IND vs ZIM: Indian batters crumble against Zimbabwe, Rinku Singh departs for a DUCK; fans express shock

After restricting Zimbabwe to just 115 for 9, the Indian team did not get the desired start with the bat at the Harare Sports Club on July 6. The Men in Blue saw debutant Abhishek Sharma depart for a 4-ball duck, followed by Ruturaj Gaikwad walking back for 7 off 9. Soon after, another debut player, Riyan Parag, did not stay long as he was sent back for 2 off 3, and finally, the man the whole country was waiting for, Rinku Singh, also departed for a 2-ball duck.

ALSO READ | IND vs ZIM: Spin duo Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar shine as Zimbabwe stumbles to 115/9

What's shocking is that all this happened within the Powerplay, as India managed to score just 28 runs on the board while losing 4 wickets. Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their concerns about how Indian batters are crumbling against Zimbabwe.

Tendai Chatara claimed two wickets, while Brian Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani both grabbed one each. Earlier, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi, two Indian spinners, combined to take six wickets.

Wessly Madhevere (21 off 22) for Zimbabwe was able to score early after Innocent Kaia was dismissed for a duck. Despite significant cameos from skipper Sikandar Raza (17 off 19), Brian Bennett (23 off 15), and Dion Myers (23 off 22), the wickets kept dropping. 

Luke Jongwe was sent back for merely a run, while Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Jonathan Campbell were sent back for ducks. Clive Madande (29 off 25) fought till the very end, hitting some nice boundaries and strokes, but he had little help from the opposition.

In the match, India won the toss and opted to field, featuring three debutants: Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag.

Teams:

Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande(w), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara

India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed

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