Harare, July 14 (UNI) Sanju Samson's fifty helped India post a competitive total of 167/6 against Zimbabwe in the fifth and final T20I match here on Sunday.
Despite early setbacks, Samson's innings provided the stability and momentum India needed.
India's top three batsmen fell early, leaving the team in a challenging position. However, Samson, with his composed and aggressive approach, took charge and played a series of delightful shots, including 4 sixes and a boundary that electrified the fans. His brilliant innings anchored India's recovery and set the stage for a respectable total.
Just when he seemed poised for a big finish, he was dismissed by a sharp catch at deep mid-wicket by Sikandar Raza.
Riyan Parag (22 off 24) complemented Samson with a steady partnership, and towards the end, Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo of 26 off 12 balls with 2 sixes and as many boundaries, helping India to take the total past 150. Rinku Singh added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 11 off 9 balls.
Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, showing excellent control and taking two crucial wickets. However, Zimbabwe's fielding was inconsistent, with a mix of spectacular catches and costly drops. The fielding lapses, including three dropped catches and several fumbles, might prove crucial in the chase.
Zimbabwe will need to tighten their fielding to support their bowlers effectively.
Despite India's strong finish, Zimbabwe would feel confident about chasing this total, especially given Raza's prediction at the toss that the wicket would improve for batting in the second innings.
With 30 runs coming off the last two overs, India has the momentum, but Zimbabwe has a chance to turn the game in their favor.
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