India sweep Zimbabwe to clinch series and end T20I losing streak

Harare: India put behind a disappointing tour of England and Ireland by clinching the two-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, registering convincing victories in both games at the Harare Sports Club.

After suffering defeats in all six T20 Internationals during their tours of England and Ireland, the Indian cricket team returned to winning ways with an impressive all-round performance in Zimbabwe.

India began the series with a seven-wicket victory after restricting Zimbabwe to 125 before comfortably chasing down the target.

While 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had endured a difficult tour of England, rediscovered his touch with a blistering 19-ball half-century, it was India's bowlers who laid the foundation for the win. Sooryavanshi smashed 50 off just 19 deliveries, hitting four fours and four sixes.

Pacers Mayank Yadav (2/18) and Prince Yadav (2/19) produced disciplined spells to keep Zimbabwe in check, with Mayank earning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning performance.

India completed a clean sweep in the second T20I on Saturday with a comprehensive 90-run victory.

After being asked to bat, the visitors piled up an imposing 219/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 81 off 44 balls from Ishan Kishan, who struck nine fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 60 from just 29 deliveries, an innings studded with five boundaries and three sixes.

Zimbabwe never threatened in the chase and were bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Part-time spinner Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, returning figures of 3/17, while pace bowler Prince Yadav continued his fine form with 2/10. Yash Thakur also chipped in with 2/30 as India wrapped up the series in dominant fashion.

Tags : T20I, Indian cricket team, Zimbabwe, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav