T20 World Cup champions India suffer shock defeat to Zimbabwe

India endured an embarrassing defeat in their first match as T20 World Cup champions, falling to minnows Zimbabwe by 13 runs in Harare.

Despite fielding a second-string side against Zimbabwe, who did not qualify for the T20 World Cup, this was not the start India envisioned for their reign as the world’s top short-format team.

“We weren’t up to our standards and I think everybody looked rusty,” said captain Shubman Gill after the match.

Zimbabwe Manages to Defend Modest Total

India entered the match as heavy favorites among cricket betting sites and remained ahead at the halfway point in live betting.

The Indian bowlers, despite their lack of recent play, performed well, restricting Zimbabwe to 115/9.

Wicketkeeper Clive Madande top-scored for Zimbabwe with 29 not out from 25 balls, while Ravi Bishnoi led India’s bowling effort with four wickets for just 13 runs from his four overs.

However, Zimbabwe’s bowlers took advantage of a rusty Indian batting lineup, dismissing the visitors for just 102 runs.

The innings started poorly for India, with Abhishek Sharma getting out in the first over.

The cheap wickets continued, as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and Dhruv Jurel all fell for single figures.

Only Gill and Washington Sundar offered any resistance, scoring 31 (29) and 27 (34), respectively.

“Halfway down, we had lost five wickets and it would have been best for us if I had stayed there to the end but unfortunately that didn’t happen,” said the Indian captain of his knock.

“Very disappointed with the way I got out and the way this whole match turned out.”

India has little time to recover, as the second T20I between the two sides is set to begin this Sunday in Harare.

Sports news