It looks like India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is a man on a mission. A mission where he wants to show Team India stakeholders, that when it comes to openers in any format, he has to be the first choice. At least that is what he showed with his scintillating 93 from 53 deliveries that took India to unassailable 3-1 lead in the IND vs ZIM series.
After batting first, hosts Zimbabwe, riding on skipper Sikandar Raza’s 28-ball 46, scored 152/7 in their 20 overs, and then Shubman Gill’s Team India responded with completing the chase in 15.2 overs, and 10 wickets to spare. That completed yet another convincing win for the young side, that is sans the regular players.
Khaleel Ahmed & Shivam Dube Shine with Ball
Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who is making a comeback in the series, was once again economical and picked up two wickets to return with figures of 2/32. Now World Cup winner, Shivam Dube too played his part with the ball as he picked up the wicket of Wesley Madhevere. Abhishek Sharma too did a decent job, and managed to pick up his maiden international wicket, when he removed T Marumani.
On the other hand, marking his T20I debut for India, Tushar Deshpande was a touch expensive. He could manage figures of 1/30 only in his three overs. But still, he got the wicket of danger man Raza.
Competition for Opener’s Slot in Team India
It wasn’t just Yashasvi Jaiswal show all the way, when it came to the chase. Shubman Gill was mighty good too, with his 39-ball 58. He slammed six fours and two sixes to keep the opposition bowlers at bay. Jaiswal and Gill also strung a partnership of 156 to cruise to the finish line. Zimbabwe bowlers were mediocre once again.
Faraz Akram gave away 41 runs in his four overs, while Raza was slammed for 24 in his two overs, Tendai Chatara was at the receiving end too and returned with figures of 0/23. Now, with series in the pocket, India will have a chance to clinch it 4-1 as the final match of the IND vs ZIM series will be played on Sunday.
