Vaibhav, Mayank shine as India clinches first win under Shreyas, beat ZIM by 7 wickets

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered a historic performance, smashing an 18-ball half-century to lead India to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club. At just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a half-century in men's international cricket. His explosive knock of 50 off 19 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, made quick work of Zimbabwe’s modest 126-run target.

Earlier in the match, fast bowler Mayank Yadav made an impactful return to international cricket following an injury layoff. Pacing well over 145 kmph, Mayank struck on the very first ball of the innings to remove Brian Bennett before dismissing Dion Myers to reduce the hosts to 26 for three in the powerplay. Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum throughout their innings and were restricted to 125 for seven in 20 overs, with Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 38.

India completed the run-chase comfortably in 13.2 overs with 40 balls remaining. Following Sooryavanshi's early assault, Ishan Kishan (35) and captain Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) guided the team home safely. The victory marked Shreyas Iyer’s first win as India's T20I captain after enduring an initial winless streak, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.