Fresh off their T20 World Cup victory, India suffered a shocking upset in the first match of their five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. Captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first, and India’s bowlers initially justified his decision. Young pacer Mukesh Kumar struck on his very first ball, dismissing Innocent Kaia.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals throughout the middle overs, with in-form spinner Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan chipping in with crucial wickets. Despite a valiant 29-run knock from Clive Madande, Zimbabwe were restricted to a modest 115/9 in their 20 overs.
Chasing a seemingly achievable target, India’s batting lineup faltered unexpectedly. Debutant Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, another youngster, was dismissed cheaply. The inexperienced middle order succumbed to the pressure, with Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel all failing to score significantly.
ALSO READ: Netizens Troll Abhishek Sharma After Duck On Debut T20I Against Zimbabwe
Even skipper Gill, who showed some resistance with a 31-run knock, couldn’t hold his ground against the impressive bowling of Sikandar Raza, who eventually bagged the Player of the Match award. By the 10th over, India were reeling at a precarious 47/6.
The onus then fell on Washington Sundar to salvage the chase. While he received some support from the tail-enders, including Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi, it wasn’t enough. With the equation down to 16 runs needed from the last over, Tendai Chatara held his nerve for Zimbabwe, dismissing Sundar and sealing a famous victory for the home team.
WATCH – Unfortunate Run-Out: Johnathan Campbell’s T20I Debut Ends In Disaster
This unexpected defeat sparked a frenzy on social media, with memes poking fun at India’s sudden collapse after their dominant World Cup performance. While it’s just the first match of the series, the pressure is now on the young Indian team to bounce back and avoid a series defeat against a lower-ranked opponent
Senior players young players ki Zimbabwe ke khilaf performance dekhte hue #INDvsZIMpic.twitter.com/lX6N2AfrXj
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) July 6, 2024
#INDvsZIM
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after watching Young Cricket Team performance against Zimbabwe – pic.twitter.com/klL270mVLL— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) July 6, 2024
Are Zimbabwe se haar rhe #INDvZIM pic.twitter.com/X26wZi1z56
— Aryan 🦥 (@iAryan_Sharma) July 6, 2024
बच्चों के भरोसे नहीं छोड़ सकते#INDvsZIMOnSonyLiv #INDvZIM #Zimbabwe #ZIMvsIND pic.twitter.com/xw14xbUedk
— Non Sense Meme (@NonSenseMeme2) July 6, 2024
Me after watching India’s performance today against Zimbabwe#INDvZIM #parag #INDvsZIMOnSonyLiv #RinkuSingh #gill #gaikwad pic.twitter.com/ujjt3yj8NY
— Vardha Yadav (@Harsh5252) July 6, 2024
World Cup champions India lost to Zimbabwe who didn’t even qualify for World Cup 🤣🤣#INDvZIM pic.twitter.com/lehZyBd8ys
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) July 6, 2024
Will Sundar make Indian win ?.
Team India won the 2024 !
Young Team India Losing vs Might Zimbabwe !
Hope Sundar make India wins !!!!#ZIMvsIND #ZimvInd #IndvZim #IndvsZim #TeamIndia #INDvsZIMOnSonyLiv #IndiavZimbabweOnSonyLiv #INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/lD4XoraHO2
— Abhishek patel (@JyatePatelOBC) July 6, 2024
Indian Team against Zimbabwe after winning T20 World Cup.#INDvZIM pic.twitter.com/5MkuQQc0zm
— Ankit Duhan (@an_kit_duhann) July 6, 2024
Rohit & Kohli watching India’s performance against Zimbabwe #INDvsZIMOnSonyLiv #Raayan #IndiavZimbabweOnSonyLiv #INDvZIM #rinku #Gill pic.twitter.com/c72fWkn3YH
— Indresh kumar 🇮🇳 (@The_IndreshGaur) July 6, 2024
