Mumbai Indians

Indiaaaaa… India, this was just the start Shreyas Iyer and Co. were hoping for. The visitors started their campaign on a winning note, clinching a seven wickets victory versus Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club to go 1-0 up during the three match T20 series. The bowlers were on target while later a Vaibhav Sooryavanshi half century ensured the Men in Blue crossed the winning line. 

India on a roll, dominate with total control

The Indian seamers had a field day, especially during the powerplay as Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav and Shivam Dube struck gold dismissing the Zimbabwe top order within no time. Brian Bennett was the first batter to be dismissed for a duck on the first ball of the innings as Ishan Kishan sprang into action taking the catch. From there onwards, the bowlers kept applying tremendous pressure as the hosts found themselves in trouble at 32/4 in 7.2 overs. At this moment of the contest, Mayank Yadav was the pick of the bowlers picking two wickets.

Marumani-Madhevere help Zimbabwe reach respectable total

Wessly Madhevere and Marumani helped steady the Zimbabwe ship when wickets fell at regular intervals. They rotated the strike well and went for the big shots when the opportunity arose, stitching a 57 runs partnership amongst themselves. Madhevere scored 39 while Marumani remained unbeaten on 27(20), with two fours and one six.

Eventually Zimbabwe ended with 125/7 in 20 overs as Mayank Yadav grabbed 2/18 and won the Player of the Match award while Prince Yadav picked 2/19.

The Sooryavanshi show…

The young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself in style with a sparkling half ton, 50(19), with four fours and four sixes, SR 263. He took the bowler’s heads on, unfurling a great array of strokes all-round the park. His knock gave India the perfect start and ensured the side always had the upper hand in the contest. Vaibhav became the youngest player to score a maiden fifty in international cricket.

Skipper Shreyas, Ishan help India win

A 46 runs crucial stand amongst Shreyas and Ishan helped India clinch a statement win by seven wickets. Both ensured they held their own in the middle, with good communication and great shots. Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 while Ishan at the other end played the aggressor's role, scoring 35(24). In the end, Tilak Varma hit the winning shot that helped visitors India go 1-0 in the series in just 13.2 overs.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 125/7 in 20 overs (Madhevere 39; Mayank Yadav 2/18, Prince Yadav 2/19) lost to India: 126/3 in 13.2 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 50; Blessing Muzarabani 2/26) by seven wickets.