India's Sooryavanshi draws confidence from maiden fifty in Zimbabwe win

Harare has become a favored venue for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old Indian batting sensation. He delivered another match-winning performance, smashing 50 off just 19 balls in the first Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe. India successfully chased down a target of 126 with 40 balls to spare, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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I love the vibe here. There are certain grounds where you love to score runs, and that's maybe the case here, but I'm certainly not taking anything for granted.

Earlier this year, Sooryavanshi showcased his talent at the same Harare Sports Club ground by scoring 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final, contributing to India's victory. "I love the vibe here," Sooryavanshi told BCCI.tv. "There are certain grounds where you love to score runs, and that's maybe the case here, but I'm certainly not taking anything for granted."

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I'm just trying to give my best, regardless of venue, and contribute to the team and do well.

Despite being the youngest cricketer to represent India last month, Sooryavanshi faced challenges in his recent T20 matches in England. His maiden half-century in Zimbabwe, however, has boosted his confidence. "If you can play this kind of innings at the starting phase of your career, it gives you the confidence to do well in the next match. I felt I was in my zone, and I just backed my strength," he said.

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If you can play this kind of innings at the starting phase of your career, it gives you the confidence to do well in the next match. I felt I was in my zone, and I just backed my strength.

Fast bowler Mayank Yadav also marked a successful return after a lengthy injury layoff. Yadav, who was sidelined after playing his first three T20 Internationals in 2024, claimed 2-18 in a tidy four-over spell, aiding in restricting Zimbabwe to a modest 125-7. "It was very difficult (to stay motivated)," Yadav told reporters. "I was just 22-23 and I had to suffer so much at a young age. At the same time, the motivation to play for the country was always there. So I wanted to make a comeback and perform as I did before."

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It was very difficult (to stay motivated). I was just 22-23 and I had to suffer so much at a young age. At the same time, the motivation to play for the country was always there. So I wanted to make a comeback and perform as I did before.