3rd T20I: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blistering 81 powers India to 192/5 against Zimbabwe
Harare, July 26
India posted a competitive 192/5 against Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Harare, riding on a blistering 81 off 49 balls from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The young opener provided the platform for a strong total with his aggressive knock, while Rinku Singh's late cameo further boosted India's score.
Sooryavanshi's innings included eight fours and four sixes, while skipper Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan also made valuable contributions. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets.
India made a flying start as openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma smashed 17 runs off Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza in the opening over.
However, Zimbabwe hit back in the following over, with pacer Blessing Muzarabani dismissing Abhishek for just two runs. India ended the first four overs at 38/1.
Sooryavanshi then shifted gears, attacking the Zimbabwean bowlers alongside Ishan Kishan to take India to 64/1 and finish the powerplay on a strong note.
Sooryavanshi continued his aggressive approach as India moved to 89/1 after nine overs. On the fifth ball of the 10th over, the 15-year-old sensation brought up his second T20I half-century in just 31 balls, taking India to 95/1.
During the first ball of the 11th over, skipper Raza clean bowled Kishan for 29 off 26 balls, including four fours. By the end of the 13th over, skipper Shreyas Iyer and Sooryavanshi had guided India to 123/2.
Sooryavanshi then smashed a six and two fours off Wessly Madhevere in the 15th over. However, Madhevere had the last laugh, dismissing the Indian opener off the final delivery.
The 15-year-old missed out on a well-deserved century, departing for a blistering 81 off 49 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, as India reached 145/3.
By the end of the 17th over, captain Iyer and Tilak Varma had taken India to 164/3. However, Brad Evans struck in the following over, dismissing Iyer for 27 off 18 balls, including two fours.
Towards the end of the innings, Tilak Varma (11* off nine balls, including one four) and Rinku Singh (25 off 14 balls, with two fours and a six) powered India to 192/5 in 20 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 41 runs, while skipper Sikandar Raza (1/40), Blessing Muzarabani (1/33) and Wessly Madhevere (1/37) claimed one wicket each.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Brilliant knock by Sooryavanshi! But I'm a bit concerned about the middle order—we still rely too much on a couple of players. Against stronger teams, 192 might not be enough. Need more consistency from guys like Tilak Varma.
15 years old and hitting sixes like it's nothing! 😲 India's bench strength is unmatched. Hope the selectors don't rush him into the senior team too soon—let him develop at his own pace. Zimbabwe fought well too, especially Brad Evans.
Impressive from a 15-year-old, but let's be honest—Zimbabwe's bowling attack is weak. Muzarabani is their only decent bowler. Still, credit to Sooryavanshi for taking advantage. Rinku Singh's cameo was also crucial in the end.
Sooryavanshi is a gem! But I'm worried about Ishan Kishan's form—29 off 26 is too slow for a T20 opener. Shreyas Iyer also needs to convert starts into big scores. Nevertheless, great team effort! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
This kid is special! 81 off 49 with 8 fours and 4 sixes at 15 years old—that's the kind of talent India produces regularly. Zimbabwe bowlers had no answer to his aggressive batting. Just hope he stays injury-free and keeps his head down.
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