Sanju Samson’s fifty and Mukesh Kumar’s magical spell led India to a comprehensive 42-run victory over Zimbabwe in the fifth and final T20I on Sunday.
Samson’s 58 off 45 balls was central to India’s solid total of 167 for six, supported by Shivam Dube’s quick 26 off 12 balls.
Indian bowlers, led by Mukesh (4/22), Shivam Dube (2/25), and Washington Sundar (1/7), bundled out Zimbabwe for 125 in 18.3 overs. After the early dismissals of Wessly Madhevere, who dragged the third ball of Mukesh’s first over onto his stumps, and Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (27) and Dion Myers (34) added 44 runs for the third wicket to keep Zimbabwe in the game.
The final blow to Zimbabwe’s hopes was the run-out of skipper Sikandar Raza (8), amid a collapse of four wickets for nine runs. Mukesh, who achieved his career-best T20 figures, fittingly ended Zimbabwe’s innings by bowling out Richard Ngarava.
