Harare, Jul 24: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a dazzling half-century while pacer Mayank Yadav marked his return with an impressive spell as India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the opening T20I of the three-match series on Thursday.
The victory also marked India’s first win under new captain Shreyas Iyer after a difficult start to his tenure.
Chasing a modest target of 126, the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi blasted 50 off just 19 balls, smashing four boundaries and four sixes to put India firmly in control. His explosive innings came after a disappointing international debut in England earlier this month and at the same venue where he had scored a memorable 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final earlier this year.
Sooryavanshi set the tone early, taking on Zimbabwe’s pace attack with fearless strokeplay before bringing up his half-century in just 18 deliveries. He was dismissed soon after, but Ishan Kishan (35 off 24) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) guided India home comfortably in 13.2 overs.
Earlier, Mayank Yadav made an impressive return to international cricket after nearly two years, striking with the very first ball of the match by dismissing opener Brian Bennett. Bowling consistently above 145 kmph, Mayank finished with 2 for 18, while Prince Yadav also claimed two wickets.
Zimbabwe struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack, slipping to 26/3 inside the powerplay. Ryan Burl (26), Wessly Madhevere (39) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 not out) offered some resistance, helping the hosts post 125/7 in 20 overs.
Ravi Bishnoi also bowled economically, returning figures of 1 for 24 in his four overs.
India now lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20I scheduled to be played in Harare.
