1)13 runs defeat for India, India tour of Zimbabwe
A young Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, stumbled in the first T20I against Zimbabwe on July 6th, 2024. Despite fielding a bowling attack that restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 115 runs, a disappointing batting display saw India crumble to a 13-run defeat. Fresh from their T20 World Cup win, India opted for a new-look team with three debutants. However, the inexperienced batting lineup struggled, with eight players dismissed for single-digit scores. Washington Sundar’s late fightback (27 runs) wasn’t enough as India were bowled out for 102 runs. This loss marked India’s first T20I defeat of 2024. Credit goes to Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza, who picked up 3 crucial wickets, and their bowling attack for restricting a strong batting lineup.
2)2 runs win for Zimbabwe, India tour of Zimbabwe 2016
In a heart-stopping encounter that epitomizes the close battles between India and Zimbabwe, the 1st T20I of India’s 2016 Zimbabwe tour was a nail-biter. Zimbabwe, batting first, capitalized on a belligerent 54* from Elton Chigumbura to reach a competitive 170 runs. India’s chase started strong with Manish Pandey scoring a valiant 48, but wickets fell consistently throughout the innings. MS Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, remained unbeaten on 19 runs, but it wasn’t enough. Despite his efforts, India fell agonizingly short by just 2 runs, with Taurai Muzarabani and Chamu Chibhabha taking two wickets each for Zimbabwe. Jasprit Bumrah, in a promising debut for India, impressed with two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs.
3) India winning by 3 runs, Harare
A nail-biting finish secured India’s victory in the 3rd T20I against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on June 22nd, 2016. Batting first, India posted a score of 138 runs on the board. Kedar Jadhav top-scored for the visitors with a vital 58 runs. In response, Zimbabwe’s bowlers put up a commendable fight, with Tendai Chatara and Donald Tiripano picking up three wickets each. However, it was Chigumbura’s exceptional fielding performance that stole the show. He broke the record for most catches by a fielder in a T20I match, taking an incredible 18 catches, surpassing Sikandar Raza’s previous record of 16. Despite Chigumbura’s heroics, Zimbabwe fell agonizingly short of the target, scoring only 135 runs. This close finish exemplifies the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even a record-breaking fielding performance can’t guarantee victory.
4)Last ball win for Zimbabwe, Jodhpur 2000
The stage was set for a classic ODI showdown at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur on December 8th, 2000. India, batting first, took to the crease with a vengeance. Their batsmen piled on the runs, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge with a masterful 146. The bowlers, however, couldn’t quite replicate the batting dominance. Despite losing wickets consistently, Zimbabwe never surrendered. Andy Flower anchored the innings with a solid 77, while Grant Flower chipped in with a crucial 70. The tension mounted with every ball as Zimbabwe chipped away at the target. With just 1 ball remaining in the match, they achieved the unthinkable, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat by 1 wicket. This dramatic win not only sent shockwaves through the cricketing world but also cemented Zimbabwe’s reputation as giant slayers.
5)1 wicket win for Zimbabwe, 2002
In a heart-stopping encounter at Faridabad on March 7th, 2002, Zimbabwe pulled off a miraculous one-wicket victory against India. Batting first, India posted a competitive 274 runs on the board, with VVS Laxman leading the way with a well-composed 75. Early wickets for Zaheer Khan, who picked up four crucial scalps, had Zimbabwe reeling at 21-2. However, the experienced duo of Alistair Campbell (84) and Andy Flower (71) steadied the ship with a gritty partnership. The momentum shifted again as wickets began to fall, leaving Zimbabwe needing 51 runs from the last 21 deliveries with just 3 wickets remaining. Enter Douglas Marillier, who unleashed a whirlwind knock of 56 runs off just 24 balls, including a last-ball six to seal an improbable victory for Zimbabwe. This dramatic finish, where India looked assured of victory only to be snatched away in the final moments, remains one of the most thrilling encounters between the two nations.
