New Delhi: India beat Zimbabwe by 23 runs in the third T20 International at Harare on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Stunned in the low-scoring opening game, the Shubman Gill-led team has struck back with back-to-back victories.
One of the highlights of Wednesday’s contest was a stunning catch taken by Indian leggie Ravi Bishnoi.
Zimbabwe, chasing a target of 183, were reduced to 19/2. As Brian Bennett played a fierce cut shot off the first ball of Avesh Khan’s second over – fourth of the innings – Bishnoi leapt high at backward point to grab the ball, which seemed to be speeding to the boundary, with both hands.
It was reminiscent of South African Jonty Rhodes, who was one of the world’s all-time best fielders and pulled off efforts like that regularly.
Bishnoi went wicketless in 4 overs, but that catch was worth its weight in gold.
Watch the video clip of Bishnoi’s effort which has gone viral:
What a Catch Bishnoi 🤯#INDvsZIM
pic.twitter.com/Yyf9m0jpPW— Aman Raina (@ImRaina45) July 10, 2024
At 19/3, Zimbabwe were faced an uphill battle and ultimately managed to reach 159/6 when their quota of 20 overs ran out.
Off-spinner Washington Sundar bagged 3 wickets, while Dion Myers top-scored with an unbeaten 65.
Earlier, India got off to a rapid start after Gill won the toss.
Yashavi Jaiswal, one of three players from the World Cup-winning squad returning to the playing XI, made 36 off 27 balls (4×4, 2×6). Gill scored 66 off 49 (7×4, 3×6) and Ruturaj Gaikwad 49 off 28 (4×4, 3×6) as India posted 182/4.
Brief Scores
India 182/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 66, Ruturaj Gaikwad 48, Yashavi Jaiswal 36; Sikandar Raza 2/24, Blessing Muzarabani 2/25).
Zimbabwe 159/6 in 20 overs (Dion Myers 65*, Clive Madande 37; Washington Sundar 3/15, Avesh Khan 2/39).
Man of the Match: Washington Sundar
Series position: India lead 2-1.
Next match (4th T20I): July 13 at Harare from 4.30 pm.
