India wins by 23 runs against Zimbabwe, leads the series by 2-1

In the third Twenty20 International between Zimbabwe and India, Gill declared that India would bat first and set a goal of 183 runs for Zimbabwe to chase after winning the toss.

Yashasvi Jaiswal entered the India playing XI and served as the team’s opener after missing the team’s opening T20I matches. While Shubman Gill (66), the captain, achieved his first T20I half century in just 36 deliveries, he scored 36 off 27. Ruturaj had a brilliant innings, scoring 49 off only 28 deliveries and falling just short of a half century. In 20 overs, India scored 182/4. Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani both claimed two wickets for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe lost by 23 runs to India in the third Twenty20 International match played in Harare after failing to reach 183 runs in 20 overs. India currently has a 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series after this victory. On Saturday, July 13, the fourth Twenty20 International of the series is scheduled, and on July 14, the fifth.

Dion Myers was undefeated at 65 off 49 balls and got a half century off 45 balls for Zimbabwe. Clive Madande, however, hit 37 off of 26 balls. Other than this, no batter was able to stay in the crease for very long. Washington Sundar claimed three wickets for India, Avesh Khan claimed two, and Khaleel Ahmed claimed one. At first, Zimbabwe struggled, scoring 60 for 5 in the first 10 overs. But they were back in the game thanks to a 77-run sixth-wicket stand between Clive Madande and Dion Myers.

With the win India led the five-match T20I series 2-1 with the fourth and fifth T20Is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Harare.

Shubman Gill: “Was a crucial match for us and the way we started with batting and bowling, it was remarkable. Did look like that, but the wicket was a bit double paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length ball. We just wanted to keep hitting the length with the ball as well. We know if there is something in the wicket, it will be there for the bowlers. Everyone has contributed, right from openers, to bowlers.”

Sikandar Raza: “Think it is the fielding again. We are very proud of it but the wheels are coming off again. We gave away 20 runs extra. We still have problems at the top, but we are backing the boys. I know they are trying and once they do, we will come good again. We have tried 15 different partners in a year and a half. There is a lot of cricket going in the country. We are trying to do everything. It is time we players including me take the responsibility. I can accept some mistakes from the young side but the seniors need to step up. But we need to back them. Bennett is doing well at no. 3. This is the best we have and this is the best that we can do. We have to stop talking about Muzarabani because he has been fantastic. The game always rewards you, always does.”

Washington Sundar is the player of the match: “Feels amazing, honestly. Every time I play for the country, it seems amazing. It was a better wicket. There was something more for the bowlers in the first two games. The way Zimbabwe batters played, did put pressure on us. Myers and Madande did put a lot of pressure on us. We wanted to execute everything in our plans. Hopefully, we can explore Zimbabwe. We want to finish the series on Saturday.”