India began their three-match T20I series in Harare with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record 18-ball half-century on July 23, 2026. Chasing 126, the 15-year-old opener exploded from the start, reaching fifty in 18 balls and scoring 50 off 19 before departing with India well placed at 68 for 2.

Suryavanshi attacked Zimbabwe’s pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani early, including a ramp and a sequence of boundaries that put India in control. Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer added an important 46-run third-wicket stand, with Kishan scoring 35 off 24. India’s bowlers, led by Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, restricted Zimbabwe to 125 for 7 in 20 overs with all bowlers conceding under eight runs per over.

India secured the win with 40 balls remaining, moving 1-0 up in the series; Zimbabwe, wearing retro 1992 World Cup jerseys, must change approach in the remaining two matches to level the series.