Shubman Gill’s return to form with a brilliant half-century helped India clinch a 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Gill scored a commanding 66 off 49 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes, as India posted a formidable total of 182-4 in 20 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad also contributed significantly with 49 off 28 balls.
India’s Bowling Powerhouses
Zimbabwe, in response, could only manage 159-6, with off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar taking an impressive 3-15 in his four overs. Dion Myers was the standout performer for Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 65 off 49 balls, including seven fours and a six.
Series Dynamics
The win gives India a crucial 2-1 lead in the series, following their 100-run triumph in the second T20I and a 13-run loss in the first. India’s squad was strengthened with the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube, all key players from their T20 World Cup-winning campaign.
Strong Start from India
Opting to bat first, Gill and Jaiswal opened the innings, with Abhishek Sharma, who scored a maiden century in the previous game, moving down to No. 3. Gill and Jaiswal put on a solid 67 off 50 balls for the first wicket. Jaiswal, returning to the playing XI, scored a swift 36 off 27 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.
Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Jaiswal and Sharma for 10. Gaikwad, batting at four, then formed a 72-run partnership off 44 balls with Gill for the third wicket. Gill, anchoring the innings, scored his highest of the series, reaching 50 off 36 balls.
Final Push
Gill was dismissed in the 18th over, with India crossing the 150-run mark. Gaikwad and Sanju Samson (12 not out) added 24 off 11 balls to propel India past 180.
Zimbabwe’s Struggle
Chasing 183, Zimbabwe struggled early as pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan shared three quick wickets. Khan struck twice, reducing Zimbabwe to 19-3 in just over three overs, finishing with 2-39 from four overs.
Sundar broke through the middle order, dismissing Raza (15) and Jonathan Campbell (1), leaving Zimbabwe at 39-5 in seven overs. Despite a decent recovery with a 77-run partnership between Myers and Clive Madande (37 off 26 balls), Sundar’s breakthrough sealed India’s dominance. Myers and Wellington Masakadza (18 not out) added 43 off 21 balls, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the defeat.
Player Reactions and Next Matches
“It feels amazing to play again for the country,” Sundar said. “It was definitely a better batting wicket than the previous two games, so we executed our plans well to restrict them. Hopefully, we can seal the series on Saturday.
”The final two T20s will be played on Saturday and Sunday, giving India the chance to secure the series victory.
