A brilliant four-wicket haul by Mukesh Kumar and a vital half-century by Sanju Samson propelled India to a 42-run win over Zimbabwe in the fifth and final T20I at Harare, securing a 4-1 series victory on Sunday.
India’s Bowling Highlights:
In pursuit of a 168-run target, India had an excellent start as pacer Mukesh Kumar bowled Wessly Madhevere for a duck, leaving Zimbabwe at 1/1 in just 0.3 overs. Brian Bennett and Tadinawanashe Marumani responded with three boundaries in Tushar Deshpande’s over, but Mukesh swiftly curtailed their momentum by dismissing Bennett, caught at third man for 10. Zimbabwe stumbled to 15/2 in 2.3 overs.
Marumani, alongside Dion Myers, attempted to stabilize the innings. Their aggressive approach against Mukesh and spinner Ravi Bishnoi brought Zimbabwe to 47/2 by the end of the powerplay. Marumani contributed 22* and Myers 12*.
Washington Sundar then struck, trapping Marumani leg-before-wicket for 27, reducing Zimbabwe to 59/3 in 8.2 overs. Myers partnered briefly with skipper Sikandar Raza before Dube dismissed him for 34, leaving Zimbabwe at 85/4 in 12.4 overs.
Dube continued to dominate, running out Raza for eight and dismissing Jonathan Campbell for four. Zimbabwe found themselves at 90/6 in 14.4 overs. The collapse continued as Clive Madande fell to Abhishek Sharma, and Zimbabwe slumped to 94/7 in 15.1 overs.
Despite a late fight from Faraz Akram, who scored 27 off 13 balls, Mukesh Kumar wrapped up the innings by taking two quick wickets, ending Zimbabwe’s innings at 125 in 18.3 overs. Mukesh’s outstanding figures of 4/22 were pivotal, supported by Dube’s 2/25.
India’s Batting Innings:
Earlier, India, batting first after being put in by Zimbabwe, amassed 167/6 in 20 overs. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal hit two sixes early on but was soon bowled by Raza for 12. Following quick dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, India was in a precarious position at 40/3 in 5 overs.
Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. By the halfway mark, India reached 75/3, with Samson contributing significantly. He continued his form, reaching his half-century in 39 balls. Parag fell for 22, ending a 65-run stand. India moved to 113/4 by the 15th over.
Samson’s 58 off 45 balls was vital, and Dube’s late surge with 26 off 12 balls boosted India’s total to 167/6. Muzarbani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, with figures of 2/19.
Conclusion:
India’s comprehensive performance, highlighted by Mukesh Kumar’s exceptional bowling and Sanju Samson’s crucial innings, ensured a solid victory, clinching the series 4-1. This match showcased India’s ability to perform under pressure, setting a high benchmark for their upcoming encounters.
