Indian cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored his maiden Twenty20 international half-century as India beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Harare. The 15-year-old smashed 50 off just 18 balls, hitting four sixes and four fours.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe managed only 125-7 in their 20 overs, with all-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 39. India chased down the target with 40 balls to spare, reaching 126-3.

Sooryavanshi became the youngest cricketer to represent India when he debuted in a 4-0 T20I series loss to England earlier this month, scoring 42 runs in three innings.

After his blistering fifty, Sooryavanshi was caught off Richard Ngarava's delivery, leaving India at 68-2. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan (35) and captain Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) then guided the team to victory.

The win ended a seven-match winless streak for India in T20Is, including four consecutive losses to England and a series defeat in Ireland. Iyer, who took over as captain, celebrated his first win. “The boys were tremendous. Couldn't be happier with my first win,” he said.

For Zimbabwe, Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 not out) added 58 runs for the sixth wicket, but Madhevere was run out attempting a risky second run.

Source: www.aljazeera.com