• India defeated Zimbabwe in the third match of the five-game T20I series.

  • Washington Sundar was named Player of the Match for his remarkable bowling.

Fans erupt as Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill propel India to a dominant win over Zimbabwe in 3rd T20I
Team India (Image Source: X)

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India took a significant stride towards securing the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a 23 runs victory in the third match at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Wednesday (July 10), establishing a 2-1 lead in the series.

Strategic adjustments by India

India’s strategy underwent adjustments with the return of T20 World Cup-winning players, necessitating changes in the lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to the opening slot alongside Shubman Gill, pushing Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad into unfamiliar batting positions at Nos. 3 and 4 respectively. The early aggression from Jaiswal and Gill set a brisk pace, but Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza tightened the screws with their disciplined bowling on a tricky surface.

Batting prowess of India

Gill played the role of the anchor with a composed 49-ball 66 while opening the innings. Partnering with him, Jaiswal contributed a quickfire 36 off 27 balls, setting a solid foundation. Gaikwad’s aggressive approach at No. 4 was pivotal, as he smashed a blistering 28-ball 49, propelling India to a competitive total of 182/4. An 18-run over featuring contributions from Gill and Gaikwad, boosted by extras, lifted India’s total just when they seemed to falter at 130/2 after 16 overs. Gill’s departure in the 18th over and Gaikwad’s near fifty ensured India finished strongly at 182, a formidable total given the circumstances.

Also WATCH: Ravi Bishnoi takes a breathtaking flying catch to get rid of Brian Bennett | ZIM vs IND, 3rd T20I

Zimbabwe’s effort

Despite the daunting target, Zimbabwe started aggressively with Tadiwanashe Marumani‘s attacking play at the top. However, early breakthroughs from Avesh Khan and a spectacular catch by Ravi Bishnoi halted their momentum. Even though Raza and Myers fought back briefly, India’s early bowling successes, coupled with Zimbabwe’s inability to capitalize fully on India’s bowling limitations, ultimately decided the outcome in India’s favor. Washington Sundar‘s off spin proved deadly, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs, including two crucial dismissals in his first over, stifling any hopes of a Zimbabwean comeback.

Despite India’s strong performance, Zimbabwe put up a fight, largely thanks to Dion Myers‘ impressive half-century, his first in T20Is, and his crucial 77-run partnership with Clive Madande. This partnership delayed India’s victory march, showcasing Zimbabwe’s resilience in challenging circumstances. The home ended eventually finished on 159/6 in their allotted 20 overs,

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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