India secured their second consecutive victory in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, dominating the hosts in the second match at Harare Sports Club on Thursday. Chasing a target of 168, India reached 169 for 2 in 18.3 overs, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma putting on an unbeaten 138-run stand for the third wicket to seal the series with a match to spare.
Zimbabwe set competitive total on back of Madhevere fifty
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe posted 167 for 5 in their 20 overs. Opener Wesley Madhevere top-scored with 59 off 44 balls, which included 6 fours and a six. The hosts received late impetus from Sikandar Raza, who smashed an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls, and Ryan Burl, who contributed 28 off 18. For India, pacer Mukesh Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 32, while Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda took one wicket each.
Kishan and Varma punish Zimbabwe bowling
In reply, India started cautiously but lost both openers inside the powerplay. Shubman Gill was dismissed for 12, and captain Rohit Sharma fell for 18, leaving India at 31 for 2. However, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma then took control of the chase.
Kishan, batting at number three, played a breathtaking innings, scoring 85 not out off 55 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes. He dominated the Zimbabwe attack, especially against the spinners. Tilak Varma, playing in only his second T20I, continued his impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 48 deliveries with 7 boundaries and a six. The pair added 138 runs for the third wicket, completely taking the game away from Zimbabwe.
According to India captain Rohit Sharma, "The way Ishan and Tilak batted was outstanding. It was a challenging target, but they showed great composure and skill. I'm really pleased with the performance."
Series sealed with one match remaining
The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third T20I to be played at the same venue on July 27. The visitors have been clinical in both matches, first winning the opener by 6 wickets and now dominating the second game. Zimbabwe will look to salvage pride in the final match.
"Our bowlers did well to restrict them to 167, but we let ourselves down with the bat," said Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine. "We needed early wickets, but Kishan and Varma played really well. We have to learn from this."
