Saturday 18 June 2016

India suffer shock defeat to Zimbabwe in opening T20 International


India suffered a shock two-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the first T20 International of their three-match series in Harare.

Elton Chigumbura smashed seven sixes in an unbeaten 54 from 26 balls to help the hosts set India a stern 171-run target - a higher score than they managed to post in any of the three preceding ODIs against India.

Despite that, the visitors were still strong favourites when needing just eight from the final over to win, with skipper MS Dhoni (19no off 17 balls) still at the crease.

But Neville Madziva (1-34) conceded just five runs from the final over - one of which was a wide - and took the wicket of Axar Patel (18 off 9) second ball, as Zimbabwe secured a sensational opening win.

India - who won the ODI series 3-0 - get the opportunity for revenge in the second T20I on Monday.

Zimbabwe got off to a strong start after being put into bat by India, opener Hamilton Masakadza (25 off 15) striking three sixes before falling to Jasprit Bumrah (2-24) in the fifth over.

Richmond Mutumbami was then forced to leave the field fourth ball after being struck painfully on his hip by a vicious in-swinger by Jaydev Undakat.

Sikandar Raza (20 off 18) and Malcolm Waller (30 off 21) recovered things with a 47-run partnership for the third wicket, paving the way for Chigumbura's big-hitting heroics at the back-end of the innings.

Donald Tiripano (1-35) gave the hosts the perfect start in India's run-chase, bowling Lokesh Rahul first ball, but the visitors were unfazed - Mandeep Singh hitting 31 off 27 balls, and Manish Pandey 48 of 35.

Pandey fell in the 18th over to have India briefly rattled, but Patel swiftly smacked two sixes and a four to see them heavy favourites heading into the last.

Madziva held his nerve though, and Zimbabwe clung on for a thrilling win.

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