HARARE : India secured the three-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second match at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Ishan Kishan struck 81 off 44 balls and Tilak Varma smashed an unbeaten 60 from 29 deliveries as India posted an imposing 219-5 after being sent in to bat.
The pair added 94 runs for the fourth wicket from just 44 balls, accelerating the innings with aggressive strokeplay against Zimbabwe’s wayward bowling before Kishan was caught in the deep attempting a slog.
Set a record target of 220, Zimbabwe never threatened despite a brisk start from opener Brian Bennett, who made 32 off 19 balls.
Yash Thakur ended Bennett’s innings and finished with figures of 2-30 on his Twenty20 international debut, triggering a collapse as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.
Left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma was India’s most successful bowler, claiming 3-17 as the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals after Bennett’s dismissal.
The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after they won the opening match by seven wickets on Thursday.
The final match of the series will be played in Harare on Sunday.
