Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking 18-ball half-century as India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the opening T20 International of the three-match series on Thursday. The emphatic victory also marked the first win for new captain Shreyas Iyer after a difficult start to his tenure, which had included six consecutive defeats during India’s tour of Ireland and England.
Chasing a modest target of 126, India wrapped up the contest in just 13.2 overs, thanks to a dazzling knock from the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who smashed 50 off only 19 deliveries. His explosive innings featured four boundaries and four towering sixes, turning the chase into a one-sided affair.
Returning to the venue where he had scored a memorable 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final earlier this year, Sooryavanshi looked completely at ease. After fellow opener Abhishek Sharma managed just one run from eight balls, the youngster took charge of the innings with fearless strokeplay.
He launched his assault in the second over by hitting Richard Ngarava for two stunning sixes before taking on Blessing Muzarabani with a towering 90-metre hit straight down the ground. Sooryavanshi reached his maiden international fifty immediately after the powerplay in just 18 balls before falling a delivery later, caught at third man off Ngarava. Ishan Kishan then contributed 35 off 24 balls, while Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 from 24 deliveries to guide India home comfortably.
Earlier, India’s bowlers had laid the foundation for victory by restricting Zimbabwe to 125 for seven. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav made a successful return to international cricket after last playing for India in October 2024 following surgery for a stress fracture.
Mayank struck with the very first ball of the match, dismissing Brian Bennett after India overturned the on-field umpire’s decision through DRS. Bowling consistently above 145 kmph, he added a second wicket when Dion Myers mistimed a pull shot.
Debutant Ashok Sharma recovered well after an expensive opening over, while Ravi Bishnoi produced an economical spell of one for 24 from four overs. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza fell attempting an attacking shot, leaving the hosts struggling at 32 for four.
Ryan Burl (26), Wessly Madhevere (38) and unbeaten Tadiwanashe Marumani (27) offered resistance, helping Zimbabwe cross the 120-run mark, but their efforts were never enough to challenge a dominant Indian side.
