Sooryavanshi, Mayank help India end T20I losing streak
Harare: Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and fast bowler Mayank Yadav starred as India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20I, ending their losing streak in the format and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After restricting Zimbabwe to 125/7, thanks to superb spells from Mayank Yadav (2/18) and Prince Yadav (2/19), India chased down the target in just 13.2 overs.
The highlight of the match was the explosive batting of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 50 off just 19 balls, reaching his maiden T20I half-century in only 18 deliveries. In doing so, he became the youngest player ever to score a men's T20I fifty. His innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, effectively sealed the chase during the powerplay.
Zimbabwe's innings was rescued by Wessly Madhevere, who top-scored with 39 off 34 balls, but the hosts never recovered after slipping to 26/3 inside the powerplay.
Following Sooryavanshi's dismissal, Ishan Kishan (35) and captain Shreyas Iyer calmly guided India home with 40 balls to spare.
The victory marked India's first T20I win since lifting the T20 World Cup earlier this year, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back in the remaining matches of the series.
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