Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’S bid to salvage pride in the final T20 International against India fell short at Harare Sports Club this Sunday, as the home side succumbed to a 35-run defeat that handed the visitors a 3-0 series sweep.
Chasing a formidable 193 for victory, Zimbabwe’s innings was rocked by early blows that left them scrambling from the outset.
Opener Brian Bennett departed for a golden duck, caught behind by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi off the express pace of Mayank Yadav in the opening exchanges.
With the top order dismantled, Zimbabwe’s chase rested on the shoulders of the middle order.
Ryan Burl produced a defiant, unbeaten 54 from 43 balls, anchoring the innings with five well-timed boundaries.
He found brief support from Wessly Madhevere, who struck two sixes during a 28-run cameo, and Dion Myers, who chipped in with a quickfire 19 featuring a maximum.
Ben Curran also contributed a patient 20, but the regular fall of wickets at the other end left Burl fighting a lone battle.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, India compiled an imposing 192 for 5 from their 20 overs.
The total proved too steep for Zimbabwe, which ultimately closed their innings on 157 for 7.
The result marked a comprehensive series victory for India, who outplayed Zimbabwe in all three encounters to underline the strength of their emerging talent.
