Batting brilliance, bowling bite: India seal Zimbabwe series

HARARE: India produced a commanding all-round display to crush Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20 International in Harare on Saturday, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.

After being sent in to bat, the visitors piled up 219 for five, riding on a sparkling 81 off 44 balls from Ishan Kishan and a late onslaught from Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 60 from just 29 deliveries. The pair ensured India maintained the scoring rate throughout before finishing with a flourish.

Zimbabwe's chase never gathered momentum.

Despite a brisk 32 from Brian Bennett off 19 balls, the hosts struggled to cope with India's disciplined attack and were bundled out for 129 in 17.5 overs, falling 90 runs short of the target.

Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, picking up three wickets to derail the chase, while Yash Thakur and Prince Yadav claimed two apiece as India tightened their grip after the Powerplay and never allowed Zimbabwe back into the contest.

The third and final T20I will be played on Sunday, though the series has already been decided in India's favour.