Pathan leads India to T20 win

Harare - A brisk unbeaten 37 from Yusuf Pathan led India to a six wicket victory over Zimbabwe Saturday in a Twenty20 match at Harare Sports Club.

Pathan needed just 24 deliveries as India reached 112-4 in response to Zimbabwes total of 111-9. His knock featured three boundaries and one six.

Virat Kholi also finished unbeaten, hitting 26 from 21 balls as India reached its target with five overs to spare.

Defending a total of 111 was never a likely task for Zimbabwe's bowlers, but they had an early breakthrough when Chris Mpofu removed Murali Vijay (5) in the first over and Naman Ojha (5) after 3.5 overs.

But their task proved too great when Pathan and Kohli came to the crease.

Raymond Price 2-24 and Mpofu 2-31 were the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers in a losing cause.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, India restricted Zimbabwe to its modest total of 111 from 20 overs.

Spinner Vinay Kumar finished with figures of 3-24 and fast bowler Ashok Dinda returned 2-27.

Dinda removed Craig Ervine (30) and Raymond Price (2) in the final over.

Chamu Chibhabha top-scored for the hosts when he smashed 40 from 30 deliveries.