India roared back in style in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, clinching a dominant 100-run victory in the second T20I on Sunday, July 7. Led by a spectacular century from young gun Abhishek Sharma, India posted a mammoth 234 runs, effectively shutting the door on the hosts.
India Crush Zimbabwe in Second T20I, Securing Series Lead
Zimbabwe's chase of the record-breaking total never really took off. Early aggression from Brian Bennett, who smashed boundaries off Mukesh Kumar, was short-lived as he fell to the same bowler after a brief but spirited knock of 26 runs from just 9 deliveries. After Bennett's dismissal, Zimbabwe's batting order crumbled, losing wickets in quick succession. They found themselves precariously placed at 76/7 by the 12th over.
A late fightback by Luke Jongwe and opener Wessley Madhvere offered some resistance, but it wasn't enough to prevent a complete collapse. Zimbabwe was eventually bundled out for a meager 134 runs in 18.4 overs, with Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mukesh Kumar sharing the bowling spoils. This emphatic victory puts India in a commanding position in the series.
Bishnoi and Avesh Khan Spin a Web, Pacers Provide Bite
India's bowling attack was a well-oiled machine in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Leading the charge were Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan. Bishnoi, the former No. 1 T20I spinner, stifled the Zimbabwean batting line-up in the middle overs with his economical spell of 4-0-11-2. He strangled the flow of runs and kept the pressure on. Avesh Khan, on the other hand, unleashed a barrage of short deliveries that troubled the batsmen. One such fiery bouncer found its mark on Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, who skied the ball for a straightforward catch to Dhruv Jurel. Avesh's aggressive approach complemented Bishnoi's control perfectly. While Washington Sundar and Mukesh Kumar also chipped in with wickets, it was the duo of Bishnoi and Avesh Khan who truly dominated the bowling attack.
Abhishek Sharma Powers India to a Massive Total
Earlier, young Abhishek Sharma turned his international debut disappointment into a record-breaking display on his second outing. His scintillating 46-ball century, a blend of power and grace, propelled India to a mammoth 234 for 2 against Zimbabwe in the second T20I. This score not only marked a significant improvement from India's batting collapse in the first game, but it also became the highest total India has ever posted against Zimbabwe in T20 Internationals, surpassing the previous record of 186. Abhishek, the IPL's leading six-hitter, showcased his talent after enduring the heartbreak of a four-ball duck in his debut match. His knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring eight towering sixes and seven elegant boundaries.
Partnering with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77* off 47 balls), Sharma built a crucial 137-run stand for the second wicket. While Gaikwad's knock was overshadowed by Sharma's brilliance, he too played a vital role in India's dominant performance.
A dropped catch by Wellington Masakadza at 24 proved to be a turning point for Sharma. From that point on, he never looked back, starting his international six-hitting account with a powerful pull off Brian Bennett. His fifty arrived in style, another pulled six off medium pacer Dion Myers.
But it wasn't just brute force. Sharma displayed a delightful inside-out six off Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza, showcasing his ability to combine elegance with power. This versatility was further emphasized when he launched back-to-back sixes off left-arm spinner Masakadza, sending the ball soaring into the orbit. Sharma reached his well-deserved hundred with a well-guided maximum off a full toss, only to be dismissed the very next ball. Despite the short-lived celebration, his knock had already done the damage.
The best aspect of Sharma's innings was his ability to adapt. After a cautious start, he shifted gears completely, adding a staggering 78 runs alongside his close friend and fellow batsman Shubman Gill in just five overs. This aggressive approach, reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh's playing style, left the Zimbabwean bowlers bewildered.
Shoddy fielding from Zimbabwe further compounded their problems. A dropped catch reprieved Gaikwad, who cashed in on the opportunity, adding a quickfire 77 runs off 37 balls. Rinku Singh (48* off 22) joined the party with five big sixes, ensuring India finished their innings on a high note.
Both the teams will next lock horns with each other in the third T20I on July 10.
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