India's Sooryavanshi Sizzles with 18-Ball Fifty in Thrilling T20 Win Over Zimbabwe
15-year-old wonderkid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest cricketer to represent India by scoring an 18-ball 50, leading his team to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first of three matches.
Led by Sooryavanshi, who struck four sixes and four fours, India cruised to 126-3 with 40 balls to spare, ending a dismal recent T20I run that included four losses, including one by an Indian record 125 runs to England.
Zimbabwe made a meagre 125-7 in 20 overs, with all-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 39.
Sooryavanshi's whirlwind 50 was a highlight of the match, but he departed when he got a thick outside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery and was caught at deep third man by Ben Curran.
Captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's performance, saying, "I think the boys were tremendous. Could not have been happier with my first win."
The victory was a welcome relief for Iyer, who inherited the captaincy recently and had been searching for his first win in seven matches.
Ishan Kishan (35) and Iyer (28 not out) ensured India's victory, with Kishan and Iyer putting on an unbroken 58-run partnership.
The match was played at Harare Sports Club, where Zimbabwe's all-rounder Madhevere was run out after attempting to secure a second run.
India's victory ended a dismal recent T20I run, which included losses to England and Ireland.
The win is a boost to the team's confidence ahead of the remaining two matches in the series.
India will look to maintain their winning momentum in the next two matches, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
Source: Yahoo Sports