India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul feels the bowlers were tested in the third ODI against Zimbabwe but they held their nerves after they registered a 13-run win at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Monday. India had posted a fighting score of 289-8 in 50 overs after Rahul had won the toss and decided to bat first.
Shubman Gill scored a fine knock of 130 runs off just 97 balls while Ishan Kishan contributed with 50 runs. On the other hand, Zimbabwe was struggling at 169-7 in the run-chase and it looked like the hosts will once again lose by a huge margin.
However, Sikander Raza continued his good form as he scored a brilliant knock of 115 runs off just 95 balls but the Indian bowlers were able to keep the hosts at bay in the end. Raza’s efforts went in vain as India won by 13 runs to clean sweep the home team.
Avesh Khan scalped three wickets while Deepak Chahar took two wickets but both of these pacers were expensive in their respective spells. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav played a key role in the team’s win as they collectively conceded only 68 runs in their 20 overs and scalped four wickets.
KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation, “Feels good, we came here with good ideas. We wanted to be out in the middle and use this time. They have been very professional, and very happy with the result. They took the game deep, we would have liked to finish the game earlier. The bowlers were tested and they held their nerves. Fielded about 120 overs, and got some time out in the middle with the bat. I am tired of coming back after a couple of months. But this is what we all want to do, playing for India.”
On the other hand, KL Rahul heaped praise on Shubman Gill, who scored a majestic hundred. Gill was able to time the ball to perfection and played at the top of his game to score his maiden International century.
KL Rahul added, “He’s been batting well since the IPL. Very pleasing to the eye. Not seen him over-confident. That requires composure, to show that kind of temperament is good.”
India was clinical with both bat and ball in the first two ODIs but they were challenged in the third ODI by Zimbabwe.
Men in Blue will next take part in the Asia Cup and will play their first match against Pakistan in Dubai on 28th August.
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