Shubman Gill scored a magnificent 130 as India defeated Zimbabwe in the third ODI, surviving Sikandar Raza’s fighting knock of 115 at Harare Sports Club on August 22.
Raza continued his spectacular run this year as he brought Zimbabwe back into the contest out of nowhere, but it was Gill’s India who held on to a narrow victory to complete a 3-0 clean sweep over the hosts. The tourists edged out Zimbabwe by just 13 runs after Raza took his side to the brink of victory after being 169/7 chasing 290.
His knock of 115 in just 94 balls had brought down the equation to 15 needed off nine balls before he heaved a length ball by Shardul Thakur towards long-on, where Gill grabbed an outstanding catch to kill Zimbabwe hopes. With fifteen required off the last over and one wicket in hand, Avesh Khan finished the game off with a searing yorker.
Raza, who scored his third century in the last six innings – all while chasing, led the Zimbabwe charge from the 18th over with wickets falling around him. They needed 121 off 85 balls with three wickets in hand, and Brad Evans joined hands with Raza. The duo added a 104-run partnership and rattled the Indian bowling attack.
The 48th over swung the momentum towards the hosts, as Raza smashed Avesh for a four and a six while an inside edge gave another four to Evans, bringing the equation down to 17 off 13 balls. Avesh then trapped Evan LBW and Raza’s dismissal in the next over was the final nail in the coffin.
Zimbabwe’s top order put up a better show in this match after Deepak Chahar trapped Innocent Kaia in the third over. Sean Williams was promoted to no. 4 and the veteran batter got off the blocks quickly. He scored 45 off 46 before getting trapped in front against Axar Patel. India’s spinners were excellent on the day, with Axar claiming 2 for 30 in his 10 overs while Kuldeep Yadav returning 2 for 38.
Earlier, Gill put on a batting masterclass on a pitch where most batters struggled to get going. He registered his maiden International century, scoring an eye-pleasing 130 off just 97 balls.
India opted to bat first to challenge themselves, but captain KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were unable to score at a decent rate. Rahul chopped on after a scratchy 30 off 46 while Dhawan was caught at cover for 40 off 68. Gill and Ishan Kishan then added 140 runs for the third wicket.
Kishan took his time to get going and was given a reprieve on 6 off 17 when Williams dropped a return catch. The left-hander scored 50 off 61 before he was run out in a bit of a bizarre way, with Zimbabwe appealing for Gill’s LBW first.
Gill completed his hundred in 82 balls and then provided the team with a finishing touch. India looked set to push for a total in excess of 300 but Zimbabwe fought back in the end overs, Evans in particular, as he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul. Sanju Samson clobbered back-to-back massive sixes but was holed out for 13-ball 15. Gill was caught at long-off later as the hosts managed to restrict India to 289/8.
Brief scores
India 289/8 in 50 overs (Gill 130, Kishan 50; Evans 5/54, Nyauchi 1/48) defeated Zimbabwe 276 in 49.3 overs (Raza 115, Williams 45; Khan 3/66, Axar Patel 2/30) by 13 runs.
