Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’S Chevrons suffered a 90 run defeat in the second T20 international to India who sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with one game still to play.
Put into bat after Zimbabwe won the toss, India’s batting lineup fired in unison to post a commanding 219 runs for a loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers endured a difficult run, with Richard Ngarava conceding 43 runs in his three overs.
Zimbabwe’s chase never gathered momentum as the home side lost early wickets and found themselves reeling at 58 for 4 by the end of the powerplay, with the required run rate spiralling above 12 an over.
Despite the mounting scoreboard pressure and the regular fall of wickets, a few Zimbabwean batters showed commendable fight.
Brian Bennett provided a bright spark, striking a 32 from just19 balls, Ryan Burl also dug in with a steady 20 from 18 deliveries while Dion Myers chipped in with a quick 12 off nine balls.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 129 in 17 overs, falling short of the target.
With nine wickets down at 122 in the 16th over, India’s victory was already assured, and they wrapped up the match clinically to seal the series.
The two teams meet again on Sunday at the same venue for the third and final T20, with Zimbabwe playing for pride and hoping to avoid a series sweep.
