Zimbabwe beats India by 13 runs in 1st T20I, Gill scored 31(29)

A splendid bowling performance helped Zimbabwe upset India by a 13-run margin in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

The Men In Blue seemed right in control of the game after restricting their opponents to 115 for 9 but Zimbabwe bounced back in an exemplary manner. They used the extra bounce off the surface in a brilliant way and bowled out India for 102 in 19.5 overs.

All-rounder Washington Sundar (27) fought till the end but failed to take India home. Tendai Chatara (3 for 16) and Sikandar Raza (3 for 25) were the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Ravi Bishnoi registered his career-best figures as India restricted Zimbabwe to 115 for 9 in 20 overs after Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first. Ravi Bishnoi picked four wickets for 13 runs in his quota of four overs.

After winning the match, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza said, "Feel happy about the win. Need to take one game at a time. The job is not done, series is not over. World champions play like world champions so we need to be ready for the next game. This isn't a wicket where you get bowled out for 115. Credit to the bowlers on both sides. An indication we need to up our skills."

Gill, while speaking during the post-match presentation, said, "We bowled pretty well, we let ourselves down in the field. We were not up to standard and everyone looked a bit rusty. We spoke about taking time and enjoying our batting but it didn't pan out that way. Halfway through we had lost 5 wickets, would've been best for us if I stayed there till the end, very disappointed with the way I got out and the rest of the match panned out."