Ind vs Zim, 2nd T20I: India’s 100-run win over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Harare on July 7, was powered by a great batting display by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Supporting Abhishek Sharma in the assault Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 77 off 47 balls. After a defeat for Shubman Gill’s team had come from Zimbabwe during their first match of the T20I series played on July 6 they recovered to beat Sikandar Raza’s side and to come back in the 5-match series.
India’s innings was powered by Abhishek Sharma, who scored a maiden century off just 47 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and eight sixes. His explosive performance laid a solid foundation for India’s total. Sharma was eventually dismissed by Wellington Masakadza on the last ball of the 14th over, caught brilliantly by Myers. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award for his superb innings and maiden hundred.
IND vs ZIM: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Brilliant 77 Helps India Crush Zimbabwe by 100 Runs
Following Sharma’s dismissal, Ruturaj Gaikwad continued the assault on the Zimbabwean bowlers. Gaikwad’s innings was a masterclass in T20 batting, combining calculated aggression with elegant stroke play. His unbeaten 77 was filled with boundaries and strategic placements, ensuring that India’s run rate never dipped.
Gaikwad found excellent support from Rinku Singh, who added a quick-fire 48 off 22 balls, propelling India to a formidable total of 234/2. This score set a new record for the highest team total against Zimbabwe in T20Is, surpassing the previous best of 229/2 by Australia in 2018.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. With only Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani managing to take a wicket each. The massive target of 235 runs set by India was always going to be a daunting challenge for the Zimbabwean batting line-up.
In response, Zimbabwe’s innings faltered under the pressure of the massive chase. Wessly Madhevere top-scored with 43 runs, while Brian Bennett added 26. Despite their efforts, the Indian bowlers dominated from the outset. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan led the attack, each taking three wickets. Ravi Bishnoi contributed with two wickets, and Washington Sundar chipped in with one.
Zimbabwe’s entire innings crumbled for 134 runs in 18.4 overs, marking their highest defeat margin by runs in T20Is. Previously, Australia had defeated Zimbabwe by 100 runs in 2018.
Notably, this victory was crucial for India, not only to level the series but also to regain momentum and confidence after the initial setback. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma’s innings were instrumental in achieving this dominant win. Their composed and aggressive approach ensured that India posted a formidable total, which ultimately proved too much for Zimbabwe to handle.
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