Chibhabha Helps Zimbabwe Topple India for Landmark Victory

India lost to Zimbabwe by 10 runs in the second and final T20.

A measured half century from opener Chamu Chibhabha propelled Zimbabwe to their first ever Twenty20 victory over former world champions India by 10 runs on Sunday.

After electing to bat, Zimbabwe posted 145 for seven in their 20 overs, with Chibhabha’s 67 from 51 balls the major contributor. Chibhabha struck nine fours on his way to his highest Twenty20 international score, with no other Zimbabwe batsman reaching 20.

Chasing 146, Robin Uthappa looked as though he was leading India to a series win when he raced to 42 from 25 balls but the tourists slumped to 61 for four when he was caught and bowled by Sean Williams.

India were then looking down the barrel at 69 for five in nine overs. Stuart Binny (24) and debutant Sanju Samson (19) played cameos, but the visitors still fell short at the Harare Sports Club.

For Zimbabwe, Graeme Cremer snapped up three wickets for 18 runs in his four overs, while SC Williams (1/31), Taurai Muzarabani (1/23) and Chris Mpofu (1/26) took one each.The result allowed the hosts to tie the series 1-1.

Leg-break bowler Graeme Creamer was the pick of the home bowlers as he picked up three for 18 in his four overs.

India, who had won the ODI series 3-0, thus ended with a 1-1 stalemate in the two-match Twenty20 series.