Unexpectedly, on July 5, 2024, at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe trounced India in the first Twenty20 international match. This game was one of five in a Twenty20 International series, and Zimbabwe’s victory demonstrated their ability against a top-tier team like India.Â
- India have won the toss and Shubman Gill Says First, we’ll field. It seems like a nice surface, in my opinion. Later on, it won’t alter much. It’s been a while coming. It took us eleven years to win an ICC event. You have certain standards for yourself at all times. Three people are making their debuts. Parag, Sharma, and Jurel all make their debuts. Â
- Zimbabwe Captain Sikandar Raza said I don’t mind batting first. The wicket looks good. Zimbabwe cricket has trusted me with this transition phase. I look for young boys to come out and fight. It is humbling to lead this bunch. Sean has retired. It is a young side. Ervine will have a role in future.Â
Playing XI Ind Vs Zim :-
Zimbabwe Squad :- Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett , Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai ChataraÂ
India Squad :- Shubman Gill (c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed.Â
1ST INNINGS :-
BATTING HIGHLIGHTS :-
We will see facts regarding the Zimbabwe team members that performed well From the provided scorecard of Zimbabwe’s innings, the players who played well for their team are:Â
- Clive Madande (wk) : He remained not out and scored 29 runs off 25 balls with a strike rate of  116.00, including 4 fours.
- Dion Myers : Scored 23 runs off 22 balls with a strike rate of 104.55, including 2 fours.
- Brian Bennett : Scored 22 runs off 15 balls with a strike rate of 146.67, including 5 fours.
- Wessly Madhevere : Scored 21 runs off 22 balls with a strike rate of 95.45, including 3 fours.
These players contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s total of 115-9 in their 20 overs.
BOWLING ANALYSIS :-Â
Let’s examine which Indian bowler has been particularly outstanding From the provided bowling figures, the players who performed well for their team are:Â
- Ravi Bishnoi : He bowled 4 overs, took 4 wickets, and conceded only 13 runs with an excellent economy rate of 3.20.
- Washington Sundar : He bowled 4 overs, took 2 wickets, and conceded just 11 runs with a remarkable economy rate of 2.80.
- Mukesh Kumar : He bowled 3 overs, took 1 wicket, and conceded 16 runs with an economy rate of 5.30.
- Avesh Khan : He bowled 4 overs, took 1 wicket, and conceded 29 runs with an economy rate of 7.20.
 These bowlers were key in restricting Zimbabwe to a total of 115-9 in their 20 overs.Â
2ND INNINGS :-
BATTING HIGHLIGHTS :-
From the provided batting figures for India’s innings, the players who played well for their team are :-Â
- Shubman Gill (c) : Indian skipper Shubman Gill was playing well but was bowled by  Raza and He scored 31 runs off 29 balls with a strike rate of 106.90, including 5 fours.
- Washington Sundar : He contributed 27 runs off 34 balls with a strike rate of 79.41, including 1 four and 1 six. Washington was playing a beautiful game and was at the crease till the last but failed to win India
- Avesh Khan : Lower down the order, he scored 16 runs off 12 balls with a strike rate of 133.33 , including 2 sixes.
- Ravi Bishnoi : Though his main role is as a bowler, he managed to score 9 runs off 8 balls   with a strike rate of 112.50.
BOWLING Performance :-Â
Brian Bennett : Took 2 crucial wickets, including the important scalp of Abhishek Sharma.Â
Raza (c) : Claimed 3 wickets, including the significant wicket of Shubman Gill, contributing significantly to India’s collapse.Â
Chatara : Managed to take 3 wickets, playing a crucial role in the latter part of the innings.Â
Zimbabwe’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, with several bowlers contributing to the fall of Indian wickets.Â
TURNING POINTS AND KEY MOMENTS :-
Muzarabani and Bennett’s Key Breakthroughs :Â
Early Wickets: Muzarabani’s dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Bennett’s early breakthroughs, including the wicket of Abhishek Sharma, set the tone for Zimbabwe’s defense.Â
Shubman Gill’s Steady Start :
Captain’s Effort: Gill’s 31 runs off 29 balls provided a solid foundation for India’s chase. His innings, though not enough, kept India in contention during the early overs.Â
Middle-Order Collapse for India :Â
Quick Wickets: The dismissals of Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession were a significant turning point. Zimbabwe’s bowlers capitalized on the pressure, causing a middle-order collapse for India.Â
Washington Sundar’s Crucial Runs :Â
Lower Order Fight: Sundar’s 27 runs off 34 balls were vital in keeping India’s hopes alive. His partnership with Avesh Khan added some valuable runs towards the end.Â
Raza and Sundar’s Crucial Wickets :Â
Raza’s Important Wicket: Raza’s dismissal of Shubman Gill, India’s top scorer, was a pivotal moment. Removing the set batsman dented India’s chase significantly.Â
Washington Sundar’s Dismissal: Sundar’s wicket, taken by Chatara, came at a crucial juncture and halted India’s progress, leaving the lower order with too much to do. Â
Final Over Drama :Â
The last over, bowled by Chatara, saw the final wickets fall quickly. His composed bowling under pressure ensured Zimbabwe’s 13-run victory, sealing a memorable win against the world champions.Â
PLAYER OF THE MATCH :-
