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Shubman Gill’s Indian squad secured their fourth consecutive victory over Zimbabwe, sealing the 5-match T20I series with a commanding 4-1 triumph in Harare. Sanju Samson crafted his second T20I half-century, complemented by Shivam Dube’s explosive cameo, guiding India to 167/7 after opting to bat first.
In response, Zimbabwe faltered and were dismissed for 125 in 18.5 overs, conceding the match by 42 runs. Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball, claiming career-best figures of 4/22 in 3.3 overs, while Shivam Dube contributed with 2/25, snaring vital wickets to derail Zimbabwe’s chase.
The hosts initially sought a strong start but stumbled early, losing two wickets in the opening three overs. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers steadied the innings with cautious play, then launched an effective counterattack against the spinners, steering Zimbabwe to 47/2 by the end of the powerplay, rebalancing the momentum.
Their partnership of 44 runs was crucial, but Washington Sundar’s breakthrough ended Marumani’s resistance. Myers continued to score briskly until his departure triggered a collapse, with Zimbabwe losing three quick wickets.
The run-out of captain Sikandar Raza for 8 marked the turning point, as Zimbabwe lost four wickets for just nine runs. Faraz Akram’s late boundary hitting showed promise, but it was too little, too late for the hosts, eventually falling short by 42 runs.
Earlier, India’s recovery was fueled by a 65-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag for the fourth wicket. After a sluggish Power Play that saw them score 44 for three, Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a fiery start with two consecutive sixes off Sikandar Raza’s opening over.
However, Jaiswal’s dismissal in the same over shifted momentum briefly. Abhishek, given a reprieve on 10, couldn’t capitalize and fell shortly after to Blessing Muzarabani. Captain Shubman Gill, who survived an early scare, failed to find his rhythm and was caught by Raza off Ngarava’s bowling.
India’s total of 167/7 proved too much for Zimbabwe, as their bowlers, led by Mukesh Kumar and Shivam Dube, dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup to seal a comprehensive victory.
India found themselves at 44 for three, needing a stabilizing partnership to anchor their innings. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag fulfilled that requirement with a blend of caution and occasional aggression, choosing their shots wisely against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Samson, in particular, showcased his aggressive intent at opportune moments, reaching his second T20I fifty off 39 deliveries. Just as India looked to accelerate, Parag fell trying to clear the boundary, caught out by Mavuto.
Despite Samson’s departure not long after, India managed to regain momentum towards the end of their innings, thanks to Shivam Dube’s explosive hitting. His fireworks provided the late surge that propelled India to a competitive total.
