IND vs ZIM 5th T20I Match Report: Samson and Mukesh star as India rout Zimbabwe to clinch series 4-1

Team India romped to a comfortable 42-run win against Zimbabwe in the dead-rubber fifth T20I to seal the series by a 4-1 margin. It was Sanju Samson’s fighting half-century that propelled India to a par total of 167 in the first innings, after which an all-round effort from the bowlers restricted the home side to 125.

The Zimbabweans were once again a bit sloppy in the field, and a few dropped catches allowed India to score extra runs. Sikandar Raza took the new ball, but his start was disastrous as he conceded a couple of sixes in the first two balls. However, he redeemed himself by dismissing the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal in the same over. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani maintained the momentum by each taking a wicket in the Powerplay. Muzarabani, in particular, looked unplayable with the new ball in his first spell.

After winning the Powerplay phase, the Zimbabweans allowed a significant partnership to build but managed to pull things back when Brandon Mavuta took a wicket in the middle overs, followed by Muzarabani dismissing a set batter at  the back end of the innings. Zimbabwe will be disappointed with the last two overs, which proved the turning point in the game.

India found themselves in trouble after losing three in-form batters in the Powerplay. However, Samson took charge and steadied the innings alongside Riyan Parag. They kept the scoreboard moving with occasional boundaries, but Parag couldn't accelerate and was dismissed. The duo added 65 before Samson shifted gears and notched up his second T20I half-century. Although he couldn't stay until the end, Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh delivered some powerful hits at the death, helping India to reach a decent total.