Zimbabwe vs India, IND in ZIM, 5 T20I Series, 2024 Full score card

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! India win by 100 runs and level the series by 1-1. Total dominance out there in the field in all three domains by the Men in Blue. Mukesh Kumar pins in a fuller-length delivery outside off, Luke Jongwe opens the face of the bat but slices it uppishly, flat, and straight down the throat of Ruturaj Gaikwad at deep third. A strong comeback from India after a dismal performance in the series opener. Hugs and handshakes around with delighted Indian faces.

Bowls it on a length, outside the off stump. Jongwe reaches for it and slashes to deep point for a couple of runs.

NO BALL AND FOUR! A high full toss on the bodyline, Luke Jongwe stands upright and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Free Hit to follow.

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Firmly driven down the ground Misses the yorker and serves a low full toss on the stumps, Luke Jongwe spanks it down the ground. Mukesh Kumar does get his fingertips at it but deflects it behind him. Abhishek Sharma there runs to his left from long on but is a bit casual in his approach to make the stop and the ball breaches the fence.

Mukesh comes back into the attack, and bowls on a fullish length and outside off, Luke Jongwe clears his front foot and swings hard at it but only meets thin air.

Another half-tracker on off, Tendai Chatara goes to ramp it away but misses.

Over the stumps bowls does Avesh, bangs a short one again outside off, Tendai Chatara swooshes at it but misses.

Tendai Chatara is the last man in for Zimbabwe.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND SUNDAR TAKES IT EASILY! Zimbabwe 9 down now. Avesh Khan continues to bowl on a short length, just around off, Blessing Muzarabani goes for a half-hearted pull shot and gets a leading edge that flies up in the air. Washington Sundar stationed at mid on runs a few steps ahead and takes a simple catch. Avesh Khan gets his second wicket and India is just one wicket away from a clinical victory.

Bowls almost a half-tracker on the top of middle, Luke Jongwe stays leg side and shuffles down the leg side before cutting it through the off side for one.

Outside off on a hard length, Blessing Muzarabani throws his bat at it and chops it to deep third for a single.

On the back of a length outside off, Luke Jongwe cuts it past cover-point for a single. Rinku Singh runs in to his right from deep point and keeps it to just a single.

WIDE! Sees the batter shuffling across off for a scoop shot, Avesh bowls it even further away outside the wide guideline. Wided.

Another wrong'un on offer, slightly on a pulled-back length, around off, Luke Jongwe watches the ball closely, goes back and across and guides it in front of short third for a single.

A googly on a fuller length, turning in from off, Blessing Muzarabani reads it well and strides out before working it towards widish mid-wicket for one.

Bishnoi follows up with a regular leg-break in front of the stumps. Blessing Muzarabani blocks it out.

Blessing Muzarabani is the new man in.

OUT! YOU MISS I HIT! THROUGH THE GATES! Ravi Bishnoi gets his second wicket! He bowls it very close to the bodyline on a length, on a flatter trajectory, angling to the leg stump line. Wessly Madhevere gives Bishnoi the charge but gets cramped up for room as he tries to play it across the line. The ball is too close to execute that shot and Madhevere fails to connect. The ball sneaks through the gap between the bat and the pad to dismantle the furniture.

Flat and quick on the middle, Luke Jongwe bends low and eases it in front of point for a quick single.

Over the wicket, in front of the pegs, full in length, Wessly Madhevere shuffles well outside leg and punches it between mid off and covers for one.

Nice and slow, full and just outside off, Luke Jongwe plays inside the line of the as he expects the ball to turn into him but it straightens up instead. As a result, he gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full and on the stumps, this is clipped away to deep mid-wicket by Wessly Madhevere for one.

Pushes it through, full and around off, Wessly Madhevere gets down on a knee, and lifts it over the bowler's head for a brace.

Short and spinning into the batter from off, Luke Jongwe hangs back and pulls it towards widish mid-wicket for one.

Good piece of running there by the two batters! Good length and on off, Luke Jongwe turns it to deep square leg and hurries back for the second.

FOUR! Pulled away! Sundar bowls a short-pitched delivery, turning into the batter from off, Luke Jongwe reads the length early, gets in position quickly and pulls it nicely over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Washington Sundar is back on.

Fuller and quicker, outside off, Wessly Madhevere goes for the reverse sweep but connects with thin air.

SIX! Wessly Madhevere finally gets hold of one properly! Abhishek slants it in, full and right in the arc of the batter, Wessly Madhevere does not miss out as he reaches out in front and slog sweeps it over deep square leg for a six.

Shorter and flatter, outside off, Luke Jongwe hangs back and chops it past the keeper for a single.

Nicely bowled! Drifting in from around the wicket, full and around off, Luke Jongwe gets on the front foot and plays for the ball coming into him. The ball pitches and spins away to beat the bat. Dhruv Jurel is quick to take the bails off and the third umpire is called into action. The replays show that Jongwe has his back leg grounded inside the crease all the way through.

Is he stumped out? Excellent piece of glove work from Dhruv Jurel yet again behind the stumps.  Luke Jongwe misses to connect the ball, gets beaten on the outside edge. Jurel collects it cleanly. He flashes off the bails in the blink of an eye. However, the side-on replay confirms that Jongwe has got his back foot grounded at the moment the stumps are broken.

Offers flight does Abhishek and slows it up too, on off, Luke Jongwe carves it up and over cover for a couple of runs.

Turning away, not short enough for Luke Jongwe to cut but he goes on the back foot and gets beaten.

So nearly trickled back onto the stumps! Dishes it out on a fullish length, just outside off, Wessly Madhevere goes for the reverse sweep again but this time it does not connect. The ball rolls off his pads and sneaks just past the leg pole.

Shortens his length now and bowls it on off, Luke Jongwe goes on the back foot and punches it down to long off for one.

Slips it in full and straight, at the stumps, Wessly Madhevere makes room and drills it down to long off for a single.

Just over! Floats it up, full and around the pads, Wessly Madhevere pulls out the reverse sweep but gets more of a top edge. Luckily for Madhevere, he manages to clear backward point for a couple of runs.

Goes full and around off, Luke Jongwe wrists it down to long on and rotates the strike.

Begins on a nagging length, on off, at 92 kph, Luke Jongwe defends it back to the bowler.

Pushed through, fuller and on the pads, Luke Jongwe gets his bat out in front to defend but gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for a run.

Offers a hint of width on off, short in length, Luke Jongwe cuts it well but picks out the man at backward point.

Slower and shorter, on middle, Wessly Madhevere drags the pull down to long on for one more run.

Darts it in, at the stumps, on a nagging length, Luke Jongwe plays it with a straight bat to the right of the bowler for one.

Keeps it away from the reach of the batter, short and outside off, Wessly Madhevere reaches out and cuts it to deep point for one.

FOUR! A good effort by Sai Sudharsan but in vain! Abhishek drops it short and it is outside off, Wessly Madhevere rocks back and cracks the cut to the right of deep cover. Sai Sudharsan covers good ground and tumbles to his right but the ball comes off his hands and trickles into the fence.

This has been an excellent bowling effort from the Men In Blue overall. Especially as they are playing one bowler short in this clash. Change? Yup, Abhishek Sharma (1-0-19-0) is back into the attack. He replaces Ravi Bishnoi.

On a fullish length, on middle, Luke Jongwe squeezes it out to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Neatly played! Looped by Sundar, full and around leg, Luke Jongwe gets inside the line and brings out the paddle. Plays it well past short fine leg for a boundary.

Slower and the length is pulled back, on middle, Wessly Madhevere uses his feet and drives it down to long on for one.

Lands it full again, on middle, Luke Jongwe swats it to long on and gets to the other end.

Floats it up, full and on off, Wessly Madhevere lunges and chips it down to long off for a single.

It has just gotten from bad to worse for Zimbabwe in this chase. With 7 men down, Luke Jongwe is the next batter in.

OUT! RUN OUT! Superb work by Dhruv Jurel! Sundar lands it on a nagging length, at the stumps, Wellington Masakadza looks to keep it out but gets an inside edge that rolls beside the pitch on the leg side. A yes-no situation between the two batters and they eventually decide to cross over. The keeper, Dhruv Jurel gets to the ball quickly and takes his right glove off. Picks the ball up and in one motion, hits the stumps at the bowling end to catch Masakadza short of his crease.

Brilliant game awareness by the two batters! At the stumps by Bishnoi, on a length, Wessly Madhevere knocks it in front of long on and crosses over. Madhevere sees that Avesh Khan at long on is casual in his effort to get to the ball and senses the opportunity to sneak the second in. Wellington Masakadza responds in agreement. Avesh fires in a throw at the batting end and hits the stumps. It is referred upstairs but the replays show that Madhevere is in by then.

Slows it up but it is the googly again, on off, fuller as well, Wellington Masakadza reaches out in front and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

Googly, on a length, outside off, Wellington Masakadza pokes at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Wellington Masakadza is the next batter in for Zimbabwe.

OUT! TRAPPED PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? This looks dead straight but after a chat with his partner, Clive Madande has taken the review. Another one of those deliveries by Ravi Bishnoi that does not turn away and just keeps sliding into the batter, short and on off, Clive Madande is cramped up for room. He does go on the back foot to play it across the line but the ball skids off the deck, beats the inside edge and pings Madande on the back pad. There is nothing on UltraEdge and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. Ravi Bishnoi gets his first wicket of the game. Clive Madande doesn't trouble the scorers this time and departs on a duck.

Goes straight on, fuller and outside off, Clive Madande walks across his stumps to play the slog sweep but misses and wears it on the pads.

Fires it in, flat and short, on middle, Wessly Madhevere goes on the back foot and punches it down to long on for a single.

Slightly on the pulled-back length, outside off, Clive Madande punches it off the back foot towards covers. Halfway into the run chase. Zimbabwe is under the pump here at 72/5.

Around the wicket, across off on a fuller length, Clive Madande goes for a drive but misses.

Clive Madande is the new man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Ravi Bishnoi won't drop those! Washington Sundar drops it full and around off from around the wickets, Johnathan Campbell sits for a slog sweep, gets underneath the ball but mistimes it high up in the air off the top half of the bat. Ravi Bishnoi from deep square leg runs to his right, settles his eyes under the ball and tumbles but manages to hold onto it in the end.

A conventional off-break from Sundar now, outside leg, Wessly Madhevere shuffles to the leg side and chips it to long on for one.

'Round the stumps, on a shorter length, around off, Johnathan Campbell cuts it to deep cover for one.

Tossed-up delivery on off, Wessly Madhevere hits it to long on for one.

A wrong'un, short and outside off, it skids through as well, Johnathan Campbell goes for a cut but misses.

Full and on the stumps, Campbell goes for a sweep again and gets it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square for a couple.

Signaled as a wide initially but overturned instantly by the umpire himself. Ravi Bishnoi continues to bowl on a flatter trajectory outside leg, Johnathan Campbell employs that reverse sweep but misses. Ravi Bishnoi straightaway gets animated but the umpire reverses the decision in time.

It's currently not working for Campbell. Bishnoi is a very difficult guy to sweep it away. Flat and on the stumps, Johnathan Campbell goes for the sweep again but inside edges onto his pad.

In front of the pegs, a googly again, Johnathan Campbell again plays that reverse sweep but wears on the pads outside off.

An appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. A googly on a fuller length, outside off, Johnathan Campbell reverse sweeps and misses. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

Flat and full on off, Wessly Madhevere tries the reverse sweep but gets a ping on his pad instead.

Short and on leg, Wessly Madhevere nudges it to deep mid-wicket with soft hands and gets a double.

Drifting in, on middle, full in length, Johnathan Campbell works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Short again, turning in, Wessly Madhevere tucks it away to deep square leg for one.

FOUR! In the gap this time! Short and shade outside off, Wessly Madhevere gets the desired width, and gives himself some room, and cuts it past backward point for a boundary.

Quick and short, outside off, Wessly Madhevere punches it off the back foot towards the cover fielder who stops it with a dive.

It will be spin from both ends now as Washington Sundar comes on.

Well bowled! Drops a flipper on the fourth stump line and full in length, it straightens after pitching. Johnathan Campbell plays a defensive shot anticipating the ball to turn but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Too close to the stumps on a fuller length, Johnathan Campbell again attempts to cut it away but gets beaten.

Motors a quick googly across off on a length, Johnathan Campbell goes back and gets beaten on the cut shot.

Another googly, turning in from a length, Madhevere reads it off the pitch and tucks to the off side for a single.

Quicker and flatter outside off, chopped towards backward point by Wessly Madhevere.

An appeal for caught behind from Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Bishnoi but the umpire says 'No'. Drifts it down the leg side does Bishnoi, full in length, Wessly Madhevere misses to tuck it away and Dhruv Jurel collects it cleanly behind the stumps. Maybe, it came off Madhevere's thigh pad.

Ravi Bishnoi comes into the attack now.

Another misfield. Short and outside off, Johnathan Campbell hangs back and cuts it hard but straight to cover where Ravi Bishnoi fumbles and parries the ball to the deep. Allows two to be taken. End of the mandatory powerplay. Zimbabwe reeling at 58/4.

Avesh Khan hits the deck hard again. On off, Wessly Madhevere gives the bowler the charge, but the ball gets an extra bit of bounce. Wessly Madhevere adjusts his shot but still plays it aerially. The ball, however, lands in between the cover and point gap. A single taken.

Onto the pads on a hard length, Johnathan Campbell swivels quickly and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for a single.

Hard length, on the middle, Johnathan Campbell camps back and turns it towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

Outfoxed Campbell totally! Avesh Khan follows it up with a good-length delivery, just passing above the off stump, Johnathan Campbell has no clue and gets squared up. Awkwardly lets the ball pass.

Bowls it full and on off, Johnathan Campbell prods ahead and drives it straight to covers.

FOUR! Poor effort by Avesh Khan. A boundary gifted away to Wessly Madhevere. Fuller in length, on the off pole, Wessly Madhevere does not move his feet and looks to drive it on the up. Gets an inside edge that rolls to the left of short fine leg where Avesh Khan fails to bend in time and the ball goes under his hands for a boundary.

Beats the bat again! The ball holds its line this time and it is much closer to the batter, on a good length, Wessly Madhevere presents a straight bat to keep it out but fails to do so as the ball goes the other way to beat the bat.

Serves it in and around off, on a length, Wessly Madhevere knocks it back to the bowler.

Nipping back in, on a hard length, on off, Wessly Madhevere fiddles at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Drama out there! Good length and outside off from Mukesh, Johnathan Campbell guides it to deep third and takes a single. Avesh Khan in the deep fumbles to cleanly pick it up but eventually gets onto it and throws it in. Johnathan Campbell wants the second but gets sent back by his partner, Wessly Madhevere. He obeys and retreats back to the bowler's end.

Leg bye! Full and slanting in, on leg, Wessly Madhevere misses the flick and wears it on the front pad. The ball rolls on the off side for a leg bye.

Sikandar Raza departs now and Avesh Khan strikes a double whammy! Appreciations for Dhruv Jurel. He has been absolutely acrobatic behind the stumps. Zimbabwe is in all sorts of trouble with the skipper back in the hut as well. Johnathan Campbell is the new man in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Avesh Khan with the double strike and this is the big wicket of Sikandar Raza. Avesh bends his back and digs it in short, at the batter, Sikandar Raza is caught in two minds about whether to drop his wrists and let the ball go or help the ball on its way. The ball climbs onto him and comes onto him quicker than he anticipated. Raza fails to get his gloves out of the way and the ball comes off his gloves and balloons behind to Dhruv Jurel who takes it to his left.

FOUR! Hit it too fine! Down the leg side by Avesh once again, on a length, Sikandar Raza covers his pegs and tickles it through deep fine for a boundary.

Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Sikandar Raza hangs back and punches it to backward point.

That stayed very low! On a length, outside off, Sikandar Raza looks to play at it but the ball does not rise at all and scoots under the bat on its way to the keeper.

Wide but a great save by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps! Avesh Khan hurls it down the leg side on a good length. It further takes off from the surface and Dhruv Jurel behind the wickets, leaps like a bird to his left and plucks the ball out of thin air.

The Zimbabwean skipper, Sikandar Raza walks in at number 5. Will he bail out his side from a difficult situation? Let's find out...

OUT! TAKEN! The move to send Dion Myers up the order does not work for Zimbabwe! Not the best of deliveries by Avesh Khan as this is short and wide on off, asking to be hit. Dion Myers does not move his feet much and reaches out to go through the off side. Gets this one right off the toe end of the bat and it lobs tamely towards short cover where Rinku Singh takes it to his right.

A big, big shout for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. Avesh Khan is pretty confident and he convinces Shubman Gill to take the review. Was the impact outside off? Or was it going over the stumps? Shaping in, on a good length, on off, Wessly Madhevere uses his feet a bit and looks to work it across the line. Plays all around it and gets rapped high on the back pad. The batters cross over as the ball rolls away on the off side for a leg bye. There is nothing on UltraEdge but wickets is umpire's call as the ball is just clipping the middle stump on Ball Tracking.

Is that out? A shout for LBW from Avesh Khan but 'No' says the umpire. Nothing on UltraEdge as the ball passes the bat. Ball Tracking saves Wessly Madhevere as the ball is hitting the wickets on the umpire's call. It is just clipping the bail on the top of the middle stump. The on-field decision stands. Wessly Madhevere survives.

One shot, too many for Brian Bennett! Who walks in next? It's Dion Myers in at number 4. Also, a change in bowling from the other end. Avesh Khan has been introduced into the attack now.

OUT! CASTLED! Brian Bennett misses but Mukesh Kumar does not! Mukesh fights back and the fun is over for Bennett. Mukesh keeps it at the stumps and goes slightly fuller, nipping back in a touch, Brian Bennett goes for a wild heave across the line and loses his shape in the process. Fails to get any bat on it and the ball sneaks under the bat to clip the middle stump.

SIX! Two in two for Brian Bennett! The 20-year-old is putting on an exhibition here! Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Brian Bennett picks up the line and length early and creates a good steady base for himself. Tonks it over the sight screen for six more runs.

SIX! New balls, please! This has gone onto the roof! Mukesh goes short but this is not short enough to trouble the batter, on middle, Brian Bennett gets this one right where he needs it. Nails the pull towards deep square leg for a biggie.

Almost dragged it on! In the corridor of off, on a hard length, Wessly Madhevere stays rooted in the crease and pushes at the delivery away from his body. Gets an inside edge that rolls in front of short fine leg. Madhevere gets called through for a quick single by Brian Bennett.

WIDE! Mukesh bangs it into the deck but gets the line wrong again. Strays down leg, Wessly Madhevere swivels but fails to get any bat on the pull.

Missed out! Mukesh errs in line as he slips it wide on off, short in length, Wessly Madhevere reaches out to latch onto the width but gets a bottom edge that dribbles towards first slip.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, on middle, Wessly Madhevere clips it in front of square on the leg side. The deep square leg fielder runs to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

And it will stay as 19. A momentum-gaining over for Zimbabwe after losing a wicket in the first over. Speared in, fuller and on off, Brian Bennett goes back in his crease and stabs it down on the off side.

FOUR! Intelligent batting by Bennett! Shorter and around off, Brian Bennett waits on the back foot and opens the bat face to glide it to the left of short third for a boundary. 19 runs off the over with a ball to go.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Brian Bennett drags the shot to the left of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FIVE WIDES! Wayward by Abhishek Sharma! Slips it down leg, on a nagging length, Brian Bennett gets inside the line to swipe it behind square on the leg side but misses. The keeper, Dhruv Jurel fails to collect to his left and the ball races away for a boundary.

SIX! Clean strike! Right in the slot by Abhishek and offers width as well, Brian Bennett stays still and frees his arms to loft it over long on for a six.

Madhevere moves to the leg side early and Abhishek spots it. Fires in an arm-ball and tucks the batter up for room. Madhevere knocks it down to long on for a single.

Starts off with a flighted delivery from around the wicket, on off, Brian Bennett gets his bat out in front of the pads and pushes it to the left of mid off for a single.

Spin early on. The centurion with the bat, Abhishek Sharma to roll his arm now.

Oh, that kept slightly low and just about carried to the keeper, Dhruv Jurel. Dug into the deck by Mukesh, outside off, Wessly Madhevere stays leg side of the ball and swings to pull it away but the ball stays a bit low and sneaks under the bat.

Play and a miss! In the channel on off, a hint of away movement, outside off, Wessly Madhevere gets drawn into the cover drive and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Greets Bennett with a shortish delivery, at the batter, Brian Bennett fends it down on the leg side an gets off the mark with a single.

Brian Bennett is in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Mukesh Kumar with the early strike for India, yet again! Innocent Kaia falls in a similar fashion as he did in the series opener. The leg pole was uprooted then but it is the off pole this time. Mukesh pitches it on a length with an upright seam, on off, nipping back into the right-hander, Innocent Kaia gets on the front foot to drive it down the ground but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball comes back in and knocks over the off pole.

Half a shout for LBW but that was comfortably heading down leg and was high too! Mukesh drags the length back and angles it in, on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia swivels in the crease to get the pull shot away but misses and wears it high on the front pad.

FOUR! What a start from Innocent Kaia! Mukesh steams in from over the wicket and lands it on a good length, on off and middle, Innocent Kaia gives the bowler the charge and whips it aerially towards the vacant deep square leg region for a boundary.

SIX! Straight towards the sight screen! Back-to-back sixes by Rinku Singh to end the Indian innings! Luke Jongwe errs in length as he slips in a low full toss, outside off, Rinku Singh stays low to make the connection, frees his arms and pumps it back over the bowler's head for six more runs. 21 runs off the final over help India finish with 234 on the board!

SIX! SMASHED! Luke Jongwe delivers a good-length delivery just around off, Rinku Singh readies himself for the pull shot, creates a strong base and gets it over deep square leg for a six.

Going across the batter, on a length, outside off, the bottom hand comes off the bat for Rinku Singh and he ends up chopping it down the deck.

FOUR! Not exactly where Rinku Singh intended but he will take it! Low full toss, outside off, Rinku Singh reaches out and throws his hands at it. Gets an outside edge that races past short third for a boundary.

In the air...but Brian Bennett does not go for the catch. Sikandar Raza isn't too pleased as he thinks Bennett should have gone for the catch. Length delivery, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across again and hits it flat towards long on where Bennett collects it on the bounce. The batters cross for one.

FOUR! Clever, very clever! Jongwe goes searching for the yorker but it comes out as a full toss, around off. Ruturaj Gaikwad knows that short fine leg and backward square leg are inside the circle and he walks across to the off side early. Swats it up and over backward square leg for a boundary.

Luke Jongwe (3-0-32-0) to bowl the final over.

SIX! Oh, my! The sound it made off the bat! Muzarabani goes into the wicket, on middle, it sits up nicely for Rinku Singh who does not miss out. Swivels and pulls it into the stands towards deep mid-wicket for half a dozen more. 16 runs off the penultimate over for India.

Aerial but safe! Angling in, on a length, on off and middle, Rinku Singh swipes across the line but gets a leading edge that clears short third for a couple of runs.

SIX! BANG! This has come right off the screws! A predictable line by Muzarabani but errs in length this time and serves a cross-seam delivery, right in the slot, on the tramline on off, Rinku Singh gets the front leg out of the way and smokes it way over long off for a biggie.

Muzarabani persists with his plan of forcing Rinku to hit on the off side towards the longer square boundary. Hurls it on a fullish length, outside off, Rinku Singh frees his arms to drill it through the off side but gets an inside edge that rolls to the keeper.

WIDE! Muzarabani changes his angle of attack for the left-hander as he comes from around the wicket and dishes it out beyond the tramline on off for a wide.

Gaikwad backs away early but Muzarabani holds his line and length. Serves it on a yorker length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad reaches out and steers it down to deep third for one.

Beaten! On a back of a length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad backs away to flay it away on the off side but the extra bounce results in the ball climbing onto him and sails over the bat.

Blessing Muzarabani (3-1-14-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Loopy slower delivery, on a fullish length, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets low and digs it out to long on to keep the strike with a single. 20 runs off Chatara's final over. He ends with figures of 4-0-38-0.

FOUR! Skillfully done! 19 runs off the over with a ball to go. Wide yorker by Jongwe on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shuffles across a bit and opens the bat face to glide it past backward point for four more runs.

FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Slower and shorter, width on offer on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad throws his hands at the delivery and gets an outside edge that flies over short third for a four.

SIX! Goes down the ground again and this time, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets the maximum result! At the stumps, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad holds his shape and with a still head, launches it flat and over Sikandar Raza at long on for a six.

FOUR! Shot! On a length, at the stumps, Ruturaj Gaikwad gives the bowler the charge and even though the extra bounce results in the ball coming high on the bat, he gets enough to beat long on to his left.

Short and on off, Rinku Singh pushes it wide of point and turns the strike over.

FOUR! Hit in the gap and that brings up FIFTY for Ruturaj Gaikwad! The start was shaky but he hung in there and is slowly starting to accelerate now. Into the wicket and slower as well, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad hangs back and nails the pull to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fuller and on off, Rinku Singh drives it through covers and gets to the other end.

WIDE! Short and beyond the tramline on off for a wide. The keeper does well to make the stop, moving away to his left.

FOUR! Nicely done! Low full toss, near the wide tramline on off, Rinku Singh reaches out and carves it towards deep backward point for a boundary.

Good-length delivery, on off, Rinku Singh places this one well wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Another high full toss, outside off, Rinku Singh chops it down from the crease towards backward point.

Oh, what happened there? Jongwe slips in a high full toss, outside off, Rinku Singh gets caught by surprise and stabs it down on the off side. Rinku feels it was over the waist but the umpire does not think likewise.

DROPPED AND FOUR! Brian Bennett puts one down now! Muzarabani goes into the wicket and it is slower as well, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets into the position early and looks to flat bat this one down the ground. Does not get the desired connection as it comes off the bottom half of the bat. Brian Bennett at long on, runs in a bit initially instead of running sideways and close to the fence. As a result, he gets himself into an awkward position and fails to hold on and it trickles off his hands into the fence. This is the third chance that has gone begging in the field for Zimbabwe.

Another off-pace delivery by Muzarabani, on a back of a length, on middle, Rinku Singh waits for the ball to arrive and steers it past backward point for one.

Drags the length back and takes the pace off does Muzarabani, outside off, Rinku Singh looks to guide it down to deep third but misses.

SIX! Cracking shot! On a good length, outside off, Rinku Singh gives himself room by moving leg side of the ball and skips down the track too. Frees his arms and thumps it over cover for a biggie.

Muzarabani hits the deck hard and bowls it around off, Ruturaj Gaikwad shapes up for the flat-batted stroke but the extra bounce results in the ball hitting high on the bat. It goes down to long on for one.

At 138 kph, on a hard length, over middle, Rinku Singh steers it down to deep third for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Rinku Singh slashes it off the back foot towards covers for one to end the over.

Delivers on a length, around the fourth stump, Rinku Singh gets in line of the ball and tries to pierce that gap through covers but Sikandar Raza stops it.

Pitched up, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets it off the inner half of the willow towards the right of long on for a single.

A length-delivery across off, Rinku Singh waits for this one to arrive at him and drives it firmly past cover and mid off for a single.

On the top of the middle, Rinku Singh tucks it with soft hands to mid-wicket.

Closer to the body, on the middle and on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

WIDE! On a fullish length but sliding down leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad misses the tickle. Wide given.

Rinku Singh walks out to bat. Also, a change in bowling as Tendai Chatara (2-0-13-0) comes back on.

OUT! TAKEN! A sort of a consolation for Wellington Masakadza here! Delivers an arm-ball on a length, at the stumps, Abhishek Sharma swings hard to slog it across the line of the ball but ends up getting a leading edge that flies to the backward point region. Dion Myers at the mentioned position runs a few steps backward and takes a good catch. Abhishek Sharma walks back to the dugout and gets a huge round of applause from the crowd.

SIX! Abhishek Sharma has arrived and in what style! Maiden T20I CENTURY for this extremely talented lad! A low full toss down the leg, Abhishek Sharma bends low and helps it over deep fine for a biggie. Takes the helmet off and soaks in the applause from the crowd and his teammates. Duck in the series opener but a hundred in just his second international game. Redemption for Abhishek!

SIX! Drop him twice and see the carnage! Closer to the body, on middle and leg, on a length, Abhishek Sharma steps out of his crease and swivels to pull it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

SIX!  That has gone miles! OUTTA HERE! Wellington Masakadza offers a friendly half-volley begging to be hit, around off, Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg and easily clears the deep mid-wicket fence for a six.

Speared in, on off, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad dabs it wide of point and rotates the strike.

Drops it short and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad punches it past cover and well wide of deep cover for a couple of runs.

A huge appeal for caught behind and up goes the finger! Abhishek Sharma though, has instantly reviewed it! Sikandar Raza drifts it onto the pads, on a length, Abhishek Sharma goes for a pull but misses. The ball passes close to the bat and the keeper grabs it cleanly behind the stumps. The appeal is for caught behind as the keeper feels it has come off the edge of the willow. However, UltraEdge shows that the ball has brushed off Abhishek's front pad and not the bat. Abhishek Sharma survives!

On off pole, flatter and fuller, Ruturaj Gaikwad presses forward and pushes it wide of point for a single.

FOUR! Shot! Bowls a flighted off-break down leg, Gaikwad gets low and sweeps it aerially in the vacant long leg region for a boundary.

Darted in on the pads, on a length, Abhishek flicks it to deep mid wicket for a single.

DROPPED AND FOUR! It is Abhishek's day! The culprit is the same again, Wellington Masakadza! Flighted ball, outside off, Abhishek Sharma steps out and flat bats aerially towards long off. Wellington Masakadza does not run fast enough to his right but realises the chance for a catch and stretches his hand to grab the ball, but the ball hits his wrist and trickles into the fence.

SIX! Go fetch that, says Abhishek Sharma! Around the wicket comes Raza. He serves it right into the slot, with a seam-up delivery, on off, Abhishek Sharma just clears his front leg and dispatches it behind long on for a six.

Drags his length, on the middle, and angling on off from around the stumps. Abhishek Sharma stands upright, swivels and pulls it towards long on for a single to end the over.

Flatter and outside off on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad goes deep inside the crease and cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Short and darted in, on middle, Abhishek Sharma tucks it off his hips in front of deep square leg for a single.

Loopy delivery on the off-pole, Abhishek Sharma gives the bowler the charge and looks to hoist it in the air but slices it over the bowler's head for a brace.

Short and down leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad sits and sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

Good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad pushes it firmly through cover-point for a brace.

Wellington Masakadza comes into the attack, replacing Luke Jongwe.

FOUR! 100 up for India! And 28 runs off this over. Just the acceleration India needed! Bowls it on a good length, outside off, Abhishek Sharma shuffles and swings hard but gets a leading edge that flies over short third for a boundary.

SIX! He is just clearing the fence with ease now! Dion Myers overcorrects his length this time, full and on off, Abhishek Sharma clears his front foot to access the off side and thumps it over the widish long off for a six.

FOUR! Raining fours and sixes at the moment! Bowls it short and on off, once again, Abhishek Sharma again pulls it over short fine for a boundary.

SIX! Maiden T20I fifty for Abhishek Sharma! A prolific inning from him! Dion Myers again serves it at a gentle pace, short and outside off, Abhishek Sharma readies himself for the pull again and slaps it behind over deep fine for a six. The ball has hit the roof and seems to have been lost. The umpire calls for a change of ball.

FOUR! Hammered away! Back of a length, on off, Abhishek Sharma sits back and creates a strong base before pulling it towards deep square leg for a boundary.

Zimbabwe have been sloppy in the field! Around the wicket, short and on the stumps, Abhishek Sharma wrists the pull to deep square leg for a single. A false throw at the batter's end allows them to get an extra run.

TWO WIDES! A false start from Myers! Bowls it from over the wicket but wide of the guideline on a fuller length. Ruturaj Gaikwad throws his bat at it and misses. The ball deflects off the keeper's gloves and rolls towards short third. Allows a single.

Dion Myers is into the attack now.

Bowls it full and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad leans on it and knocks it with a straight bat to long off to keep the strike with one. Good last couple of overs for India. 11 off this one and 14 off the previous one. At the halfway mark, India are 74/1.

Jongwe takes pace off and drags the length back slightly, on off and middle, Abhishek Sharma backs away and pats it to deep point for a run.

Acrobatic stop by the Zimbabwean skipper! Jongwe attacks the off pole and keeps it on a length, Abhishek Sharma does not move his feet and goes into the shot with his hands. Checks the drive towards cover where Sikandar Raza flings himself to his right and cuts it off. Saves at least a couple of runs for his side.

On a fullish length, on middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad digs it out in front of mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! And again but this time to the left of deep point! Jongwe errs in line again as this is too wide and full on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad opens his bat face slightly this time to play it square and picks the gap for a boundary.

FOUR! Width offered and Ruturaj Gaikwad pounces all over it. Jongwe hurls it full and wide on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad extends his arms to go into the shot and cracks the drive to the left of cover and beats deep point to his right for a boundary.

This is flat and short, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets on the back foot and clips it off his pads to deep square leg for a single. A good over for India, 14 runs off it.

Slower and shorter, on middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma nudges it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Sliding onto the pads, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad works it around the corner and crosses over.

Lands it on a length, around off, Abhishek Sharma dabs it wide of point and gets to the other end.

SIX! High and handsome! Sikandar Raza lands it full and on the off-pole, Abhishek Sharma seizes the opportunity and gets down to the pitch of the ball by staying leg side. He magnificently lofts it over extra covers for a maximum. He is in the groove now, middling every shot.

FOUR! Short and punished! Raza drops it short and on middle, Abhishek Sharma rocks on the back foot in a flash and hammers the pull to the left of long on for a boundary.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Fired in by Jongwe, but down leg, on a fuller length, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets inside the line and just helps it past the keeper and short fine leg for a boundary.

IN THE AIR...DROPPED! Butterfingers! Wellington Masakadza has dropped a sitter! Abhishek Sharma gets a life. Fuller in length, on off, Abhishek Sharma's eyes light up as he sees the ball in his arc. Swings to downtown but skies it high in the air towards mid off. Wellington Masakadza runs in off the ropes at long off and Sikandar Raza is converging as well to his right. Maksadza settles under it but the ball hits his palm and pops out. Tries to have a second go but the ball rolls down off his thigh. How costly will this prove to be?

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Serves it on a back of a length, on middle, the ball stops in the surface a bit. Abhishek Sharma has to check his shot and tuck it to deep mid-wicket. Abhishek called two straightaway but the fielder in the deep was quick to get to the ball and kept it down to one.

Lands it on a fullish length, on midlde, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets his bat down in time and takes it on the full to clip it to deep square leg for one.

Jongwe starts off with a real loosener, short and too wide on off, Abhishek Sharma reaches out and cuts it in front of cover where the fielder fumbles and concedes a single.

Raza slows it up and bowls it full, inviting the batter to go for the big shot. Abhishek Sharma shapes up to go back over the bowler's head but ends up hitting it flat and on the bounce to long on for just a single. A tidy start by Raza, 4 runs off it.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Abhishek Sharma knocks it to cover.

Turning into the right-hander, on middle and leg, on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad turns it through square leg and crosses over.

Full with a round-arm action by Raza. Right in the slot for Abhishek Sharma who swings a bit too hard and loses his shape to scuff the shot down to long on for one.

Shorter and quicker from around the wicket for the left-hander, Abhishek Sharma cuts it late but picks out the man at backward point.

Starts off from over the wicket and drops it short, on middle and leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad crouches and helps it down to deep backward square leg for a single.

A sedate powerplay for India once again, but these two have managed to keep their wickets intact this time around. Also, a change in bowling. Sikandar Raza introduces himself into the attack now. He replaces Blessing Muzarabani.

Nipping back in off the deck, on a good length, on the sixth stump line, Ruturaj Gaikwad stays back and chops it down in front of point for a single. Zimbabwe will be happy with the start. They have not allowed India to race away in the Powerplay. The visitors are 36/1 at the end of 6 overs.

'Two, two' is the call from Abhishek but he will have to settle with just a single. At the stumps, on a back of a length, Abhishek Sharma nudges it from the crease to the left of mid on where Brian Bennett cuts it off.

Much better by Chatara, on off and middle, on a short of a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad skips down the track again and whips it to the right of mid on for one.

WIDE! Fuller but slips it down leg, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets inside the line but fails to get any bat on the tickle. Ruturaj will feel that he missed out there.

Bangs it into the deck, over middle, Abhishek Sharma hops and pulls it in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Shaping away a touch, on a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad uses his feet to counter the movement and dabs it square to deep point for a run.

So nearly dragged it on! Chatara angles it across the left-hander, on a back of a length, outside off, Abhishek Sharma hangs back and pushes hard at the delivery with an angled bat. Gets an outside edge that sneaks past the leg stump and rolls behind for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani hurls it full and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad prods ahead and firmly pushes it to mid off.

A bit closer to the body, on the top of off, Ruturaj Gaikwad camps back and pats it to point.

BEATEN! Hard length with that extra bit of bounce outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands rooted into his crease and tries to cut it and misses.

A risky run there! Short and outside off, Abhishek Sharma stands tall and guides it to the right of point and steals a quick single.

Abhishek Sharma skips down the track and gives himself some room staying leg side of the ball. Seeing him advancing, Blessing Muzarabani bowls it far away from the southpaw on a fuller length. outside off. Abhishek Sharma bends low and reaches out to connect but misses.

Blessing Muzarabani hits the deck hard, on off, Abhishek Sharma hops onto the back foot and pushes it to short cover. He looks interested for the single but Ruturaj Gaikwad sends him back. Good call.

Change of ends for Blessing Muzarabani (1-0-1-1).

FOUR! A gift from Chatara, and Ruturaj Gaikwad says, Thank You! A poorly executed delivery, angling on the pads, on a good length, Ruturaj Gaikwad simply guides the ball through the vacant deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Bowls it on a tight line and on a length, Ruturaj Gaikwad closes the bat's face early for a flick but adjusts to ease it back to the bowler.

Two slips in place now. Short of a good length, around off, Abhishek Sharma moves to the off side and miscues his pull towards widish mid-wicket for a single.

Hits the deck hard, angling across off, nipping away a shade, Abhishek Sharma goes to poke at it covering his off-pole, and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short of a good length from Chatara, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad waits for this slower one to arrive at him, and cuts it behind square towards deep backward point for a single.

Tendai Chatara starts off with a slip in place. Pitches it on a length, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad gets behind the line of the ball and defends it to the strip.

Tendai Chatara comes into the attack as the first change.

Around the wicket again, drops a loopy-delivery, fuller around off, Abhishek Sharma lunges ahead and goes for another lofted cover drive but gets it towards widish long off for a brace.

Pulls the length now, short and on middle, Abhishek Sharma walks down the pitch and pushes it to mid on.

Full and on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presses ahead and pushes it to long off for one.

Darts it in, fuller and quicker, on off, Abhishek Sharma presses forward and pushes it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Abhishek Sharma at his best! Identical length, and line, almost the replay of the first delivery. Abhishek Sharma clears his front foot and lofts it inside out and over covers for a boundary.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Serves right into the arc, full and around the wickets, on off, Abhishek Sharma plants his front foot out and spanks it inside out towards deep cover for a boundary.

An appeal for LBW but 'No' says the umpire. Looked to be going down the leg side. Hurls it on a good length, and angles it into the batter from middle, Ruturaj Gaikwad is drawn forward to flick it away but misses to connect and wears the ball on his front pad.

Hits the hard length, and gets that extra bounce, on off, Ruturaj Gaikwad sees the ball moving away from him a bit and shoulders arms.

Short of a good length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad throws his bat at it but gets beaten.

DROPPED! Ruturaj Gaikwad gets a second life! Continues to bowl on the fuller length, outside off, Ruturaj Gaikwad presents the full face of the bat but plays it early as the ball visibly stops off the surface. He chips it back to the bowler. Blessing Muzarabani fails to hold onto the ball on his follow-through and parries the ball towards mid off.

Ruturaj Gaikwad comes in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani removes the Indian captain very early into the game! Blessing Muzarabani lands full and angles it on the middle and leg stump line, Shubman Gill gets the ball into the slot but maybe, the ball is too full to hit it over mid on. He fails to get the elevation and hits it off the inner half of the willow, flat towards Brian Bennett stationed at mid on.

Length outside off, Shubman Gill firmly punches it to point.

Will it be spin from both ends, just like the first game? No, it will be right-arm seamer, Blessing Muzarabani to operate from the other end.

Drops it full and on off, Abhishek Sharma pushes it to backward point to end the first over. A good one for India. 10 from it.

Full now, on the stumps, Shubman Gill gets ahead and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Good length again, on middle, Abhishek Sharma tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Quicker on a length, outside off, Abhishek Sharma hits it to the cover fielder.

SIX! Similar shot in the previous game to which he got out, but this time he gets it into the stands! Lands it short and just around off, Abhishek Sharma reads the length well, transfers the weight on the back foot and nicely pulls it behind deep backward square leg for a six.

WIDE! Around the stumps for the southpaw. Drifts it flat but down leg on a length. Abhishek Sharma goes searching for that pull but misses. Wide called.

Brian Bennett starts off from over the stumps. Lands it on the good length, and on the off-stump line with a slip in place, Shubman Gill goes back and across and nudges it to long for a single. India and Gill are underway.

All set for the start of the 2nd T20I. The sun is shining its full glory as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. A good crowd is already in, and with it being a Sunday, it will be packed sooner rather than later, just like it was in the series opener. The Zimbabwean players disperse from the huddle and take their places on the field. No change at the top of the order for India as it will be Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to open the innings. It will be the right-arm off-spin of Brian Bennett to kickstart the proceedings for Zimbabwe once again. Away we go...

Tendai Chatara is in for a chat. He says that he has worked on his fitness and also on his diet. Adds that he played a couple of domestic games that helped him to get back into the side. He says that he has played in different conditions around the world. He feels that the youngsters in the side have a lot to learn and this series is a huge opportunity for them. Ends by saying that if they do the basics right, they can manage to put the Indians under pressure.

Washington Sundar is up for a flash interview. He says Zimbabwe bowled really well in the Powerplay in the first T20I. Adds that it is a good wake-up call for them and they will look to bounce back. He believes that everything happens for good and trusts God's plan. Mentions that it would have been great if he had taken the team across the line. But also says this game is an opportunity for them to level the series. Adds they have learned a lot from the previous game and that they need to show game awareness on the field.

PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo is near the deck. He starts by informing that the same surface will be used as the first game. Abhinav Mukund joins him and says that the Indian batters struggled to adapt to the conditions. Feels that the lengths bowled by spinners from both sides were key. Abhinav feels that fuller-length deliveries were easier to hit and reckons that the spinners should look to bowl it on a good length and give the ball the chance to grip. Further says that Indian batters will need to show some restraint while playing their shots as the ball is not going to slide on as it did under lights during the Indian T20 League.

Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says they wanted to bowl first. Says as per their local knowledge it feels like a normal wicket. He reckons that it will get better to bat on as the game progresses. Adds the body is holding up well and the changing room is pumped up as well. Further says the job is not done yet and they are taking one game at a time. Also mentions that Blessing Muzarabani has been impressive since the Bangladesh series. Further goes on to appreciate Tendai Chatara and says he is happy with the way he is performing.

The captain of India, Shubman Gill says that this is the same surface as the last game and feels that this is a good opportunity for them to bat first. Adds that the surface has not been watered and looks more dry than it was in the series opener. Informs that Sai Sudharsan makes his debut and he comes in for Khaleel Ahmed.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan (On debut) (In for Khaleel Ahmed), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.

Zimbabwe (Unchanged Playing XI) - Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (WK), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara.

TOSS - The coin flip lands in the favor of India, and Shubman Gill elects to BAT first.

Zimbabwe’s confidence, on the other hand, would surely be touching zeniths, and why not? The bowlers really stepped up to the fore while defending a nothing score. Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani, these two pacemen will be the arrows in Zimbabwe's quiver throughout the series. While it will be Sikandar Raza’s trickery in the spin. Captain Raza's all-round capabilities make him a linchpin for the team. If the top order can provide a solid platform and back him up, Zimbabwe could prove a handful for any side in world cricket. The Chevrons have shown they've got the potential to ruffle some feathers, even against cricketing powerhouses. All said and done, let the games begin. Toss and team sheets are up next shortly. Stick around.

Sure, Shubman Gill and his young brigade stumbled in the opener, but let's not forget we're talking about Team India here – the heavyweights of world cricket. They might be scratching their heads over the last game’s hiccup, but these lads have got talent in spades. With the quick turnaround, they'll need to think on their feet, but that's where youth and energy come in handy. India are still the favourites in this series with heavy hitters in the arsenal. For the Indian batters, it is all about finding that sweet spot between aggression and responsibility. Also, assessing the conditions and adapting accordingly to the slowness of the surface will be a challenge for them.

Hello, everyone! We welcome you all to our coverage of the 2nd T20I between India and Zimbabwe. The Harare Sports Club continues to be the exclusive venue for this 5-match T20I series. Well, the cricketing world and the Men In Blue are still reeling from the events that unfolded in the series opener. In a stunning turn of events, Zimbabwe orchestrated a shocking triumph against India, the defending T20 World Champions, leaving fans and all the cricket pundits alike in disbelief.

... MATCH DAY ...

A quick turnaround for both sides as Zimbabwe and India square off for the second T20I of this 5-match series. Harare Sports Club continues to be the exclusive venue for this highly-anticipated series. We all are surely still pinching ourselves in distraught for the retirements of Virat Kohli, including Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. But since these legends of the game have hung their willows in the shortest format and passed the baton to the emerging talents, it’s now time for the next-gen to lay the groundwork for the next T20 World Cup in 2026. India has descended with a very young and talented squad as Shubman Gill leads the pack. But their initiation on that mission didn't go as planned. It was a masterclass in dominance by the hosts and to call it an upset would be a bit too harsh on them. What many expected to be a routine chase for the formidable Men in Blue transformed into a spectacular display of skill and determination by the home team. India’s batting woes have been exposed badly and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh need to get their act together, ASAP! Shubman Gill would also expect a responsible partner in the aggressive southpaw, Abhishek Sharma. Shubman Gill would expect these promising talents to rise to the occasion and prove they're not just one-hit wonders. Washington Sundar has very well executed his duties as an all-rounder. But for the team to make waves, the heavy lifters at the top of the order need to come to the party. The top-order batters are the linchpin of the lineup, and their performances can make or break the game. Although India’s bowling unit has stepped up with Ravi Bishnoi doing wonders with that wrong’un of his, along with Sundar’s impactful bowling. The bowling department is all sorted up. Zimbabwe must be over the moon right now. Who would have thought that a team that missed the boat for the T20 World Cup would end up knocking the wind out of the defending champions' sails? They executed almost a perfect domination barring a few hiccups in the first game. The brilliance of the bowlers coupled with the cunningness and guile of Sikandar Raza’s all-round impact on the field has really uplifted their spirits to unbound heights. But, they will need to keep their heads high and toes on the ground as the job is not even half done yet. To execute a series win against this formidable Indian lineup is no cakewalk, and it asks for consistency and grit. The bowlers surely gave their everything. The heat is on for Zimbabwe's pace spearheads, Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani, to keep the ball rolling. But it's the willow-wielders who really need to show their mettle. However, the batters from both camps have been at sixes and sevens, struggling to read the pitch's unpredictable nature. With the conditions remaining uniform, well, most probably, it will be interesting to see how the batters improve and come along in this quick turnaround fixture. Will Zimbabwe go 2-0 up, or will the Men In Blue find an equalizer? Which team do you think will dominate?