Harare, July 13 (UNI) In a commanding display of batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill led India to a resounding 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I on Saturday, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five match series.
India chased down a target of 153 with ease, reaching 156/0 in just 15.2 overs, driven by the exceptional performances of their openers.
Jaiswal was the standout performer with an unbeaten 93 off 53 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. His aggressive yet controlled innings was capped by a decisive pull shot to deep mid-wicket off Blessing Muzarabani, sealing the win with 28 balls to spare.
Gill also made a significant contribution, scoring 58 not out. His innings included a massive six to long-on and demonstrated his composure, bringing up his fifty with ease.
Earlier, Sikandar Raza’s explosive innings of 46 runs from 28 balls stood out as Zimbabwe posted a competitive total of 152/7 in their 20 overs.
Raza’s innings, which featured two fours and three sixes, was the highlight of Zimbabwe’s batting performance, providing crucial impetus to their innings.
Zimbabwe’s start was promising, with openers Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani forging a solid partnership of 63 runs. However, the Indian bowlers gradually wrested control of the game. Marumani was dismissed for 32 by Abhishek Sharma, and soon after, Shivam Dube also claimed the wicket of Madhevere, who had scored 25.
Despite Raza’s spirited effort, Zimbabwe’s middle order faltered in the latter stages of the innings. Tushar Deshpande played a key role in stifling the Zimbabwean batsmen, dismissing Raza and finishing with crucial contributions in the death overs. Khaleel Ahmed also made his mark, claiming two important wickets, including that of Clive Madande off the last ball of the innings.
India’s decision to bowl after winning the toss appeared to be astute, with the pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers. The disciplined performance by India’s bowlers ensured that Zimbabwe’s late surge was contained effectively, concluding their innings at a total of 152/7.
India’s dominant performance with both bat and ball underscores their superiority in this T20I series. With the series already in their pocket, India will look to maintain their winning form in the final match, while Zimbabwe will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to avoid a series whitewash.
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