India defeated Zimbabwe by a commanding margin of 42 runs in the 5th T20I, securing the series 4-1. Batting first, India posted a total of 167/6 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 125.
Sanju Samson led India’s batting effort with an unbeaten 58 off 45 balls, featuring 1 four and 4 sixes. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (12 off 5 balls, 2 sixes) was dismissed by Raza in the first over. Abhishek Sharma contributed 14* off 11 balls, while Shubman Gill scored 13* off 14 balls. Shivam Dube (26) and Rinku Singh (11) also added valuable runs. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2 wickets, with Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, and Brandon Mavuta taking one wicket each.
Zimbabwe’s chase started poorly with Wesley Madhevere dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the first over. Despite efforts from opener Tadiwanashe Marumani (27) and Brian Bennett (10) to stabilize the innings, Marumani was trapped lbw by Washington Sundar. The rest of the batting lineup struggled, with most players failing to reach double digits. In the end, Akram (27) provided some resistance.
For India, Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets. Shivam Dube took 2 wickets, while Tushar Deshpande, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma each took 1 wicket, sealing a comprehensive victory for the visitors.