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India win second T20 in Zimbabwe to take series as Kishan and Varma shine

Al Jazeera · 2026-07-25

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: India won the second T20 match against Zimbabwe by 90 runs, securing the three-match series with a commanding performance. • Why it matters: This victory highlights India's dominance in T20 cricket, showcasing strong individual performances from Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, while exposing Zimbabwe's struggles with consistency. • What to watch next: The final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday, where India will aim to complete a clean sweep, and Zimbabwe will seek to improve and salvage pride.

**India Secures T20 Series Victory Against Zimbabwe with Dominant Performance**

*Harare, Zimbabwe – July 25, 2026* – India clinched the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second match held at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. This win follows their earlier triumph in the opening match, where they emerged victorious by seven wickets.

Batting first after being put in by Zimbabwe, India set a formidable target of 219 runs for the loss of five wickets. The standout performers for India were Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, who both played pivotal roles in building a strong innings. Kishan scored an impressive 81 runs off just 44 balls, while Varma contributed an unbeaten 60 runs from 29 deliveries. Their partnership was particularly noteworthy; the duo added 94 runs for the fourth wicket in just 44 balls, effectively accelerating the scoring during the middle overs of the innings.

Kishan's innings included a variety of strokes, showcasing his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike, while Varma complemented him with aggressive batting. Their efforts were crucial in capitalizing on Zimbabwe's bowling, which struggled to maintain consistency throughout the match.

Zimbabwe's response to the daunting target was fraught with challenges. The team faced a record run chase and was quickly under pressure. Opener Brian Bennett provided a glimmer of hope with a brisk 32 runs off 19 balls, but his dismissal to debutant Yash Thakur marked the beginning of a steady collapse. Thakur ended his debut match with figures of 2 wickets for 30 runs.

Following Bennett's exit, Zimbabwe's batting lineup faltered, unable to build partnerships or sustain momentum. The Indian bowlers executed their plans effectively, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge with remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 17 runs. His slow left-arm bowling proved difficult for Zimbabwe's batsmen to handle, contributing significantly to the team's early dismissals.

Ultimately, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 129 runs in just 17.5 overs, falling well short of the target set by India. The match highlighted the stark difference in form and experience between the two teams, with India demonstrating their dominance in the T20 format.

With this victory, India has secured the series ahead of the final match, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday. The Indian team will look to maintain their momentum and finish the series on a high note, while Zimbabwe will aim to salvage pride in the concluding game.

As the series progresses, both teams will reflect on their performances, with India showcasing their strength and depth in batting and bowling, while Zimbabwe will seek to address their inconsistencies to improve in future encounters.

Source: Al Jazeera
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