The Indian cricket team recorded a commanding 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I, held at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. This win allowed India to take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series. Captain Sanju Samson, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, delivered stellar performances with the bat to help India set an imposing total of 182 runs. Young spin all-rounder Washington Sundar then showcased his bowling prowess by taking three crucial wickets, limiting the hosts to a score of 159.
Shubman Gill, leading from the front, top-scored for India with a resilient 66 runs off 49 balls, marking his first fifty as captain. Gaikwad, in scintillating form, contributed a rapid 49 runs off just 28 balls, propelling the Men in Blue to an imposing total at the Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe faced an uphill task right from the powerplay, succumbing to India’s meticulous bowling, spearheaded by Washington Sundar’s match-winning figures of three for 15.
After winning the toss for the third consecutive game, India’s team management decided to make strategic changes. Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shivam Dube, and Khaleel Ahmed were introduced into the playing XI. Zimbabwe, smarting from a humbling defeat in the previous match, also made two necessary changes to their squad.
The Indian innings started on a high note with openers Gill and Jaiswal adding a brisk 67 runs for the first wicket. Jaiswal, returning to the side, made an impactful 36 runs off 27 balls. Despite the heroics of the last match, Abhishek Sharma failed to impress, but Gaikwad’s consistent form ensured India didn’t lose momentum. Gaikwad and Gill put together a significant 72-run partnership for the third wicket. Gill’s innings, punctuated with skillful strokes, saw him top-score with a well-constructed 66 runs, playing a captain’s innings. Gaikwad’s late burst of boundaries proved pivotal, enabling India to reach a formidable total of 182/4 in 20 overs.
. Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza and pacer Blessing Muzarabani managed two wickets each but lacked adequate support from their teammates.
Zimbabwe’s retaliatory innings never quite took off. The Indian pace duo of Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed dealt early blows, dismantling the top order. Avesh Khan dismissed Wesley Madhevere in just the second over, followed by Khaleel’s crucial wicket of Tadiwanashe Marumani, establishing India’s firm control over the game right from the start.
The most memorable highlights of the match came from Washington Sundar. His two wickets in a single over, including that of the danger-man Sikandar Raza, stunned the home crowd. While Zimbabwe tried to stage a comeback with Dion Myers and Clive Madande adding a valuable 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket, their efforts were not enough to chase down the target. Sundar again proved crucial, breaking the partnership by dismissing Madande in the 17th over and thus solidifying India’s dominance. Zimbabwe eventually managed to score only 159/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Washington Sundar’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. He delivered stellar bowling figures, taking three wickets for just 15 runs. Avesh Khan, despite being hit for 18 runs in his final over, secured two crucial wickets, conceding 39 runs in total.
The playing elevens for both teams in this thrilling encounter were as follows:
Zimbabwe Playing XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande (wk), Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed.
With this victory, India has taken a significant step towards conquering the T20 series, fostering a sense of optimism and momentum as they go into the fourth match. The team’s strong batting performances, coupled with effective bowling strategies, have rendered India formidable opponents, raising expectations for their continued success in the upcoming games.
