Sooryavanshi, Mayank Yadav Power India to 3-0 T20I Sweep Over Zimbabwe

A brilliant 81-run knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a fiery spell by pacer Mayank Yadav helped India defeat Zimbabwe by 35 runs in the third and final T20I on Sunday, completing a convincing 3-0 series sweep.

Chasing a challenging target of 193 runs on a slow surface at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum and managed only 157/7 in their 20 overs. Ryan Burl provided some resistance with an unbeaten 54, but the early setbacks proved too costly for the hosts.

India’s bowlers made an immediate impact, with Mayank Yadav (3/29) removing Brian Bennett off the first ball of the innings. Yash Thakur (2/45) then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Dion Myers and captain Sikandar Raza in successive deliveries as Zimbabwe slipped to 34/3.

Earlier, India also faced an early blow after opener Abhishek Sharma fell for 2. However, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi displayed remarkable maturity, adapting his aggressive style to the sluggish pitch. After a cautious start, he accelerated to score his second T20I half-century in 31 balls during his 49-ball innings.

Sooryavanshi produced several memorable strokes, including a powerful straight drive for four off Brad Evans’ yorker and a massive 102-metre six against Raza. He also showcased innovation with a reverse sweep boundary against Wesley Madhevere.

The young left-hander built crucial partnerships, adding 75 runs with Ishan Kishan (29) and another 50-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (27). He narrowly missed a century after being dismissed by Madhevere, with Evans taking a stunning catch at long-off.

India’s middle order could not provide much acceleration after Sooryavanshi and Shreyas departed, but a quick cameo from Rinku Singh (25 off 14 balls) helped India finish strongly.

The victory marked a significant turnaround for India after losing their previous T20I series against England (0-4) and Ireland (0-2). Despite some sloppy fielding, including four dropped catches, India’s all-round performance ensured a dominant series triumph in Zimbabwe.