NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson's well-crafted half-century and Mukesh Kumar's disciplined bowling performance led India to a convincing 42-run victory over Zimbabwe in the fifth and final T20I in Harare on Sunday, clinching the series 4-1.
Samson's crucial 58 off 45 balls, along with Shivam Dube's quick-fire 26 off 12 deliveries, propelled India to a competitive total of 167 for six.
HIGHLIGHTS: India vs ZimbabweSCORECARD
The Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Mukesh's career-best figures (4/22), Shivam Dube (2/25), and Washington Sundar (1/7), then bundled out Zimbabwe for 125 in 18.3 overs, reported PTI.
Despite a 44-run partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani (27) and Dion Myers (34) for the third wicket, Zimbabwe struggled to keep up with the required run rate.
Marumani's dismissal to Washington Sundar and Myers' wicket to Dube, followed by the run out of skipper Sikandar Raza (8), effectively sealed the hosts' fate.
Earlier, Samson and Riyan Parag (22 off 24 balls) steadied the Indian innings with a 65-run stand for the fourth wicket after the team had lost three wickets in the Power Play.
Samson showcased his aggressive side with two consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Brandon Mavuto, while Parag played a more cautious role.
Although both Samson and Parag fell in the latter stages of the innings, Shivam Dube's late fireworks provided the necessary impetus to the Indian total.
The Indian bowlers then executed their plans to perfection, with Mukesh fittingly ending the Zimbabwe innings by dismissing Richard Ngarava.
