After the bruises their T20 side suffered in the UK tour, this Zimbabwe series could be just the ideal fillip that India needs.After finally registering their first win under new T20 captain Shreyas Iyer after a seven-match winless run at the helm, India will look to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead when they take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.After a tough run that saw them whitewashed by Ireland (0-2) and England (0-4), India’s convincing seven-wicket win in the series opener restored some much-needed confidence.However, even as the visitors look to build on that momentum, one player who will be under the scanner is explosive opener Abhishek Sharma.Two years ago, Harare was the place where Abhishek announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden T20I hundred in just his second match.The stylish left-hander returns to the same ground looking for a spark after a worrying dip in form. After starting the England series promisingly with scores of 59 and 43, Abhishek’s returns later read 10, 16, 3 and 1. In Thursday’s opener, his awkward eight-ball 1 suggested a batter short on pace and confidence.With the competition for places intensifying, Abhishek knows he needs to run. Senior opener Sanju Samson, though absent on this tour, remains in the selectors’ plans and has been named in India’s squad for the Asian Games later this year. A substantial score in Harare will not only help India seal the series but also strengthen Abhishek’s own case in a rapidly evolving T20 setup.India, however, found a new hero in the opening match.Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a stunning 18-ball fifty, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I half-century.The 15-year-old, who had endured a tough tour of England where pace bowlers like Jofra Archer relentlessly challenged him with cheap bowling, responded in style against Zimbabwe.Fearlessly taking on Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, he produced a blistering innings that underlined why he is so highly rated.Backed by Ishan Kishan’s 35 and an unbeaten 28 from skipper Iyer, Sooryavanshi ensured India chased down the target with more than six overs to spare.Head coach VVS Laxman was also reportedly pleased with the performance of India’s breakthrough attack. The biggest positive was the return of Mayank Yadav, who made an impressive comeback after two years of injuries. Delhi finished quickly with figures of 2 for 18 and still touched high speed, with his opening delivery to Brian Bennett at 150 km/h indicating that his pace remained intact.Prince Yadav also showed signs of improvement after a lean tour of England, while debutant Ashok Sharma showed enough promise to suggest he could become another exciting fast bowling option.
