Ishan, Tilak fifties help India win, seal Zimbabwe T20I series

The visitors, under skipper Shreyas Iyer, took an unassailable lead. Defending a huge 219/5, India barely allowed Zimbabwe to settle into the daunting chase. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 129 after losing five wickets inside the first nine overs, effectively ending the contest long before the finish.

Zimbabwe briefly threatened through Brian Bennett, whose hit 32 off 19 deliveries. The opener welcomed debutant pacer Yash Thakur with a six and a four in quick succession. However, Thakur (2/30) responded by forcing Bennett into a mistimed ramp shot that was taken by wicketkeeper Kishan.

That breakthrough triggered a collapse as India’s bowlers tightened the screws. While Ryan Burl (20) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (24) offered fleeting resistance, the hosts never built a meaningful partnership.