The fifth and final T20I between India and Zimbabwe is currently in progress at the Harare Sports Club. Indian all-rounder Riyan Parag, who missed the previous two games, finally got his chance to shine. Parag entered the crease at a crucial moment, with India in a precarious position at 40/3. He rose to the occasion, playing some well-timed and crisp shots to help his team recover from the early setback. His knock proved to be instrumental in bailing India out of trouble when they were under significant pressure. One of the defining moments of Parag's innings was a colossal six that he launched against Brandon Mavuta. Mavuta offered him a half-tracker, a juicy delivery on the stumps, and Parag capitalized on the opportunity. He unleashed a powerful pull shot, sending the ball soaring a staggering 107 metre. The massive six even cleared the roof at deep mid-wicket before landing back on the ground.
Watch Riyan Parag's humongous six here
In the deciding fifth T20I against Zimbabwe, India opted to bat first after winning the toss. Despite facing some aggressive fast bowling from the Zimbabwean pacers, they managed to put up a competitive total of 167 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The Indian innings started shakily, losing their top three batsmen – Yashasvi Jaiswal (12), Abhishek Sharma (14), and skipper Shubman Gill (13) – in quick succession. This left them reeling at a precarious 40/3 by the fifth over. However, the arrival of Sanju Samson (58 off 45 balls) at the crease sparked a revival. He forged a crucial 65-run partnership with the young Riyan Parag (22 runs) to propel India past the 100-run mark. Blessing Muzarabani (2/19) and Richard Ngarava (1/29) were the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers, causing early trouble for the Indian top order. Looking to shake things up, India brought in Mukesh Kumar and Riyan Parag for this match, replacing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Khaleel Ahmed. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, opted for Brandon Mavuta in place of Tendai Chatara, who was given a rest after a busy period of playing four consecutive matches.
Zimbabwe's Playing XI
Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Johnathan Campbell, Faraz Akram, Clive Madande(w), Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
India's Playing XI
Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Kumar
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