India thrashed Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I, securing a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in Harare on July 13. With this India clinched the five-match series 3-1 with a match to spare.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill's batting wizardry
Yashasvi Jaiswal's sensational 93* guided the team to a swift chase of 153, showcasing his immense talent and potential as a future T20 star. Captain Shubman Gill, playing a supportive role, contributed with a half-century as India clinched the series. This win will be a significant boost for Gill after missing out on the T20 World Cup and losing the series opener.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive innings of 93 was a game-changer for India. The young opener's aggressive batting style, which included 13 fours and 2 sixes, provided the perfect platform for Shubman Gill to build on. Jaiswal's dominance marked a departure from India's previous struggles to find early momentum in the series. This knock holds significant importance for Jaiswal as he competes for the opening spot with second match-centurion Abhishek Sharma.
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Indian bowlers keep Zimbabwe batters in check
Earlier, India's part-time bowlers, Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma, delivered impressive performances in the middle overs, restricting Zimbabwe to 152 for seven. Skipper Sikander Raza's explosive 46 off 28 balls was countered effectively by Abhishek (1/20 in 3 overs) and Dube (1/11 in 2 overs), who managed to keep the run rate under control. The duo dismissed the dangerous opening pair of Wesley Madhevere (25 off 24 balls) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (32 off 31 balls), halting Zimbabwe's momentum in the middle overs.
Raza's three sixes and two fours helped Zimbabwe surpass 150, with most Indian bowlers, except for leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, taking wickets. Medium-fast bowler Tushar Deshpande (1/30 in 3 overs) made his debut but struggled initially, either over-pitching or bowling too short, allowing easy boundaries.
Despite his struggles, Deshpande dismissed Raza with a slower delivery in the slog overs, preventing Zimbabwe from reaching a more challenging 170.
Madhevere and Marumani, who added a solid 63-run stand after struggling in the first three games, were crucial for Zimbabwe. However, once Abhishek Sharma broke the partnership by dismissing Marumani, Zimbabwe couldn't capitalize on their strong start.
Madhevere fell to Dube, failing to clear a short ball, with Rinku Singh completing the catch at deep mid-wicket. Brian Bennett (9 off 14 balls), who excelled in the second game, couldn't replicate his performance and was dismissed by Washington after Dube and Abhishek's tight bowling.
India will take on Zimbabwe yet again in the fifth T20I on July 14.
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