The India vs Zimbabwe T20 rivalry is one of the most fascinating contests in cricket’s shortest format.
India and Zimbabwe played their first T20 international match against each other in June 2010.
Under the leadership of Suresh Raina, India defeated Zimbabwe by six wickets in their first-ever meeting in the T20 format in Harare in 2010. The Men in Blue later clinched the two-match T20I series 2-0.
Five years later, Zimbabwe registered their first T20 international victory over India in Harare in July 2015.
Led by captain Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe beat India by 10 wickets in the second and final T20I to level the two-match T20I series 1-1 in Harare.
Later in 2016, Zimbabwe recorded their second T20I win over India after the Graeme Cremer-led side secured a nail-biting two-run win in the first T20I in Harare. Despite the defeat, the MS Dhoni-led India later claimed the three-match T20I series 2-1.
Since then, India and Zimbabwe have faced each other in 12 T20 matches so far. India have won nine of the 12 games, while Zimbabwe have registered three victories.
Both the sides have registered numerous records during their battles and here we take a closer look at some of those India vs Zimbabwe T20 records and stats.
India vs Zimbabwe T20 records and stats
Highest total
The Indian cricket team holds the record for the highest total in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Led by Shubman Gill, India posted 234/2 in their 20 overs against Zimbabwe in the second T20I of a five-match series in July 2024. Electing to bat first, India rode on Abhishek Sharma's 100 off 46 balls, along with contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out) and Rinku Singh (48 not out) to post a record T20 total at the venue. In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 134 in 18.4 overs as India secured a comprehensive 100-run victory.
Lowest total
The Zimbabwe cricket team registered the lowest total in India vs Zimbabwe T20 history. Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe could only manage 99/9 in their 20 overs against India in the second T20I of a three-match series in Harare in June 2016. Wicketkeeper-batter Peter Moor top-scored for Zimbabwe with 31. For India, Barinder Sran bagged four wickets while Jasprit Bumrah scalped three wickets. Later, KL Rahul (47 not out) and Mandeep Singh (52 not out) helped India chase down the target in 13.1 overs to secure a 10-wicket win.
Most runs
Chamu Chibhabha has scored the most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Between 2010 and 2016, the Zimbabwe top-order batter amassed 172 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.57 and a strike rate of 104.24. Chibhabha slammed one fifty in this T20 fixture with a highest score of 67. For India, KL Rahul has recorded the most runs in this T20I fixture, having accumulated 120 runs in four games at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 125.
Most wickets
Axar Patel has picked up the most wickets in India vs Zimbabwe T20 history. Between 2015 and 2022, the left-arm spinner has bagged seven T20I wickets in six matches against Zimbabwe at an average of 19.85 and an economy of 5.95. For Zimbabwe, Chris Mpofu claimed the most wickets in his T20I fixture, having bagged six wickets in four matches between 2010 and 2015.
Highest individual score
Abhishek Sharma has the highest individual score in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Opening the batting, the flamboyant left-handed Indian batter slammed his maiden T20I century off just 46 balls before he was dismissed by Wellington Masakadza in the 14th over. Abhishek’s scintillating knock was laced with seven fours and eight sixes. His knock helped India post a record T20 total of 234/2 at the Harare Sports Club. Later, India bowled out Zimbabwe for 134 in their 18.4 overs to secure a 100-run victory in Harare.
Best bowling figures
India pacer Barinder Sran has the best bowling figures in this T20I fixture. During the second T20I of India’s tour of Zimbabwe in 2016, Barinder Sran recorded match-winning figures of 4/10 in Harare. The talented left-arm fast bowler dismissed Chamu Chibhabha,Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza and Tinotenda Mutombodzi to restrict the hosts to 99/9 in their 20 overs. India later chased down the target in just 13.1 overs as they won the game by 10 wickets.
Highest partnership
KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh hold the record for the highest partnership in India vs Zimbabwe T20 internationals. Chasing 100, KL Rahul and Mandeep Singh forged a match-winning 103-stand for the opening wicket to guide India to a 10-wicket win in Harare in June 2016. After India restricted Zimbabwe to 99/9 in their allotted overs, KL Rahul scored 47 not out while Mandeep Singh remained unbeaten on 52 to power India to a dominating victory.
Photo credit: Alamy
