A few weeks ago, Shubman Gill was left stranded on 98 against West Indies after the rain had played a killjoy. However, Gill was finally able to get his maiden International hundred against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Monday.
The right-hander scored a fine knock of 130 runs off just 97 balls to help India post a competitive score of 289-8 in their 50 overs after KL Rahul won the toss and decided to bat first. Rahul was dismissed after getting off to a start while Gill was able to hit the ground running.
The youngster has been in terrific form in the recent past and he was able to continue the good show. Gill scored 15 fours and one six in his knock and scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 134.02. The 22-year-old added 140 runs with Ishan Kishan but the team’s middle order and lower order could not contribute towards the end of the innings.
Gill was delighted to finally score his maiden ODI hundred and he has definitely grown in confidence in the recent past. The right-hander from Punjab was also awarded the Player of the Series for the second time in a row as he scored 245 runs in three matches against Zimbabwe at an outstanding average of 122.50 and a strike rate of 120.69.
Gill said in the post-match presentation, “I was just trying to minimize my dot ball percentage. I tried to hit the gaps as much as possible. When I went in, there were a couple of bowlers bowling well. It was crucial to get through that. Once we were settled, we knew we could attack. The bat was pretty good. That’s why I changed it after my 50, I wanted to save it. Definitely special (on hitting his maiden international ton). (Playing in this team) It feels great, great bunch of players. Feels good when you are with the same bunch. My father has been my primary coach. I got schooling after I got out in the second ODI, so I dedicate this to him.”
On the other hand, Sikander Raza scored a valiant knock of 115 runs off just 95 balls but his efforts went in vain as the hosts lost by 13 runs.
India was able to clinch the series by 3-0 as they came up with a dominating performance. Gill will also look to continue his good form in the upcoming matches.
India will next take part in the Asia Cup and will begin its campaign against Pakistan in Dubai on 28th August.
