India’s young IPL stars, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, led their team to a convincing victory over Zimbabwe, chasing down 153 in just 15.2 overs. This win secured an unassailable 3-1 lead for India in the series, with one game remaining.
Jaiswal and Gill set the tone early, hitting ten fours in the first four overs, matching Zimbabwe’s total boundaries in their entire 20-over innings. Jaiswal’s aggressive start saw him hitting three fours in the first over and four more in Chatara’s first over, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls. He continued to dominate, showcasing remarkable shots, including a lofted drive over extra cover off Raza, and remained unbeaten on 93, narrowly missing a century.
Gill complemented Jaiswal perfectly, scoring a half-century off 35 balls. Together, they shared a formidable 156-run partnership for the first wicket, reflecting India’s aggressive intent and mirroring their T20 World Cup-winning approach.
Zimbabwe, after setting a competitive total of 152, had a solid start with Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani adding 63 in 8.4 overs. Marumani, who benefited from an early drop and an overthrow, fell to Abhishek Sharma, while Shivam Dube, filling the fifth-bowler quota, dismissed Madhevere with a short ball.
Despite a middle-order collapse where they lost four wickets for 33 runs, Sikandar Raza rescued Zimbabwe, switching gears in the final five overs. He hit a 90-meter six off Washington Sundar and, with Khaleel Ahmed, produced 31 runs in overs 16 and 17 before being dismissed by Deshpande, who took his first international wicket.
India’s spinners played a key role in slowing Zimbabwe’s scoring during the powerplay, and despite some missed opportunities in the field, their young batting stars ensured a swift and decisive victory.
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