Chasing 116, India were bowled out for 102 to hand Zimbabwe a famous win in Harare on July 6 (Saturday). The hosts looked down and out when they were reduced to 90/9, but a useful cameo from Clive Madande (29* off 25) gave the Zimbabwean bowlers something to bowl at.
However, India's hopes were dashed as skipper Sikandar Raza (3/25) and Tendai Chatara (3/16) led Zimbabwe's charge to help their side to a 13-run victory.
India captain Shubman Gill believes rustiness played a huge role in his side's loss. "We bowled pretty well, we let ourselves down in the field. We were not up to standard and everyone looked a bit rusty. We spoke about taking time and enjoying our batting but it didn't pan out that way," Gill said at the post-match presentation.
Gill top-scored with 31 off 29 and expressed that he was disappointed with the way he got out. "Halfway through we had lost 5 wickets, would've been best for us if I stayed there till the end, very disappointed with the way I got out and the rest of the match panned out," he said.
Despite winning the game, Player of the Match Raza believes they need to be up for the next game. "Feel really happy about the win. Need to take one game at a time. The job is not done, series is not over. World champions play like world champions so we need to be ready for the next game," Raza said.
The all-rounder believes there is still some room for improvement for his team. "Our catching and ground fielding was amazing but we did make some errors, shows there's room for improvement," he added.
India have a chance to bounce back in the series when they take field once again against Zimbabwe for the second T20I in Harare on July 7 (Sunday) in Harare.
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.