India sealed an unassailable 2-0 series lead against
Zimbabwe with a dominant 90-run victory in the second T20I at the Harare Sports
Club. The emphatic win secured Shreyas Iyer’s first series victory as India’s
T20I captain, courtesy of explosive batting and a disciplined bowling display.
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| Image Credits: Cricinfo |
After being put in to bat, India faced an early wobble, slipping to 29/2 within three overs. However, Ishan Kishan and skipper Shreyas Iyer steadied the ship. Kishan then shifted gears, blasting 81 off 44 balls, a fiery knock studded with nine boundaries and two sixes. Joined by Tilak Varma, who hammered an unbeaten 60 off 29 deliveries, the pair put on a 94-run stand for the fourth wicket to propel India to a formidable total of 219/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 220, Zimbabwe started
aggressively through Brian Bennett, who struck a quickfire 32 off 19 balls.
However, once debutant Yash Thakur dismissed Bennett, the host nation’s run
chase quickly faltered.
India's bowlers maintained relentless pressure, picking up
wickets at regular intervals. Prince Yadav impressed with figures of 2/10
before suffering a hamstring injury, while Ravi Bishnoi broke through the
middle order. All-rounder Abhishek Sharma wrapped up the tail, claiming 3/17 as
Zimbabwe were bundled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match for his match-defining knock. With a 2-0 lead in the three-match contest, India will look to complete a series sweep in the final T20I.
