Samson and Parag Shine in Crucial Partnership as India Secures Competitive Score Against Zimbabwe

Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag's critical 65-run partnership helped India recover from early wickets to post 167/6 in the final T20I against Zimbabwe. Samson scored a valiant 58, while Parag added 22. Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarbani was the standout bowler with 2/19. India concluded their innings at Harare with a respectable total.

India batters Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag exhibited excellent chemistry, forming a pivotal partnership in the fifth and final T20I of the series against Zimbabwe at Harare on Sunday. The half-century stand between Samson and Parag proved crucial as India overcame early setbacks to post a total of 167/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Samson played a stellar knock of 58 off 45 deliveries, striking at a rate of 128.88, including a four and four sixes. Parag contributed 22 runs from 24 balls, with a six, maintaining a strike rate of 91.66. Their 65-run partnership anchored India's innings after being reduced to 40/3, pushing the team past the 100-run mark.

Throughout this year, including their Indian Premier League (IPL) exploits with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Samson and Parag have amassed 398 runs together in nine T20 innings, averaging 44.22 with a run-rate of 8.12 per over. In Sunday's match, Zimbabwe opted to field first after winning the toss. Blessing Muzarbani spearheaded Zimbabwe's attack with figures of 2/19, while Richard Ngarva, Sikandar Raza, and Brandon Mavuta each took a wicket.

(With inputs from agencies.)