2nd T20I: Abhishek picks 3-17 as India thrash Zimbabwe by 90 runs, take unassailable series lead
Harare, July 25
Batting all-rounder Abhishek Sharma claimed three wickets for 17 runs as India thrashed Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I to gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Defending a daunting total of 219/5, India bowled out Zimbabwe for 129 in 17.5 overs. It also meant India earned their first series victory under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy. The convincing win also offered the visitors a timely boost following their batters' recent struggles against pace and bounce during losses in Ireland and England.
India's bowling unit consistently applied pressure despite losing pacer Prince Yadav to a hamstring injury early in his second over, shortly after he had taken two quick wickets. Abhishek stepped up to fill the void, combining with debutant Yash Thakur and the rest of the attack to dismantle the host side's batting lineup and put India in prime position to get a clean sweep in Sunday's clash.
Chasing 220, Brian Bennett hit six boundaries - with the scoop shot being the standout. But the scoop shot brought his downfall when he mistimed one off Thakur and gave a simple catch to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to fall for 32 off 19 balls.
Prince made an instant impact on his first ball of the fifth over - removing Ben Curran for one as the opener's mis-hit pull off a hard length was caught by third man. Zimbabwe's slide continued as Dion Myers chopped onto his stumps off Ravi Bishnoi in the final over of power-play.
Skipper Sikandar Raza fell for a three-ball duck when his attempt at a wild swing at a length ball from Prince resulted in a thick edge being caught behind by Kishan. But just as Prince was about to bowl his third delivery, he pulled up mid-run-up with a left hamstring injury and walked off the field, with Shivam Dube completing the remaining over.
Dube eventually struck in the ninth over when Wessly Madhevere gave a simple catch to mid-on, while Tilak Varma's brilliant game continued when he had Ryan Burl holing out to long-on. While Thakur claimed Tadiwanashe Marumani, Abhishek came in to castle Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri in quick succession before having Richard Ngarava holing out to long-on to wrap up a comfortable win for India.
Brief scores:
India 219/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60 not out; Brian Bennett 1-22, Newman Nyamhuri 1-25) beat Zimbabwe 129 all out in 17.5 overs (Brian Bennett 32, Tadiwanashe Marumani 24; Abhishek Sharma 3-17, Prince Yadav 2-10) by 90 runs
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm really impressed by Ishan Kishan's knock - 81 off just 20 overs? That's explosive batting! But I hope the team management gives him consistent chances now. Too much chopping and changing in the past has hurt our bench strength. 🤔
Prince Yadav's injury is concerning. He was bowling so well - 2 wickets in his first over! Hope it's not too serious. These young fast bowlers need proper workload management. India can't afford another injury setback with so much cricket ahead. 🙏
Good win but let's not get carried away. Zimbabwe are a struggling side right now. The real test will come against stronger teams like Australia and England. That said, credit to the bowlers for defending 220 despite losing a pacer early. Abhishek Sharma is becoming a genuine all-round option! 👍
I love how Tilak Varma is making every opportunity count! 60 not out and then a wicket too? This boy has a bright future. The way our young players are stepping up gives me confidence for the 2026 T20 World Cup. 😍🏏
As a neutral cricket fan, it's refreshing to see India's bench strength on display. Even without their main players (minus Shreyas), they're still dominating. That's the sign of a well-run system. Zimbabwe need to work on their batting against quality spin though - Bishnoi and Abhishek were too good today.
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