India beat Zimbabwe in 3rd T20I, gain 2-1 lead

Digital Desk: India secured their second consecutive victory over hosts Zimbabwe in Harare on July 10. Despite a strong effort from Dion Myers (65*) and Clive Madande (37), who provided hope for Zimbabwe, the Men in Blue defended a total of 182 runs. Earlier, Shubman Gill led from the front with a knock of 66 runs, supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, both contributing scores above 35. With this win, India now leads the five-match T20I series 2-1.

Opening the batting, Jaiswal and Gill forged a partnership of 67 runs. Gill then combined with Gaikwad to propel India past the 150-run mark. Sanju Samson's finishing touches helped India reach 182/4. Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed struck early in Zimbabwe's innings, reducing them to 39/5. Washington Sundar contributed with crucial wickets, further denting Zimbabwe's chase. Despite a resilient partnership between Myers and Madande, Zimbabwe finished short at 159/6.

Gill, opening alongside Jaiswal, pushed Abhishek, the centurion from the second T20I, down to number three. After a solid opening stand, Gill continued his form to score 66 off 49 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, marking his second T20I fifty and maiden half-century as captain. The 24-year-old, currently in his debut stint as India's captain in international cricket, had previously scored 31 and 2 in the first two T20Is of the series.