Sanju Samson was the star of the match as India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs to win the series 4-1 on Sunday, July 14.

Samson led India to a 42 run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare, ending the series with a 4-1 score. His impressive 58 runs and Mukesh Kumar’s great bowling secured the win. Zimbabwe struggled with their middle order and couldn’t chase 168 runs, getting bowled out for 125.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Raza bowled the first over with a no ball that Yashasvi Jaiswal hit for six. After another six on the free hit, Raza bowled Jaiswal out.

Sanju Samson Leads India to Victory

Zimbabwe’s bowlers were disciplined and took the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, reducing India to 40 for 3 in 5 overs. Samson quickly found form, stabilizing the innings with Riyan Parag, adding 65 runs together.

After Parag’s dismissal, Samson accelerated with help from Shivam Dube, who scored 26 off 12 balls. Samson’s 58 off 45 balls was crucial before Zimbabwe fought back by taking his wicket. Rinku Singh’s final hits pushed India’s total to 167 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target.

Zimbabwe Struggles with the Chase

Zimbabwe’s chase started badly, with Mukesh Kumar dismissing Wessley Madhevere for a duck in the first over. He took Brian Bennett’s wicket in his second over and nearly got Tadiwanashe Marumani out, but a no ball saved Marumani, who then attacked Ravi Bishnoi.

Marumani and Dion Myers added 44 runs before Washington Sundar dismissed Marumani. Myers and Raza built another partnership, but things fell apart after Myers was dismissed by Dube. Zimbabwe collapsed from 85 for 3 to 90 for 6 in two overs, including a mix up leading to Raza’s run-out. Abhishek Sharma took another wicket, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 94 for 7.

Faraz Akram’s late hitting provided some excitement, but Mukesh Kumar finished the job, ending with 4-22 as India won the series 4-1.

Indian youngsters shine despite criticism

After losing the first T20I, India’s young players faced criticism, labeled as IPL stars. However, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravi Bishnoi stepped up, ensuring an easy series win.

The inclusion of World Cup squad members like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shivam Dube strengthened the team, proving too much for Zimbabwe. Shubman Gill’s effective captaincy also contributed to the success, leaving him pleased with his team’s performance.

With an upcoming tour in Sri Lanka, it’s uncertain who will join the T20I series as India begins a new chapter under Gautam Gambhir.

Gill though impressive as captain, faced mixed reviews for his batting. As the series top run scorer, his choice to open the innings over emerging players like Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma sparked debate. Gill might consider batting at No. 3 to secure his place in the T20I team, taking inspiration from players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on adapting and thriving in the format.

In a thrilling encounter on Sunday at Visakhapatnam, the Delhi Capitals secured a 20-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2024 match. Despite a formidable chase of 192 runs set by DC, CSK found themselves in trouble early on as they lost quick wickets. However, Ajinkya Rahane’s resilient knock of 45 and Daryl Mitchell’s contribution of 34 kept their hopes alive.

The tide seemed to turn in DC’s favor after Rahane and Mitchell’s dismissals, but the legendary MS Dhoni provided a spectacle for the fans with a blistering 37* off just 16 deliveries. Despite Dhoni’s heroics, CSK fell short as DC’s bowlers tightened their grip, limiting CSK to 171/6 and securing their maiden victory of the season. Earlier in the match, Rishabh Pant and David Warner showcased their batting prowess by scoring half-centuries, propelling DC to a formidable total of 191/5.

Rishabh Pant makes a promising comeback

As Delhi Capitals gear up for their first home game in Visakhapatnam, they are hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes. Their batting order has been struggling, evident from their defeats against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals in their previous matches.

In contrast, Chennai Super Kings boast a formidable lineup, so much so that they haven’t even required the services of MS Dhoni with the bat so far this season. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals heavily rely on their opening pair of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, with Rishabh Pant showing glimpses of his potential but yet to make a substantial impact. While Warner and Marsh have shown promise with quick starts, they have failed to convert them into big scores. The rest of the batting lineup has failed to deliver noteworthy performances, leaving much to be desired.

With both teams having contradictory batting lineups, it will be interesting to see which side can overcome their batting woes and seize victory in this crucial encounter.

When asked if he, like the rest of the cricket fraternity, was eagerly awaiting to see him hit a one-handed six, Pant replied, ‘One and a half years,’ referring to the duration of the anticipation.

See Also: Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs; Points Table updated

“I haven’t played much cricket, but I kept believing I could change the match,” the Delhi captain added, reflecting on his knock. Pant was 23 off 23 deliveries as Delhi’s scoring rate dipped in the middle overs after an electric start given by openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw who added 93 runs for the first wicket in just 57 balls.

“This is something I have built my life on. Still have to keep learning as a cricketer,” he said.

Mukesh plays crucial role behind winning

Mukesh claimed his third wicket, leading to MS Dhoni stepping in to bat for the first time this season. Delhi Capitals made a strategic change in their batting lineup, opting to promote Prithvi Shaw ahead of Mitchell Marsh alongside David Warner at the top.

Although the start was slow, Shaw and Warner accelerated dramatically towards the end of the powerplay. Together, they ensured that DC amassed 62 runs without losing any wickets in the initial overs.

Fans are now expecting more from Pant and his team. DC will next face KKR on 3^rd April in Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.

Mukesh Kumar’s absence was felt in the 3rd T20I between India and Australia in Guwahati on November 28, as the pacer was granted leave for his marriage. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Mukesh’s absence, humorously referring to his marriage as the “biggest game” of his life. Avesh Khan was brought in as Mukesh’s replacement for the match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially acknowledged Mukesh Kumar’s request for leave and announced that the seasoned pacer would rejoin the squad ahead of the 4th T20I scheduled in Raipur on December 1. To bolster the pace attack for the remaining T20I series, India included Deepak Chahar in the squad, with the series concluding in Bengaluru on December 3.

Update: Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities.

He will join the squad ahead of the…

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2023

Mukesh Kumar’s Wedding Leave and India’s Tactical Adjustments

A statement from the BCCI clarified the situation, stating, “Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made a request to BCCI to be released from India’s squad ahead of the third T20I against Australia in Guwahati. Mukesh is getting married and has been granted leave for the duration of his wedding festivities. He will join the squad ahead of the 4th T20I in Raipur.”

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Mukesh Kumar had proven to be a reliable bowler in the T20I series, earning the trust of Captain Suryakumar Yadav to handle crucial death overs. In the first T20I, Mukesh played a pivotal role by executing precise yorkers, conceding only 5 runs in the final over of the Australian innings, contributing to India’s defensive efforts as the visitors posted a total of 208.