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.
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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,
Here’s how Fans reacted:
Anyways India did the needful early on. Jolted them with crucial blows and from there it was always a uphill battle for Zim. The bowlers mostly were good. Just would have wanted them to be more clinical and deliver even more comprehensive win! #ZIMvIND
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) July 10, 2024
INDIA DEFEATED ZIMBABWE IN THE THIRD T20I. 🇮🇳
– Gill & his team take 2-1 lead in the series…!!!! pic.twitter.com/IVqthboBfK
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 10, 2024
INDIA WINS THE 3RD T20I AGAINST ZIMBABWE AND LEADS THE SERIES 2-1. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/tVXZ3wexWT
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 10, 2024
India up 2-1 against Zimbabwe… Comfortable win.
— Amit Paranjape (@aparanjape) July 10, 2024
Very good effort from Ruturaj. 👏
When you get limited chances, you have to make the most of them, they sent you at 4, good on you to make it count and play an impact knock than stroll to a easy paced fifty.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 10, 2024
At least we didn’t lose this time on July 10.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) July 10, 2024
Young boys, big results! 💪🏼#AavaDe | #ZIMvIND
[📸 BCCI] pic.twitter.com/w3r4sekSQi— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) July 10, 2024
Back-to-back wins for #TeamIndia to secure the lead in Zimbabwe! ✅😁
📸: BCCI #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/cO39GUHeTM
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 10, 2024
Congratulations to Dion Myers who scored his maiden T20I fifty, 65 not out, off 49 deliveries! 👏#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/zv3CaWB7OV
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) July 10, 2024
Zimbabwe did better than I was expecting. Almost did what I expected before that partnership. But didn’t overall do what I expected. So shouldn’t have expected.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 10, 2024
Zimbabwe’s fielding has been piss poor. You can’t teach talent but you can teach fielding.
No excuses.
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) July 10, 2024
India defeated Zimbabwe by 23 runs and go 2-1 up in the series 👏
Scorecard: https://t.co/9F0IbIMCxL#cricket #ZIMvIND #TeamIndia #ShubmanGill #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/rTt5pcVwiI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 10, 2024
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