An all-round performance from India helped them seal the second T20I by 90 runs and the three match series 2-0 against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club. A complete team effort, first with the bat and then the bowlers getting the job done. Ishan Kishan’s standout show with the bat (81), while Tilak’s magical innings of 60 not out stood out for the Men in Blue.

Ishan-Shreyas put India on track

After two quick wickets tumbled in the form of Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the visitors did find themselves on the back foot but not for very long. Ishan and Shreyas Iyer took the responsibility, blended calmness with controlled aggression and smashed deliveries whenever the occasion arose. In the process, they stitched a 66-run partnership and brought the Men in Blue back into the contest. Shreyas then perished on 25(20) going for a big hit. At this stage, India were 95/3 in 10 overs.

Ishan leads the charge, smashes brilliant 81

Player of the Match, Ishan at the other end was always one step ahead of the bowlers. He made a great 81 in just 44 balls, laced with nine fours and two maximums, before being caught by Brian Bennett. En route he also stitched an exceptional 94 runs partnership with Tilak Varma.  

A complete TV show…

The body language, intent and confidence spoke volumes of our very own Tilak Varma. He put his hand up, when India demanded a star finish off in style. His trademark elegance, fearless stroke play and domination foxed the Zimbabwe bowlers. TV also smacked a hat trick of fours in the 14th over.  He injected momentum into the Indian innings especially during the death overs. A trademark finisher’s knock from Tilak, remaining unbeaten on 60 in just 29 balls, with five fours and three monster sixes.

India ended with 219/5 in 20 overs.

Zimbabwe reeling at 65/5, India bowlers apply the breaks 

The Zimbabwe batters had no other option but to go for big hits from the very beginning. The Indian bowlers were exceptional and within no time half the side was sent back to the pavilion. Prince Yadav was the stand out bowler at this stage, snapping two key wickets of Ben Curran and skipper Sikandar Raza. While Yash Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi and Shivam Dube picked one wicket each.

With no more strength in their batting reserves, Zimbabwe could never recover and were bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs, handing India a victory by 90 runs.

Brief Scores

India: 219/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60*; Brian Bennett 1/22) beat Zimbabwe: 129 all out in 17.5 overs (Brian Bennett 32; Abhishek Sharma 3/17) by 90 runs.