The third T20I between India vs Zimbabwe in Harare on Wednesday, 10th July, was a nail-biting contest that saw India emerge victorious by 23 runs. This win gives them a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
India Bat First, Gill Stars with Half-Century
Choosing to bat first, India aimed to set a strong total on the board. Captain Shubman Gill, fresh off a string of impressive performances, took the mantle. He played a mature innings, displaying a mix of elegance and aggression. Gill reached his fifty in just 36 deliveries, peppering his knock with boundaries and sixes. Openers often face the new ball and swinging conditions, but Gill handled the Zimbabwean attack with confidence.
At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal provided valuable support. The Left-hander played a brisk innings of 36 runs from 27 balls, showcasing his clean hitting abilities. The duo stitched together a crucial opening partnership of 82 runs, laying the groundwork for a big score.
Following the dismissal of the Right-Hander, Ruturaj Gaikwad continued the momentum. The young Right-hander played a fluent knock of 49 runs from 28 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Although wickets fell at regular intervals in the middle overs, India managed to post a competitive total of 182/4 on the board. For Zimbabwe, the experienced Sikandar Raza and the fiery Blessing Muzarabani were the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets each.
Zimbabwe Fight Back, But Sundar Steals the Show
Chasing a challenging target, Zimbabwe openers Wessely Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani started cautiously. However, wickets began to fall at regular intervals, putting the pressure on the middle order. Dion Myers played a lone hand, scoring a valiant 65 off 49 balls, but it wasn’t enough to take his team over the line.
Washington Sundar was the wrecker-in-chief for India, claiming three crucial wickets for just 15 runs. Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed chipped in with two and one wickets respectively, restricting Zimbabwe to 159/6 in their 20 overs.
India Take Control of the Series
This win puts India firmly in control of the series. They bounced back after losing the opening match, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Gill’s batting form is a positive sign, and the bowling attack, led by Sundar, is proving to be effective.
The two remaining matches of the India vs Zimbabwe series will be played on Saturday, 13th July, and Sunday, 14th July, at the same venue – Harare Sports Club. India will be aiming to seal the series victory, while Zimbabwe will be desperate to level the scoreline.
