IndvZim : Sanju , Mukesh powers India to win in 5th T20I & 4-1 series win

 

India's T20 series against Zimbabwe initially seemed insignificant. However, after India lost the first match, Shubman Gill and his team became the focal point of discussions. Despite the initial setback, India secured the series by winning three consecutive matches, rendering the final match less crucial. Nonetheless, India clinched the last game by 42 runs.

In Sunday's match, India batted first. Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a six off the first ball, which was a no-ball. The subsequent ball, a free hit, was also struck for a six by Jaiswal, suggesting he might replicate his form from the previous match. However, Sikandar Raza curtailed Jaiswal's innings as he was bowled out after scoring just 13 runs.

India found themselves at 40 runs for three wickets, with Abhishek Sharma (14) and Shubman Gill (13) contributing minimally & getting out to rash shots . Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag then steadied the innings, putting together a partnership of 65 runs. Parag was dismissed for 22 runs, while Samson scored a vital 58 including some subline 6s . In the final overs, Shivam Dube's quickfire 26 off 12 balls propelled India to a total of 167 runs, giving them a competitive score to defend.

Zimbabwe struggled in their chase and could not complete the full 20 overs. There were some early sparks by Zimbabwe batters but it was too good to last . Mukesh Kumar took four wickets, narrowly missing a fifth due to a no-ball. Dube also contributed with two wickets and a run-out. The Indian bowlers' dominance made it difficult for Zimbabwe to gain any foothold in the match, and they were eventually bowled out for 125 runs. India won the match by 42 runs, thus sealing the series 4-1.

Shivam Dube for his all round show was the player of the match while Washington Sunder was the player of the series due to his impeccable bowling performance.