Cricket is a game of passion, strategy, and unforgettable moments, and when it comes to the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard, fans are treated to a fascinating clash of underdogs and giants. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2024, these two teams have faced off in thrilling T20I encounters, with India dominating but Zimbabwe pulling off a couple of stunning upsets. This article dives deep into their head-to-head battles, key performances, and the evolution of their rivalry, presented in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone, including young cricket fans. Whether you’re curious about historical matches or the latest 2024 series, we’ve got it all covered with detailed scorecards, standout players, and more.
A Brief History of Zimbabwe vs India in T20I Cricket
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard tells a story of David versus Goliath. Since Zimbabwe’s return to international cricket in 2011, they’ve often played the role of spirited underdogs against powerhouses like India. In T20 Internationals (T20Is) from 2015 to 2024, the two teams clashed 10 times, with India winning 8 matches and Zimbabwe securing 2 memorable victories. While India’s dominance is clear, Zimbabwe’s wins in 2015 and 2024 stand out as moments of brilliance, showcasing their ability to challenge even the best teams on their day.
These matches, mostly played at Harare Sports Club, have been a mix of one-sided thrashings and nail-biting finishes. Zimbabwe’s victories have come in standalone games, never in a World Cup or series decider, but they’ve given fans plenty to cheer about. Let’s break down the key encounters, complete with scorecards and insights into what made each match special.
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Head-to-Head Record (2015–2024)
Before diving into individual matches, here’s a quick overview of the head-to-head record between the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard in T20Is from 2015 to 2024:
| Matches Played | India Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Tied/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
India’s 80% win rate reflects their depth and talent, but Zimbabwe’s two wins prove they can upset the odds with disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. Now, let’s explore each match in detail, complete with scorecards and highlights.
Key Matches and Scorecards: 2015–2024
1. July 14, 2015 – Zimbabwe’s First Upset
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from July 14, 2015, at Harare Sports Club is a classic example of Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, posting a modest 145. Sikandar Raza’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. India, chasing 146, fell short at 135/9, handing Zimbabwe a 10-run victory. This win was a rare highlight for Zimbabwe, though India still led the series 2-1.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 14, 2015 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Bat) |
| India | 135/9 |
| Zimbabwe | 145 |
| Result | Zimbabwe won by 10 runs |
| Player of the Match | Sikandar Raza (ZIM) |
Key Moment: Raza’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding turned the game in Zimbabwe’s favor, catching India off guard.
2. July 17, 2015 – India Bounce Back
Three days later, India turned the tables. Winning the toss and electing to bat, they posted 178/5, powered by Manish Pandey’s stellar performance. Zimbabwe managed only 124/7 in reply, leading to a 54-run Indian victory that sealed the series 3-0. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard here showed India’s ability to dominate when their batsmen clicked.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 17, 2015 |
| Toss | India (Bat) |
| India | 178/5 |
| Zimbabwe | 124/7 |
| Result | India won by 54 runs |
| Player of the Match | Manish Pandey (IND) |
Key Moment: Pandey’s aggressive batting set a daunting total, exposing Zimbabwe’s struggles against India’s depth.
3. June 18, 2016 – India’s 10-Wicket Demolition
In a standalone T20I on June 18, 2016, India delivered a masterclass. Zimbabwe, batting first after winning the toss, crumbled to 99/9, with Barinder Sran’s fiery bowling earning him Player of the Match. India chased 100 in style, finishing at 103/0 without losing a wicket. This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard highlighted India’s dominance in all departments.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | June 18, 2016 |
| Toss | India (Field) |
| India | 103/0 (Chased 100) |
| Zimbabwe | 99/9 |
| Result | India won by 10 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Barinder Sran (IND) |
Key Moment: Sran’s swing bowling dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting, setting up an easy chase for India.
4. June 20, 2016 – Zimbabwe’s Thrilling Triumph
Two days later, Zimbabwe struck back in dramatic fashion. Batting first, they scored 170/6, led by Elton Chigumbura’s explosive 54 off 25 balls. India, chasing 171, fell agonizingly short at 168/6, handing Zimbabwe a 2-run victory. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from this game remains one of Zimbabwe’s finest moments against India.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | June 20, 2016 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Bat) |
| India | 168/6 |
| Zimbabwe | 170/6 |
| Result | Zimbabwe won by 2 runs |
| Player of the Match | Elton Chigumbura (ZIM) |
Key Moment: Chigumbura’s late blitz and tight bowling in the final overs sealed a heart-stopping win.
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5. November 6, 2022 – World Cup Dominance
At the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Melbourne, India showcased their class. Batting first after Zimbabwe elected to field, India posted 186/5, with Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering 61 off 25 balls earning him Player of the Match. Zimbabwe collapsed to 115 all out, resulting in a 71-run Indian victory. This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard underlined India’s superiority in global tournaments.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia |
| Date | November 6, 2022 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Field) |
| India | 186/5 |
| Zimbabwe | 115 (all out) |
| Result | India won by 71 runs |
| Player of the Match | Suryakumar Yadav (IND) |
Key Moment: Yadav’s explosive batting overwhelmed Zimbabwe’s bowlers, setting an unassailable total.
6. July 6, 2024 – Zimbabwe’s Shock Upset
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from July 6, 2024, at Harare is one for the history books. Zimbabwe, batting first, posted 115/9, with Ravi Bishnoi taking 4 wickets for India. However, India’s chase faltered dramatically, collapsing to 102 all out, with Sikandar Raza’s all-round brilliance earning him Player of the Match. Zimbabwe’s 13-run win was their first against India in eight years.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 6, 2024 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Bat) |
| India | 102 (all out) |
| Zimbabwe | 115/9 |
| Result | Zimbabwe won by 13 runs |
| Player of the Match | Sikandar Raza (ZIM) |
Key Moment: Tendai Chatara’s final over, dismissing Washington Sundar, sealed Zimbabwe’s famous victory.
7. July 7, 2024 – India’s Record-Breaking Response
India bounced back with a vengeance the next day. Batting first, they smashed 234/2, led by Abhishek Sharma’s century and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fifty. Zimbabwe crumbled to 134 all out, resulting in a 100-run Indian win—the joint-highest defeat margin for Zimbabwe in T20Is. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard here showcased India’s batting firepower.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 7, 2024 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Field) |
| India | 234/2 |
| Zimbabwe | 134 (all out) |
| Result | India won by 100 runs |
| Player of the Match | Abhishek Sharma (IND) |
Key Moment: Sharma’s aggressive century set a daunting total, exposing Zimbabwe’s fielding lapses.
8. July 10, 2024 – India’s Steady Victory
India continued their dominance in the third T20I. Batting first, they scored 182/4, with Washington Sundar’s all-round effort earning him Player of the Match. Zimbabwe fought hard but finished at 159/6, falling 23 runs short. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard reflected India’s ability to control crucial moments.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 10, 2024 |
| Toss | India (Bat) |
| India | 182/4 |
| Zimbabwe | 159/6 |
| Result | India won by 23 runs |
| Player of the Match | Washington Sundar (IND) |
Key Moment: Sundar’s disciplined bowling restricted Zimbabwe’s chase, securing India’s lead.
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9. July 13, 2024 – India’s 10-Wicket Masterclass
In the fourth T20I, India chased 153 without losing a wicket, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten knock. Zimbabwe, batting first, scored 152/7, but India’s openers dominated the chase, finishing at 156/0. This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard highlighted India’s clinical approach.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 13, 2024 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Bat) |
| India | 156/0 (Chased 153) |
| Zimbabwe | 152/7 |
| Result | India won by 10 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) |
Key Moment: Jaiswal’s aggressive batting ensured a swift, unchallenged victory.
10. July 14, 2024 – India Seal the Series
In the final T20I, India posted 167/6, with Sanju Samson’s fifty setting a competitive total. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 125, handing India a 42-run win and the series 4-1. Shivam Dube’s all-round performance earned him Player of the Match.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | T20I Series |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Date | July 14, 2024 |
| Toss | Zimbabwe (Field) |
| India | 167/6 |
| Zimbabwe | 125 (all out) |
| Result | India won by 42 runs |
| Player of the Match | Shivam Dube (IND) |
Key Moment: Samson’s fifty and Mukesh Kumar’s bowling ensured a comfortable series-clinching win.
Why Zimbabwe’s Wins Stand Out
Zimbabwe’s two victories—in 2015 and 2024—are the stuff of cricketing legend. In 2015, Sikandar Raza’s all-round heroics stunned a strong Indian side, while in 2024, Zimbabwe capitalized on an inexperienced Indian lineup, with Raza and Tendai Chatara leading the charge. These wins, though rare, show Zimbabwe’s potential to punch above their weight, especially at home in Harare.
Key Players to Watch
India
- Suryakumar Yadav: His 61 off 25 in the 2022 World Cup match was a game-changer.
- Abhishek Sharma: His 2024 century (100 runs) set a new benchmark for India’s batting.
- Washington Sundar: Consistent with bat and ball, especially in 2024.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: His unbeaten knock in 2024 showcased his potential as a future star.
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza: The heart of Zimbabwe’s team, with match-winning performances in both victories.
- Elton Chigumbura: His 2016 blitz (54 off 25) remains a highlight.
- Tendai Chatara: Key bowler in the 2024 upset, dismissing crucial Indian batsmen.
- Clive Madande: Contributed vital runs in the 2024 series.
What Makes These Matches Exciting?
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard reveals more than just numbers. Each game is a story of strategy, resilience, and moments of brilliance. Zimbabwe’s home ground, Harare Sports Club, often produces tricky pitches that challenge batsmen, giving bowlers like Raza and Chatara an edge. India, with their deep batting lineup and versatile bowlers, usually overpower Zimbabwe, but the Chevrons’ ability to fight back keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The 2024 Series: A Turning Point?
The 2024 T20I series was a rollercoaster. Zimbabwe’s shock win in the first match raised hopes of a competitive series, but India’s depth proved too much, as they won 4-1. Young players like Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal shone for India, while Zimbabwe’s reliance on Raza and their bowlers highlighted areas for growth. This series showed that while Zimbabwe can pull off upsets, sustaining that form against a team like India is a challenge.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team match scorecard from 2015 to 2024 paints a picture of a lopsided but thrilling rivalry. India’s dominance is undeniable, with 8 wins in 10 T20Is, but Zimbabwe’s two victories—in 2015 and 2024—are proof of their heart and potential. From Sikandar Raza’s heroics to Abhishek Sharma’s century, these matches have delivered unforgettable moments. As Zimbabwe continues to rebuild and India nurtures new talent, their future clashes promise more excitement. Keep an eye on these teams, and check out trusted cricket websites for the latest scorecards and updates!
FAQ Section
1. How many T20I matches have Zimbabwe and India played between 2015 and 2024?
They played 10 T20I matches, with India winning 8 and Zimbabwe winning 2.
2. When did Zimbabwe last beat India in a T20I?
Zimbabwe’s last win was on July 6, 2024, by 13 runs at Harare Sports Club.
3. Who has been the standout player in the Zimbabwe vs India matches?
Sikandar Raza has been Zimbabwe’s star, earning Player of the Match in both of their wins (2015 and 2024).
4. Has Zimbabwe ever beaten India in a T20 World Cup?
No, Zimbabwe has never defeated India in a T20 World Cup match. Their wins have been in bilateral series.
5. Where can I find detailed scorecards for these matches?
Detailed scorecards are available on websites like Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and NDTV Sports.
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