India win third T20I against Zimbabwe by 23 runs; lead series 2-1
India won the third T20I against Zimbabwe by 23 runs on Wednesday, July 10 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. After deciding to bat first, India scored a respectable 182/4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a magnificent half-century from captain Shubman Gill (66 off 49). In response, Zimbabwe could only manage 159/6 in 20 overs.
Gill, Jaiswal help India post 182
Earlier in the day, India got off to a good start with the new opening duo of Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal (36 off 27) adding 67 runs for the first wicket in 49 balls. With Zimbabwe trailing in the game, captain Sikandar Raza’s golden arm propelled his team back into the match.
The off-spinner dismissed Jaiswal and dangerous Abhishek Sharma (10 off 9) in consecutive overs, leaving India at 81/2 after 10.3 overs. Gaikwad came in at number four and scored 72 runs for the third wicket off 44 balls, assisting the Indian captain in taking the team above the 150-run barrier. Sanju Samson (12* off 7) and Gaikwad (49 off 28) contributed late runs to India’s 182/4 total.
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Another poor start for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a bad start when Avesh Khan (2/39) removed Wessly Madhevere in the second over, catching him at short cover. Khaleel Ahmed also dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani for 13 (10) after he smashed a straight shot to Shivam Dube.
Brian Bennett was also sent back to the pavilion following a spectacular catch by Ravi Bishnoi. Zimbabwe’s misery continued as they lost their captain, Sikandar Raza (15 off 16), who holed out to deep midwicket against Washington Sundar (3/15, four overs).
After seven overs, the hosts found themselves at 39/5. However, a magnificent 77-run partnership between Dion Myers and Clibe Madande (37 off 26) kept them in contention.
With the necessary run rate skyrocketing, Madande attempted to take on Sundar in the 17th over but only found Rinku Singh in the deep, leaving his team reeling at 116/6 and from thereon writing was on the wall.
India lead the 5 match T20I series 2-1.
