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After losing the first match of the five-game T20I series against Zimbabwe, the Shubman Gill-led Team India made a spectacular comeback by securing a decisive win in the second T20I. Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad formed a formidable 137-run partnership that shifted the momentum in favor of India.
Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s stellar partnership
Both Abhishek and Ruturaj faced 47 deliveries each during the innings. Abhishek scored a blistering century, while Ruturaj remained unbeaten with a solid 77-run knock. Zimbabwe, in their chase, could only muster 134 runs before being bowled out in the penultimate over, resulting in a heavy defeat by 100 runs.
Dhruv Jurel’s fielding brilliance
During Zimbabwe’s innings, Indian wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel demonstrated exceptional fielding skills by running out Wellington Masakadza with a perfect direct hit. The remarkable moment occurred on the first ball of the 12th over, delivered by Washington Sundar.
Masakadza attempted to defend a quicker delivery but got an inside edge that trickled to the leg side. After some hesitation, he finally committed to a run. Jurel swiftly moved towards the ball, picked it up, and delivered a pinpoint throw that struck the stumps directly, leaving Masakadza well short of his ground.
Here is the video:
Only hits no misses for @dhruvjurel21 🎯 🔥#SonySportsNetwork #ZIMvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/3XxkMT6W5B
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 7, 2024
Also READ: Netizens react as Abhishek Sharma’s dazzling ton powers India to thumping win over Zimbabwe in 2nd T20I
Shubman Gill lauds Abhishek and Ruturaj after the game
After the game, Indian skipper Gill expressed his delight in the team’s victory, highlighting the significance of returning to winning ways. He praised Abhishek and Ruturaj for their outstanding batting performance, particularly under challenging conditions during the powerplay when the ball was moving around. Gill acknowledged that it was not an easy task, but Abhishek and Ruturaj’s excellent innings laid a strong foundation for India’s impressive total, showcasing their skill and composure in building the innings.
“Very happy, great to be back on the winning note back again. With the way Abhishek and Rutu batted, it was not easy especially in the powerplay, with the ball moving around but Abhi and Rutu built the innings brilliantly,” said Gill in the post-match presentation.
