2nd T20I: Sran, Mandeep help India level series 1-1 against Zimbabwe

After the narrow two-run defeat in the first T20 International (T20I), the Indian cricket team put up an astounding performance to record a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on 20 June.

While seam bowlers Barinder Sran (4-10) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-11) wreaked havoc on the batting line-up of Graeme Cremer's side, opening batsmen Mandeep Singh (52) and KL Rahul (47) ensured that India achieved the paltry total of 99 runs with 41 balls to spare.

Deciding to bat first, the home team got off to a poor start with both of its opening batsmen back in the hut for a mere 26 runs on board. If that wasn't enough, Zimbabwe fans were left red-faced following the loss of their next three wickets for a mere 31 runs.

Middle-order batsman Peter Moor (31) tried to steady the innings for the home side but failed to find support from his teammates. Barring five batsmen, none of the other players managed to score in double digits for Zimbabwe.

Sran turned out to be the pick of the bowlers for India with figures of 4-10 in his spell of four overs. He conceded just one four and bowled 18 dot balls in his spell. Bumrah, too, continued his fine form with a spell of 3-11 in his four overs.

After proving a tad too expensive in the first T20I, Yuzvendra Chahal came back strong to register figures of 1-19 in his four overs. His spin partner Axar Patel also bowled well but unfortunately remained wicketless.

In reply, opening batsmen Rahul and Mandeep hammered the opposition bowlers to all around the park to guide India to its first-ever 10-wicket win in the shortest version of the game. The duo added 103 runs off just 79 balls for the first wicket to help the MS Dhoni brigade level the series 1-1.

Rahul, who got out for a golden duck in the first T20I, looked in sublime touch in his 40-ball knock comprised of two fours and two sixes. On the other hand, Mandeep proved to be more aggressive as he slammed six fours and a towering six.

With few runs at their disposal, Zimbabwe bowlers failed to threaten the Indian openers. Seamer Donald Tiripano looked impressive in his spell of 0-11 in three overs, while skipper Cremer conceded eight runs an over in his spell for the hosts.

The three-match T20 series is now tied 1-1 with the series decider scheduled in Harare on 22 June.