Zimbabwe: Finally, India v/s Zimbabwe 3rd T20I series, third match happened today, which was conquered by the Men In Blue, sliding two matches in their favour. The back-to-back comprehensive wins over Zimbabwe gave India a 2-1 lead in the T20I series, being played in Harare Sports Club Stadium.
Reportedly, India is giving Zimbabwe a masterclass in T20 cricket. Despite of a surprising loss in the first match of the series, where India bounced back to their second win by commanding 100 runs.
In the third game, the team secured a more modest victory margin of 23 runs, though the result was never in doubt, now with the two remaining matches, India is definitely leading the series confidently.
During the match, Indian team was bolstered by the inclusion of three T20 World Cup-winning players Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube. Considering a bit tough decision of dropping Abhishek Sharma to No.3, despite of his impressive 100 off 47 balls in the previous match.
With his performance, Jaiswal ignited a fiery start for India, contributing to the 41 runs scored in the first three overs. There were slower periods and India managed a solid total of 182 on a challenging batting pitch.
Shubman Gill played 66 off 49, Ruturaj Gaikwad played 49 off 28 and Jaiswal played 36 off 27, and were the main contributors aided by Zimbabwe’s poor catching and fielding.
Gill capitalized on early fielding lapses to impose himself on the attack, while delivering an effective, but not entirely fluent knock. Whereas, Gaikwad dominated the home-team bowlers asserting his command.
Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe were notable in their bowling efforts, with Muzarabani taking two for 25 and Raza, the skipper claimed two for 24.
Though the brilliant bowlers of India gave Zimbabwe a little chance, despite of a weakened attack to accommodate the three World Cup winners. Early wickets in the second, third and fourth over put Zimbabwe under pressure from the start. Washington Sunder capped the bowling effort with impressive figures of three for 15.