India's 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a whirlwind maiden Twenty20 international half-century as the visitors thumped Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Harare on Thursday. Sooryavanshi, who debuted this month against England, smashed four sixes and four fours in an explosive 18-ball 50 to guide India to a comfortable victory. Put in to bat, Zimbabwe managed a meagre 125-7, with all-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 39. India, led by Sooryavanshi's blitz, cruised to 126-3 with 40 balls to spare. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan (35) and unbeaten captain Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) ensured a comprehensive victory for the tourists. The win ended a seven-match winless run for India since Iyer took over as captain.
Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest cricketer to represent India at 15, scored 42 runs in three innings during the recent 4-0 T20I drubbing by England. His explosive knock in Harare, which included four maximums and four boundaries, came to an end when he was caught at deep third man off Richard Ngarava. The prodigy departed with India 68-2, but Kishan and Iyer saw the visitors home with ease.
Before this win, India had lost four matches in England, one by a record 125 runs, and another series 2-0 in Ireland. The victory at Harare Sports Club was a welcome relief for Iyer, who inherited the captaincy after the team's dismal recent T20I run.
'I think the boys were tremendous. Could not have been happier with my first win,' Iyer told reporters after the match. 'There was bounce from a good length and it was also variable. I felt it was there in both innings. We are going to play two more matches here, so this performance gives everyone some confidence.'
Madhevere was run out after a 58-run sixth-wicket stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 not out). An unwise attempt to secure a second run led to his downfall. India now lead the three-match series 1-0 ahead of matches on Saturday and Sunday.
