India bounce back with 100-run T20I win over Zimbabwe
India secured a remarkable 100-run victory against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, levelling the T20I series after their surprising defeat in the opening match.
This equalled Zimbabwe’s highest margin of defeat in the shortest format of international cricket.
Australia had also beaten the associate nation by 100 runs in 2018, and coincidentally, that match was also played at the Harare Sports Club.
India fight back in style after shocking defeat
India, fresh off their T20 World Cup triumph, were left shellshocked in the first T20I of the series just days ago.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers were the heroes on that occasion, but they failed to replicate that success in the second T2OI.
India got off to a flying start in the powerplay overs and held on to the momentum throughout.
Abhishek Sharma, who was out for a duck in the first match, scored a redeeming century off only 47 balls.
Ruturajk Gaikwad and Rinku Singh provided considerable support with 77 and 48 runs, respectively, as India amassed a hefty haul of 234 runs for the loss of only two wickets after 20 overs.
Zimbabwe never looked like they would be able to chase down the target set for them.
Sikandar Raza and company managed to put 134 runs on the board before getting all out with eight balls to spare.
India heavy favourites to win third T20I
India and Zimbabwe will reconvene at the same venue on July 10 for the third match of the five T20I series.
Unsurprisingly, India are the runaway favourites, sitting at -2000 with BetOnline.
Zimbabwe, despite their victory in the first game, remain massive underdogs at top cricket bookmakers.
The southern African team are at $8 to win the third T20I, and at $21 overall to claim the series.
India have taken a second-string team to Zimbabwe following a month-long T20I campaign.
However, they still have stars like Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who add considerable experience and flair to the side.
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