India reclaim T20I No. 1 spot with Zimbabwe series win

India have climbed back to the top of the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings after securing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the ongoing series against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The reigning T20 World Cup champions reclaimed the No. 1 position, moving ahead of England, who had briefly occupied the summit following their 4-0 home series victory earlier this month.

India's rise in the rankings comes on the back of another commanding all-round display. After cruising to victory in the series opener, where the bowlers dominated and youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grabbed headlines with a record-breaking innings, the visitors followed it up with another convincing performance in the second T20I.


Also read | Washington Sundar ruled out of 1st Test; Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana unlikely for entire Sri Lanka tour

Put under early pressure after losing two wickets cheaply, India recovered through a crucial 66-run stand between Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Kishan then took charge with a fluent 81 off 44 deliveries, while Tilak Varma added late fireworks with an unbeaten 60 from just 29 balls, lifting India to a daunting total of 219.

Reflecting on his innings, Kishan said the priority after the early setbacks was to rebuild rather than chase an ambitious total from the outset.

"We were down two wickets, but at the same time, as a batter batting at no.3, your job is to just watch the ball and play your natural game," he said after the match. "Shreyas Iyer came in, and we just wanted to build a partnership and take the innings deep. And I think we executed our plans in a good manner."

Also read | India crush Zimbabwe by 90 runs in 2nd T20I

Zimbabwe never recovered in the chase. Their top order collapsed under sustained pressure from India's bowlers, with the hosts losing half their side inside the first nine overs before being dismissed for 129.

The emphatic victory ensured India sealed the series with a game to spare while reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the global T20I rankings.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again in the third T20I on Sunday in Harare.