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By Ishaan Kapoor — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

India Secures Series Win in Harare

India defeated Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20 International at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This victory marks the first series win for new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, following previous series losses against Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4).

The foundation for India’s win was laid by powerful half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, who helped set a target of 220 runs. Their strong batting performance was complemented by a disciplined bowling effort that restricted Zimbabwe’s chase.

Kishan and Varma Dominate with the Bat

After being put in to bat, India faced an early challenge, losing Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi within the first three overs, which left them at 29 for two. However, Kishan and Varma then took control of the innings.

Ishan Kishan played a well-paced innings, scoring 81 runs off 44 balls. He initially focused on providing stability, reaching his fifty in 31 balls, before accelerating to add another 31 runs in just 13 deliveries. His aggressive play was particularly evident on the onside, where he frequently found the boundary. Kishan hit Brian Bennett for two fours through the mid-wicket region and later struck pacer Brad Evans for two fours and a six in the same area. He formed a crucial 66-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 25 runs, and then a 94-run stand with Tilak Varma.

Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 60 runs off 29 balls, silencing any concerns about his strike-rate with a sensational supporting knock. He reached his fifty in just 23 deliveries. Varma attacked Zimbabwe’s bowler Blessing Muzarabani, hitting him for three consecutive fours, one of which was a delicate dab behind point using the bowler’s pace. He also showcased his power by lifting Evans for a six over mid-wicket. The combined assault from Kishan and Varma was instrumental in India amassing 61 runs in the final five overs, pushing their total to 219 for five.

Indian Bowlers Maintain Control

Chasing a formidable target of 220, Zimbabwe’s innings struggled to gain momentum, especially after losing five wickets within the first nine overs. They were eventually bowled out for 129.

Despite an aggressive start from Brian Bennett, who scored 32 runs off 19 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, India’s bowlers maintained pressure. Bennett notably took on debutant pacer Yash Thakur, hitting him for a six and a four in successive deliveries. However, Thakur quickly retaliated, dismissing Bennett with an attempted ramp shot caught by wicketkeeper Kishan. Thakur finished with figures of 2/30.

The Indian bowlers continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals, preventing Zimbabwe from building any significant partnerships. Although Ryan Burl and Tadi Marumani made scores in the 20s, they were unable to challenge the Indian attack for a sustained period. Part-time spinners also contributed, with Abhishek Sharma taking 3/17 and Tilak Varma also chipping in with a wicket, as India comfortably wrapped up the innings.

During the match, India did face an injury concern when pacer Prince Yadav left the field holding his hamstring after bowling 1.2 overs, finishing with figures of 2/10. This incident cast a shadow over the dominant victory and raised questions about the team’s injury management.

The series victory was sealed on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Source: m.rediff.com