India snapped a six-match losing streak with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20 International on July 23, 2026, at Harare Sports Club.
Chasing 126 for victory, India reached the target in just 13.2 overs, losing only three wickets.
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Sooryavanshi Stars with Blazing Fifty
Fifteen-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a 18-ball half-century, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. He was dismissed for 50 off the next ball.
Captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28 off 24 balls, while Ishan Kishan scored 35 off 24 deliveries to guide the chase.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bowl first, restricting Zimbabwe to 125 for 7 in 20 overs.
Fast bowlers Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav took two wickets each, conceding 18 and 19 runs respectively from their four-over spells.
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Wessly Madhevere top-scored for the hosts with 39 runs off 34 balls.
Before the match, Iyer publicly backed Sooryavanshi after the youngster's difficult maiden international tour in England.
"He must have rectified where he went wrong," Iyer said, expressing confidence in the young opener.
The victory is India's first under Iyer's captaincy, following series losses in Ireland and England.
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The second match of the three-game T20I series will be played at the same venue on July 25, 2026.
