Led by a brilliant half-century from captain Shubman Gill, India secured a crucial 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I on Wednesday. This win puts them in a commanding position, leading the five-match series 2-1. Gill led by example, anchoring the Indian innings with a well-paced 66 runs off 49 balls. He opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, and their 67-run partnership provided a solid foundation. While last match's hero, Abhishek Sharma, fell cheaply for 10, Gill found another able partner in Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo stitched together a vital 72-run stand, with Gaikwad playing the aggressor with a quickfire 49 off 28 deliveries. Gill played a more watchful role initially before accelerating, but his knock was cut short by Blessing Muzarabani in the 18th over.
Shubman Gill on India's victory
India comfortably defended their total as Zimbabwe ended their innings at 159 for 6. The visitors had a disastrous start, collapsing to 39 for 5 before an unbeaten 67-run knock from Dion Myers helped them reach a more respectable score. 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.
Speaking after the game, Shubman Gill expressed his delight over the crucial win. He noted that the pitch was challenging for batting due to its double-paced nature. However, he smartly weaved a strategy with bowlers to script Zimbabwe's batting collapse. He knew it was not easy to hit the length balls, and if theire is something in the wicket, it will be more with the new ball.
“Definitely it feels very good, it was a crucial game for us, the way we started with the bat and ball was good. The wicket was a bit double-paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length balls, that's what we discussed with our bowlers. We know that if there is something in the wicket, it will be more with the new ball, and as the ball gets old it's a bit easier to score. Everyone is contributing and that's a good sign,” Shubman Gill said at the post-match presentation.
With the series firmly within their grasp, Team India sets their sights on securing a series victory when they take on Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I on July 13.
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