NEW DELHI: India captain
Shubman Gill
praised his team's outstanding performance on a challenging surface as they secured a 23-run victory against Zimbabwe in the third T20I in Harare on Wednesday. The win gave India a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series.
Gill, known for his stylish batting, rediscovered his touch with a well-crafted 66 off 49 deliveries, propelling India to a competitive total of 182 for four.
The bowlers then stepped up, limiting Zimbabwe to 159 for six, ensuring India's triumph.
The victory marked India's second consecutive win in the series, showcasing their ability to rebound from the initial setback in the first match and seize the lead. Gill's leadership and the team's collective effort were instrumental in their success on Wednesday.
"It was a crucial match for us and the way we started with batting and bowling, it was remarkable," Gill, as quoted by PTI, said during the post-match presentation.
India staged a remarkable turnaround in the second T20I, amassing an impressive 234 for 2.
When questioned about whether he felt slightly disheartened that the team failed to reach the 200-run mark in the third T20, Gill said: "...the wicket was a bit double paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length ball.
"We just wanted to keep hitting the length with the ball as well. We know if there is something in the wicket, it will be there for the bowlers. Everyone has contributed, right from openers, to bowlers."
Washington Sundar
expressed his satisfaction with his performance after being named the Player of the Match. The all-rounder claimed three wickets while conceding only 15 runs in his four-over spell.
"Feels amazing, honestly. Every time I play for the country, it seems amazing. It was a better wicket. There was something more for the bowlers in the first two games.
"The way Zimbabwe batters played, did put pressure on us. They (Myers and Madande) did put a lot of pressure on us. We wanted to execute everything in our plans. We want to finish the series on Saturday."
Zimbabwe captain
Sikandar Raza
expressed his disappointment regarding the team's subpar performance in the field.
"I think it's the fielding again, we are proud of our fielding but the wheels came off today, we gave away 20 extra runs and we lost by 23 runs," he said.
Dion Myers
showcased his batting prowess, scoring an unbeaten 65 off just 49 deliveries, providing a glimmer of hope for the hosts who were struggling at 19 for 3 in the 4th over.
"We still have problems at the top but I have utmost faith in them that they will come good some time. We have tried 15 different partners in the last year or so, club has revived, it's time that our players including myself take up the responsibility.
"You cannot fix a problem by creating another problem, we have picked 3 openers for a reason. The openers that have been picked up should be given a run."
On
Blessing Muzarabani
, who claimed 2/25, Raza said: "We have to stop talking about him because he has been outstanding, sometimes the rewards don't come but in the long run the rewards do come."
India will play Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I on Saturday.
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