Captain Shubman Gill’s outstanding batting display and Washington Sundar‘s outstanding bowling spell, which featured a stunning dismissal that teammate Riyan Parag had predicted, were highlights of the game.
Against Zimbabwe in Harare, Team India demonstrated their supremacy in the third Twenty20 International, winning by a margin of 23 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
India’s team chemistry changed as important players Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube rejoined the team, giving new life to the pitch. Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag were replaced, respectively, by these three players.
After deciding to bat first, the Indian innings took off thanks to an explosive 66 off 49 balls from Gill and a rapid 36 from Jaiswal. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s vital 49 off 28 balls and Samson’s cameo helped India reach a daunting total of 182/4 in their allotted 20 overs, despite a slight setback with the loss of Abhishek Sharma.
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a terrible start, as they only managed 19 runs off their top three batters. It was in this moment when Sundar took centre stage. The all-round player disclosed a fascinating fact on the firing of Jonathan Campbell.
“Riyan Parag informed me right before the ball that, as a replacement, it would be fantastic if he could make a catch. “It was fantastic for me to perform in that manner,” Dube remarked in the interview following the game.
I think I would play Washington Sundar
When Sundar bowled against important Zimbabwean players, his strategy was very successful. Despite a strong partnership between Dion Myers (65* off 49) and Madande (37 off 26), the off-spinner’s effort was critical in limiting Zimbabwe to 159/6. Sundar was named Player of the Match for his concluding 3/15 in four overs.
Sikandar Raza was the first wicket to fall. From the first ball, I knew he was going to be enormous, and I’m relieved he was taken out. I knew he was going to look huge on the on-side, so even with the last one, I really wanted to take it wide,” Sundar continued.
The youthful player is excited to represent the country and give it his all after not having many chances to play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024. With two games remaining, Sundar is optimistic about the outcome.
Also Read: India leads Zimbabwe 2-1 thanks in large part to fielding
“Very happy, for sure. First and foremost, it is a great blessing for me to be able to play for my nation in every game and to be able to perform at this level. Naturally, even if I wasn’t playing many games, I was practicing on my own terms. I was certain that it would pay off when the time came, and this series has gone well so far. I think I would participate. The team simply consists of a few spinners. Thus, I believe that (Ravi) Bishnoi and I will carry on playing,” he said.
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