Ind vs Zim 1st T20 Live: Zim Restricted to 125/7 in 1st T20

HARARE: India’s disciplined bowling unit put on a clinical display to restrict a resilient Zimbabwe to 125/7 in the opening T20 International of the three-match bilateral series at the Harare Sports Club.

After Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer elected to field, the visitors struck early. Mayank Yadav made an immediate impact, removing opener Brian Bennett for a duck on the final ball of the first over, caught cleanly behind by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan. 

Ben Curran attempted a brief counterattack with a rapid 10 off 8 balls before falling prey, leaving the hosts in early trouble. Zimbabwe’s middle order struggled heavily under sustained pressure, collapsing to a precarious 64/5 by the 14th over. Skipper Sikandar Raza failed to rescue the side, falling cheaply for just 4 runs. Ryan Burl fought hard during a gritty 35-ball 26, trying to steady the ship before being undone by a sharp googly from leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who finished his spell with 1/24.

Wessly Madhevere anchored the recovery beautifully, top-scoring with a composed 39 off 34 deliveries, which included three boundaries and a solitary six. He found an aggressive ally in Tadiwanashe Marumani, who injected much-needed momentum with a brisk 27 off 20 balls. 

Together, they stitched a crucial 47-run partnership to rescue Zimbabwe from a total collapse.India's bowling response was led by the impressive duo of Mayank Yadav (2/18) and Prince Yadav (2/19), both utilizing excellent slower variations in the death overs. 

All-rounder Shivam Dube also chipped in with 1/32. Chasing a modest target of 126, India's revamped batting lineup will fancy their chances to cross the finish line and take a 1-0 series lead.

Watch Ind vs Zim 1st T20 live on tapmad.