Harare, July 6 (Petra) – Indian bowlers led by spin bowler Ravi Bishnoi put up a colossal effort to restrict inexperienced Zimbabwe to 115 for nine in the first T20I of the five-match series here on Saturday.

Bishnoi (13/4) received ample support from pacer Washington Sundar (2/11) as Zimbabwe struggled to forge a meaningful partnership after being asked to play on a pitch offering plenty of bounce and range.

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However, Zimbabwe made a reasonably good start to the tour, reaching 40 for two in the powerplay, although their bowlers were not always convincing.

After the early dismissal of Innocent Kaya, who dragged Mukesh Kumar's ball onto his stumps, Wesley Madhevir (21, 22) and Brian Bennett (22, 15) added 34 runs in quick succession.

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The highlight of their alliance came in the fifth inning, when they got 17 runs off left-handed pitcher Khalil Ahmed.

Bennett beat him twice in a row as Zimbabwe appeared to have recovered from their early defeat to Kaya.

However, Bennett's elimination to Bishnoi in the sixth round changed the atmosphere of the match. Bennett was unable to read Bishnoi's turn, which also led to the defeat of three other Zimbabwean players – Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabane and Locky Jongoi.

They crawled to 74 for three from there, thanks to the patience of captain Sikandar Raza (17, 19b), but lost their way from there, losing six wickets for 41 runs.

The home team's players appeared to be in a panic, as evidenced by the exclusion of Jonathan Campbell, son of former Zimbabwe captain Alastair Campbell.

Campbell hid Avesh Khan's message and asked him and his partner Dion Mayers to respond.

But Campbell suddenly changed his mind and stayed behind as Myers crossed the area, forcing Campbell to retreat.

Their last hope rested on the experienced Reda, and he gave hope by hitting Avesh over the player's head.

But Avesh's extra bounce soon killed Raza as his mistimed shot ended up in the hands of Bishnoi.

Washington joined the party with two wickets in as many balls, dismissing Mayers (23, 22b) and Wellington Maskadza (0) in successive balls.

In the process, the Tamil Nadu man also took 100 wickets in T20s.

The emergence of Clive Madande (29 not out, 25 goals) helped Zimbabwe cross the 100-point mark.

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