Axar Patel made a dream T20I debut when he claimed three wickets to help India beat Zimbabwe by 54 runs in the first of two T20Is. (All images courtesy AFP)

India won the toss and chose to bat. The innings was powered mainly by Robin Uthappa who hit 39 off 35.

His knock helped India post 178/5.

Zimbabwe got off to a decent start in reply with openers putting on 55 in 8 overs.

The innings soon collapsed though with Axar picking three, Harbhajan claiming two and Mohit (in pic) taking one.

India wrapped up the match with Zimbabwe still 54 away to take 1-0 lead in the two-match series.