New Delhi: The Indian cricket team not only won the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a stellar performance, but also regained the number one spot in the ICC T20I team rankings. India secured a massive 90-run victory in the second T20I in Harare, taking an unassailable series lead. With this victory, Team India overtook England to become the world’s leading T20I team.
India again tops T20 rankings
In the latest T20 team rankings released by the ICC on July 25, both India and England have 268 rating points. However, India rose to first place based on improved performance, while England slipped to second. India had previously lost the top spot to England in July, but regained the number one spot after a stellar performance on the Zimbabwe tour.
What is the status of the remaining teams?
In the T20 team rankings, Australia is in third place with 260 points. New Zealand is fourth with 247 points. South Africa and Pakistan are in fifth and sixth places, respectively. Zimbabwe remains in 12th place with 202 points. If India wins the final match of the series, its number-one position will be further strengthened.
India’s impressive win in the second T20
Batting first in the second T20I, India scored 219 for 5. Ishan Kishan scored a brilliant 81 off 44 balls, while Tilak Varma made an unbeaten 60 off just 20 balls. Captain Shreyas Iyer also contributed 25 runs.
The bowlers also showed their strength
Chasing a target of 220, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs. Brian Bennett top-scored with 32, but the Indian bowlers failed to form a significant partnership. Abhishek Sharma took three wickets for India, while Yash Thakur and Prince Yadav chipped in with two wickets each.
This victory proved India’s consistent performance in limited-overs cricket. All eyes are now on the final match of the series, where Team India will aim for a clean sweep.