s hard-earned triumph over the formidable Indian side.
India, on the other hand, will rue their squandered opportunities and faltering partnerships. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the steep challenges their young team faces on the international stage, a call to regroup and fortify their resolve for the battles ahead.
Brief scores
Zimbabwe: 115/9 in 20 overs (Dion Myers 23, Wessly Madhevere 21, Ravi Bishnoi 4/13)
India: 102 all out in 19.5 overs (Shubman Gill 31, Washington Sundar 27, Tendai Chatara 3/16, Sikandar Raza 3/25).
