Sensational Shubman behind India’s 3-0 victory

By Kersi Meher-Homji

India’s young batter Shubman Gill scored 245 runs at an excellent average of 122.5 in the three ODIs against Zimbabwe at Harare. He followed up his unbeaten 82 in the first match with 33 in the second and 130 in the third and final ODI last night.

India won the first ODI by 10 wickets, the second by 5 wickets and the third by 13 runs. Thrashed in the first two matches Zimbabwe put up a good fight in the third match.

In the first ODI last Thursday India triumphed by 10 wickets with 115 balls remaining. Fast medium bowlers Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna and spinner Axar Patel took three wickets each and Zimbabwe was bowled out for 189.

India totaled 192 without losing a wicket, openers Shikhar Dhawan belting 81 not out and Shubman 82 not out. A huge win. Deepak Chahar was voted Person of the Match.

India continued her winning ways in the second ODI last Saturday. Medium pacer Shardul Thakur took 3 for 38 and Zimbabwe was all out for 161. India reached the winning target easily with five wickets and 146 balls in hand.

For taking vital catches of the first three Zimbabwe batters, wicket-keeper Sanju Samson was made Player of the Match.

Zimbabwe gave India a tough fight in the third and final ODI last night. Thanks to Shubman Gill’s sublime 130 not out and Ishan Kishan’s 50 India scored 8 for 289 in the 50 allotted overs. Zimbabwe quickie Brad Evans captured 5 for 54.

Zimbabwe was struggling at 7 for 169 but with Sikandar Raza smacking 115 runs with nine fours and a six, came close to a surprise win. But India’s fast-medium bowler Avesh Khan took three vital wickets and Zimbabwe fell for 276 losing narrowly by 13 runs.

Shubman was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his consistent batting.

India’s skipper KL Rahul praised Shubman at the presentation, “He has batted well throughout the series and did well in West Indies and in the IPL. Pleasing to the eye when he bats and good to see him use his form and score runs and good to see his composure and to show the temperament despite not having played a lot of internationals.”

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