Riyan Parag’s Special Debut: India Wins T20 Series Against Zimbabwe
Harare [Zimbabwe], July 14: Indian all-rounder Riyan Parag made his international debut in a memorable series win against Zimbabwe. Parag, who played alongside his under-19 teammate Abhishek Sharma, praised skipper Shubman Gill for his leadership throughout the five-match series.
India secured the series with a 42-run victory in the fifth and final T20I at Harare. Mukesh Kumar’s four-wicket spell and Sanju Samson’s half-century were the highlights of the match. Parag shared that everyone ‘woke up’ after losing the first game and mentioned the special moment of opening their jerseys together with Abhishek.
Parag also talked about his partnership with Rajasthan Royals teammate Sanju Samson, recalling their successful collaborations in the IPL. He appreciated playing under Gill, who has been a guiding figure since their under-16 days.
Despite a less memorable debut, scoring just 24 runs in two innings and taking no wickets, Parag was optimistic. India won the series 4-1. In the final match, Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field. India was at 40/3 before a 65-run partnership between Samson (58) and Parag (22) and a quick cameo from Shivam Dube (26) took India to 167/6. Blessing Muzarbani was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe with 2/19.
Zimbabwe started well in their chase but faltered due to a game-changing spell from Shivam Dube and a crucial run-out of their skipper Sikandar Raza. Despite efforts from Dion Myers (34), Tadiwanashe Marumani (27), and Faraz Akram (27), Mukesh Kumar’s 4/22 helped India bundle out Zimbabwe for 125 runs.
Shivam Dube was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance, while Washington Sundar, who scored 28 runs and took eight wickets in the series, was awarded ‘Player of the Series’.
