A stunning Indian batting display overshadowed Zimbabwe pacer Tinotenda Maposa’s disastrous T20 World Cup debut at Narendra Modi Stadium. Leaking 23 runs in his opening over – the second-worst in tournament history – Maposa’s woes included a no-ball, two wides, and punishment from Sanju Samson, who lofted a six and two fours.
Only Steve Tikolo’s 25-run over against Sri Lanka in 2007 ranks worse for a debutant. India capitalized ruthlessly, racing to 256/4 after being put in. Abhishek Sharma’s classy 55 (30 balls), Hardik Pandya’s ferocious 50 (23 balls), and Tilak Varma’s 44 (16 balls) dismantled Zimbabwe’s attack.
In reply, Zimbabwe faltered at 184/6 despite Brian Bennett’s magnificent 97 off 59 deliveries. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh’s 3/24, ensured a 72-run win. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel grabbed one wicket apiece.
While India celebrated another statement performance, Maposa’s debut over will linger as a cautionary tale of T20 pressures.