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Team India sealed a convincing 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, July 10. Batting first, India set a target of 183 runs. The bowlers then did their job, restricting Zimbabwe to 159/6 in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar was the star performer with the ball, grabbing three crucial wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. He dismissed key batsmen like Sikandar Raza, Jonathan Campbell and Clive Madande. Avesh Khan chipped in with two wickets, including openers Wesley Madhevere and Brian Bennet. Khaleel Ahmed also got his name on the wickets list.
Right after the match, Avesh Khan said that he he happy with this performance. He went on to credit Shubman Gill for his impressive spell in which he picked two key wickets. The star pacer said that Gill is a bowlers' captain.
“Happy with my performance, I always try to have an impact for the team. I have no preference on where to ball, I am ready to bowl at any phase. Shubman is a bowler’s captain, gives us the freedom to set our fields and backs our plans. He is responsible for probably getting me 1-2 wickets today. (On Bishnoi) He is a good fielder, always takes catches like these, you would have seen it in the IPL as well. He always wants to take such extraordinary catches,” Avesh said at the post-match presentation.
Zimbabwe's chase began disastrously. Avesh Khan struck early in the second over, dismissing Wessly Madhevere caught at short cover. Khaleel Ahmed followed suit, removing Tadiwanashe Marumani, who skied a delivery to Shivam Dube at mid-on.
The misery continued for Zimbabwe. Brian Bennett was the next to depart, courtesy of a stunning catch by Ravi Bishnoi. Their captain, Sikandar Raza, wasn't far behind, holing out to deep mid-wicket off Washington Sundar's bowling. With just 39 runs on the board and 5 wickets down after 7 overs, the hosts' situation looked bleak. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with a 77-run partnership between Dion Myers and Clive Madande. The duo kept Zimbabwe in the contest, but the required run rate climbed steadily. Madande attempted to up the ante against Sundar in the 17th over, but only managed to find Rinku Singh in the deep, leaving his team at a precarious 116/6.
Despite losing his partner, Myers continued to fight. He reached his maiden T20I half-century (50 off 49 balls), but his valiant effort wasn't enough to secure victory for Zimbabwe.
India and Zimbabwe will now lock horns with each other in the fourth T20I on July 13.
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