Indian captain Shubman Gill admitted it was not easy to hit the length balls in the third T20I against Zimbabwe as the pitch was two-paced. India registered a convincing win of 23 runs at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was playing his first match of the series, gave a perfect start to the team, adding 67 runs in 49 balls before the latter was dismissed while trying to play the reverse sweep.
As the innings progressed the slower lengths balls became difficult to hit. Gill scored a fine knock of 66 runs off 49 balls whereas Ruturaj Gaikwad, batting at number four, continued his rich form to score 49 off 28 balls. Thus, India posted a par score of 182 runs on the board after electing to bat first.
On the other hand, Indian bowlers came up with a collective effort to restrict Zimbabwe to 159-6. Washington Sundar bowled an impressive spell of 3-15 whereas Khaleel Ahmed bagged 1-15 in his quota of four overs. Avesh Khan was a bit expensive as he conceded 39 runs in his four overs but picked up two wickets.
Gill was delighted that they came up with a collective effort with both bat and ball to register a comprehensive win.
Shubman Gill said in the post-match presentation, “Definitely it feels very good, it was a crucial game for us, the way we started with the bat and ball was good. The wicket was a bit double-paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length balls, that’s what we discussed with our bowlers. We know that if there is something in the wicket, it will be more with the new ball, and as the ball gets old it’s a bit easier to score. Everyone is contributing and that’s a good sign.”
The fourth T20I of the series will be played at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Saturday.
