Thanks to a strong fifty from Sanju Samson and four wickets from Mukesh Kumar, India defeated Zimbabwe by 42 runs in the fifth and final T20I held in Harare on Sunday. With this result, the Men in Blue firmly established their T20 superiority, winning the series 4-1. A disciplined bowling effort in the middle overs was key, as India bowled Zimbabwe out for 125. The team now prepares for their next challenge in Sri Lanka, where they will compete in a three-match T20I and a three-match ODI series starting July 26.
India's start to the match was rocky, as they lost their top-order batsmen in quick succession. It began with Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 12 in the very first over. Momentum stayed with the hosts as Blessing Muzarabani took out Abhishek Sharma (14), and Richard Ngarava followed up by removing captain Shubman Gill for 13. Despite the early turmoil, the situation was saved by Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, who put together a crucial 65-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Samson played a commanding innings, reaching a half-century highlighted by four sixes and a boundary, while Parag contributed a useful 22 runs. Once Samson was out, Shivam Dube (26) and Rinku Singh (11*) stepped up to finish the innings strongly, pushing India's total to 167/6 by the end of their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe's response started poorly when Mukesh Kumar took the wicket of Wesley Madhevere for a duck in the opening over. He continued his dominance in the next over by dismissing Brian Bennett for 10. Although Tadiwanashe Marumani (27) and Dion Myers (34) played some vital knocks to keep the chase hopeful, the Indian bowlers tightened the screws during the middle overs. This pressure led to a batting collapse, ultimately sealing the victory for India.