New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma’s maiden T20I ton helped India crush Zimbabwe by 100 runs to win the second match in Harare on Sunday and square the five-match series 1-1.
It was the second time that Zimbabwe lost a T20I by 100 runs, which is also their highest margin of defeat by runs in T20Is.
India had lost the first match on Saturday by 13 runs and were determined to make amends on Sunday as they won the toss and opted to bat at the Harare Sports Club.
Abhishek opened the batting and tonked a 46-all 100-run knock that enabled India to post a massive 234/2, highest against Zimbabwe, which was beyond their ability to chase down.
The home team could only reach 134 in 18.4 overs as Avesh Khan (3/15), Mukesh Kumar (3/37) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/11) were among the wickets. The third match will be held in July 10 at the same venue.
Sharma shines
Abhishek was dismissed for a four-ball duck on debut on Saturday but was on top of his game on Sunday. His clean-hitting ability for Sunrisers Hyderabad impressed one and all during IPL 2024.
It earned him his maiden India call-up and his talent was on full display as he thumped eight sixes and seven fours.
The left hander was dropped on 27 by Wellington Masakadza, who dropped a sitter off Luke Jongwe. It helped him put together a 137-run second wicket stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out off 47 balls), who was content to play second fiddle as Abhishek was hitting the ball cleanly all over the ground.
Abhishek began the run-plundering with a 28-run over off medium pacer Dion Myers and completed his half century with a pulled six behind square off the bowler.
Poor fielding from Zimbabwe also helped India as Gaikwad was given a reprieve on zero. He slammed 87 runs off 36 balls for the third wicket with Rinku Singh (48 not out off 22 balls), who hit five big sixes.
Highest defeat margins for Zimbabwe by runs in T20Is
100 vs AUS, Harare, 2018
100 vs IND, Harare, 2024*
85 vs PAK, Harare, 2011
82 vs SL, Hambantota, 2012
Brief Scores:
India: 234 for 2 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 100, Ruturaj Gaikwad 77 not out, Rinku Singh 48 not out) beat Zimbabwe: 134 all out in 18.4 overs (Wessly Madhevere 43, Brian Bennett 26, Luke Jongwe 33; Mukesh Kumar 3/37, Avesh Khan 3/15, Ravi Bishnoi 2/11 ) by 100 runs.
India thumped Zimbabwe by 100 runs in second T20I in Harare on Sunday to level their five-match series 1-1. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
