5th T20I: Sanju Samson fifty takes India to 167/6 against Zimbabwe

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson scored a resilient 58 off 45 balls to help India reach a total of 167 for six in the fifth and final T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday.

Although he and Riyan Parag added a crucial 65-run partnership, Zimbabwe managed to keep India to a par score. India had already secured the series with a 3-1 lead after a dominant 10-wicket victory the previous day.

Samson's 58, which included one four and four sixes, was pivotal in stabilizing India's innings after a shaky start. India struggled in the Power Play, ending at 44 for three, with Zimbabwe's bowlers putting early pressure on the top order.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite a strong start with two sixes off Sikandar Raza in the first over, was bowled out in the same over for 12.

Abhishek Sharma, dropped on 10 by Brian Bennett off Blessing Muzarabani, fell shortly after, edging to Clive Madande. Skipper Shubman Gill, who also received a reprieve early on, couldn't find his rhythm and was dismissed for 13, caught by Raza off Richard Ngarava's bowling.

At this crucial juncture, India needed a steady partnership. Samson and Parag rose to the occasion, focusing on careful shot selection. They capitalized on the loose deliveries and played prudently, considering the pitch offered some turn unlike in the earlier games.

Samson showcased his aggressive flair when he hit back-to-back sixes off Brandon Mavuto, with one shot being particularly remarkable as he carved the ball over extra cover after giving himself space. This aggressive batting saw Samson bring up his fifty in 39 balls, marking his second half-century in T20Is.

However, Parag's attempt to accelerate the run rate resulted in his dismissal, caught while trying to clear the boundary off Mavuto. Samson too fell before the innings concluded, caught by a tumbling Tadiwanashe Marumani off Muzarabani, who emerged as the most impressive Zimbabwean bowler.

India found some late impetus through Shivam Dube, who hit an aggressive 26 off 12 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Despite these efforts, Zimbabwe kept India's total to a modest 167, setting the stage for a potentially competitive chase.