Zimbabwe stun champions India in first T20I

Sikandar Raza took 3-25 as Zimbabwe defeated a youthful India by 13 runs in the first T20 International at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, an early blow to the newly-crowned world champions in the five-game series.

India chose to field and restricted Zimbabwe to 115 for nine in their 20 overs but were always struggling in their reply and were bowled out for 102 with Pakistan-born off-spinner Raza taking the key wicket of touring captain Shubman Gill (31).

Leg-break bowler Ravi Bishnoi took 4-13 in his four overs as India stifled the Zimbabwean batters in their innings with Washington Sundar returning figures of 2-11.

Several of the home batters got starts but Clive Madande was the top scorer with an unbeaten 29 from 25 balls as Zimbabwe collapsed from 73-3 to 90-9 before a late innings flurry.

India made a dismal start to their reply as they slumped to 22-4 and never recovered. Only Gill and Sundar (27) managed an innings of substance.

The Zimbabwe skipper was named player of the match.

"I am very happy about this win and we need to take this series one game at a time," Raza said.

"They are world champions and play like that, so we need to be ready for the next game. Our catching and fielding was amazing but there is room for improvement. The fans also lifted us with their energy."

Sundar made 27 off 34 balls, including a six and a four, yet was unable to finish the job with 16 runs needed off the final over.

Earlier, Zimbabwe was 2-40 in the Powerplay after being put into bat. They lost regular wickets but in comparison to India's innings, their batters were able to make vital starts.

Clive Madande top-scored with 29 not out off 25 balls to shepherd the score past 100, while opener Wessly Madhevere (21), Dion Myers (23) and Brian Bennett (22) score vital contributions.

Sundar picked up 2-11 in his four overs, putting in an all-round show, but was unable to prevent India's first defeat in T20 internationals in 2024.

The world champions ushered in a new era in Harare with senior players rested in the aftermath of joyous celebrations of winning the T20 World Cup.