Zimbabwe defeat T20 World Cup champions India in test series opener

T20 World Cup champions India have fallen to the hands of Zimbabwe as Sikandar Raza picked 3-25 to beat the visitors by 13 runs on Sunday (AEST) in the opener of their five-match series.

Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup, claimed their third T20I test win (2015, 2016, now 2024) against the heavyweight side, with Raza the only member of the squad to appear in all victories.

India debuted a new-look side just a week after lifting the world cup trophy, while Raza led the way for his young team that bowled and fielded with great energy.

Advertisement

FOLLOW LIVE: State of Origin III selection

FOLLOW LIVE: NRL Round 18 Sunday

READ MORE: Wallabies get revenge for World Cup 'embarrassment'

Tendai Chatara picked 3-16, while Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani took one each as India was bowled out for 102 runs in 19.5 overs.

This was after Zimbabwe scored 115-9 in 20 overs despite wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi picking 4-13 in four overs.

The loss marked the end of a 12-game T20I winning streak.

Chasing a low total, India was in trouble early on as its top order failed to get going.

Debutant opener Abhishen Sharma was out caught for a four-ball duck, while Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed off Muzarabani for 7.

Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza celebrates a wicket during the T20 cricket match against India at Harare Sports club, Saturday, July 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) AP

Riyan Parag, another debutant, was out for 2 with hard-hitting Rinku Singh gone for a two-ball duck. Both fell to Chatara in the fifth over as India was down to 22-4.

Skipper Shubman Gill scored 31 runs to stem the collapse and put on 21 off 29 balls with Dhruv Jurel (7) for the fifth wicket.

"We bowled pretty well but we let ourselves down in the field. Everyone looked a bit rusty," Indian captain Shubman Gill said following the match.

"We spoke about taking time and enjoying our batting but it didn't pan out that way.

It didn’t last long as Luke Jongwe broke through. Thereafter, Raza’s off spin took over. Gill survived a close lbw shout via DRS, but Raza bowled him in the 11th over.

"It would have been best for us if I stayed to the end," Gill said.

"I was very disappointed with the way I got out."

It proved to be the turning point in the match as India was 47-6 in 10.2 overs.

Thereafter, Sundar marshalled the lower order but the asking rate kept climbing as Raza picked two more wickets. Avesh Khan scored 16 off 12 balls with three fours.

The Zimbabwe skipper was named player of the match.

“I am very happy about this win and we need to take this series one game at a time,” Raza said.

“They are world champions and play like that, so we need to be ready for the next game.

"Our catching and fielding was amazing but there is room for improvement. The fans also lifted us with their energy.”

Sundar made 27 off 34 balls, including a six and a four, yet was unable to finish the job with 16 runs needed off the final over.

Zimbabwe's batsman Clive Madand (L) plays a shot against India. AP

Earlier, Zimbabwe was 40-2 in the powerplay after being put into bat. It lost regular wickets but in comparison to India’s innings, its batters were able to make vital starts.

Clive Madande top-scored with 29 not out off 25 balls to shepherd the score past 100. He hit four fours.

Dion Myers (23) and Brian Bennett (22) contributed vital twenties as did opener Wessly Madhevere (21).

Sundar picked 2-11 in his four overs, putting in an all-round show, but was unable to prevent India’s first defeat in T20s in 2024.

Click here to read article