India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs to win the T20 series 4-1

By Caroline Chepkorir

India defeated Zimbabwe by 42 runs in the fifth T20I to win the five-match series 4-1. After losing the first match of the series, India made a remarkable comeback and under the leadership of Shubman Gill, they recorded four consecutive wins against hosts Zimbabwe in Harare.

Earlier, Zimbabwe were dominant in the last Twenty20 International, attempting to win the series with a 3-2 consolation score. Zimbabwe changed their starting eleven; Brandon Mavuta replaced Tendai Chatara while Sikandar Raza chose to bowl first against India.

Sanju Samson’s brilliant knock of four sixes followed by Shivam Dube’s quick cameo took India to 167/6 in 20 overs. In response, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers gave Zimbabwe hope by anchoring the chase in the middle overs, but Dube contributed a couple of wickets.

Kumar was the tourists’ best bowler and produced career-best figures, taking wickets at the beginning and end of Zimbabwe’s innings, while fellow seamer Shivam Dube took 2-25 in four overs.

Throughout the chase, the hosts lost wickets frequently and failed to achieve the required run rate. The 12th-ranked T20I team was bowled out for 125 runs in 18.3 overs despite Dion Myers’ persistent effort of 34 runs.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar, who took eight wickets in the five matches with a measly economy of 5.16, was named Player of the Series.

After the match, Yuvraj shared his feelings after winning the title on X (formerly Twitter).

“It feels good to hold the winner’s trophy even at this age. I am absolutely thrilled with the performance of the boys (or should I say the men) throughout the tournament! It’s always great to be back on the court with legends from all over the world,” Yuvraj posted on X.

The Indian national cricket team will embark on its next tour of Sri Lanka starting on July 27. The “Men in Blue” will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against the island nation.