India beat Zimbabwe by 54 runs in the first Twenty20 on Friday to need one more win for a complete sweep on the limited-overs tour.
India, which won the one-day series 3-0, posted 178-5 batting first at Harare Sports Club with contributions from stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane (33), fellow opener Murali Vijay (34), and 39 not out from Robin Uthappa.
Seamer Chris Mpofu took 3-33 after being called into Zimbabwe, the only bowler to have an impact.
Hamilton Masakadza (28) and Chamu Chibhabha (23) combined for a 55-run opening stand for Zimbabwe in the chase, but recalled offspinner Harbhajan Singh removed Chibhabha and Charles Coventry, and Zimbabwe struggled after suddenly being 82-5.
Axar Patel took 3-17 and Zimbabwe finished on 124-7 in its 20 overs.
The second T20, the final game of the tour, is on Sunday.
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