Zimbabwe: The young team India defeated Zimbabwe by 23 runs in the third T20I to take a 2-1 lead in the 5-match series. The elegant Indian opener returned to form with a 49-ball 66 to power them to 182 for four before the bowlers restricted the hosts to 159 for six. India’s This was the second successive win as they bounced back from the first match reversal to snatch the lead.
“It was a crucial match for us and the way we started with batting and bowling, it was remarkable,” Gill said during the post-match presentation.
India made a resounding comeback in the second T20I where they posted a mammoth 234 for 2. Asked if he was a little disappointed that the team couldn’t reach 200 in the third T20, Gill said, “…the wicket was a bit double-paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length ball.”
“We just wanted to keep hitting the length with the ball as well. We know if there is something in the wicket, it will be there for the bowlers. Everyone has contributed, right from openers, to bowlers,” he added.
Gill (66 off 49), Yashasvi Jaiswal (36 off 27) and Gaikwad (49 off 28) propelled India to 182 for four against Zimbabwe after the visitors opted to bat on a fresh pitch. Zimbabwe were never really in the run chase despite an entertaining effort from number four Dion Myers (65 not out 49), ending at 159 for six in their stipulated 20 overs.
Washington Sundar, who is likely to play a bigger role in India’s T20 set-up after the retirement of Ravindra Jadeja, struck thrice while Avesh Khan took a couple of wickets.
The fourth T20 of the five-match series will be staged here on Saturday, July 13. After a loss in the series opener, India have restored normal service with back-to-back victories.
(Source: NEWS18)
