July 14th 2024.
The final match of the India-Zimbabwe T20I series ended in a resounding victory for the Indian team, thanks to a stellar performance by Sanju Samson and Mukesh Kumar. With this win, India secured the series 4-1. Samson's well-crafted fifty, along with Shivam Dube's flashy 26, propelled India to a healthy total of 167 for six.
In response, the Indian bowlers, led by Mukesh Kumar, Shivam Dube, and Washington Sundar, put up a disciplined and effective performance that saw Zimbabwe being bundled out for 125 in 18.3 overs. The early dismissal of Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett set the tone for the match. However, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers tried to keep the hosts in the game with a partnership of 44 runs for the third wicket.
Marumani's switch-hit four off leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was a stunning display of skill. However, such shots were few and far between from the Zimbabwe batters. Marumani's dismissal, caught leg-before off Washington's delivery, and Myers' chip to Abhishek Sharma at short third man off Dube's quicker delivery, dampened the hosts' hopes.
The final nail in the coffin was the run out of skipper Sikandar Raza, which triggered a collapse of four wickets for just nine runs. Mukesh Kumar, who had his career-best T20 figures, fittingly ended Zimbabwe's innings by getting through Richard Ngarava's defenses.
In the first innings, India had a middling Power Play, scoring 44 for three. However, Samson and Riyan Parag's partnership of 65 runs for the fourth wicket helped India recover and post a competitive total. Jaiswal, who had a phenomenal performance in the previous match, started the innings with two consecutive sixes off Raza's bowling. But he soon played the wrong line and got bowled.
Parag, who was dropped on 10 by Bennett, did not last long and edged Muzarabani's delivery to the wicketkeeper. Skipper Shubman Gill's lackluster performance continued as he was caught by Raza off Ngarava's bowling at 11. At 44 for three, India needed a partnership to steady the ship, and that's exactly what Samson and Parag provided. They chose to be prudent rather than flashy, picking the right deliveries to punish.
Samson, however, didn't shy away from showing his aggressive side when the opportunity presented itself. In a display of skill and power, he hit two consecutive sixes off Brandon Mavuto's bowling. His fifty came in just 39 balls, but he was soon dismissed by Muzarabani after attempting another big shot. Dube's quickfire innings towards the end provided some much-needed momentum for India.
All in all, it was a comprehensive victory for India, and the team can return home with their heads held high. It was a fitting end to their tour of Zimbabwe, and the fans can look forward to more thrilling matches in the future.
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