India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, powered India to a decisive 10-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I, clinching the series 3-1. Chasing a target of 153, India remained in control throughout. Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 93, while Gill contributed an unbeaten 58.
What set the teams apart?
It’s challenging to pinpoint a single moment, as India’s dominance in the run chase was comprehensive. However, Zimbabwe’s struggle in the middle overs after a solid start contrasted sharply with India’s relentless performance post-powerplay.
India Clinches Series with Dominant 10-Wicket Victory Over Zimbabwe in Fourth T20IZimbabwe’s Innings:
Powerplay – A Strong Start
Score: 44/0 (Run Rate: 7.33, 4s/6s: 6/0)
Wessly Madhevere led Zimbabwe’s strong start, hitting boundaries thrice in the first two overs, including two off debutant Tushar Deshpande. Zimbabwe reached 39 in the first five overs before Washington Sundar concluded the powerplay with tight bowling.
Middle Overs – Momentum Lost
Score: 54/4 (Run Rate: 6.00, 4s/6s: 2/1)
Despite the openers forming a half-century partnership, Zimbabwe faltered, allowing India to regain control through crucial wickets. Tadiwanashe Marumani fell while trying to accelerate, and Shivam Dube dismissed the other opener. Sikandar Raza attempted to increase the pace with a boundary and a six, but Sundar ended Brian Bennett’s stay. A subsequent run-out left Raza with the responsibility to boost the total in the death overs.
Death Overs – Raza Shines
Score: 54/3 (Run Rate: 10.8, 4s/6s: 2/2)
Raza, the Zimbabwe captain, rose to the occasion as he often does, hitting Washington for a six and Khaleel Ahmed for a four and a six, reaching 40 off just 20 balls. Deshpande’s penultimate over dismissal of Raza prevented Zimbabwe from crossing 160. Khaleel’s excellent final over restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 152.
India’s Innings:
Powerplay – Jaiswal Dominates
Score: 61/0 (Run Rate: 10.16, 4s/6s: 10/0)
Jaiswal adopted an aggressive stance from the start, finding the boundary thrice in the first over. Gill followed with two fours in the second over off Blessing Muzarabani. Jaiswal then attacked Tendai Chatara, hitting four boundaries as India raced to 43 in three overs. Despite a quieter end to the powerplay, India concluded with 61 runs.
Middle Overs – Unstoppable Openers
Score: 90/0 (Run Rate: 10, 4s/6s: 8/4)
Raza, usually dependable, couldn’t halt India’s charge. Jaiswal welcomed Raza with consecutive boundaries, reaching his half-century. Despite bowling changes, Zimbabwe’s attack couldn’t disrupt India’s momentum. Gill supported Jaiswal, who was on course for a century. Gill’s contribution led to his half-century as India scored 90 runs in the middle overs, needing just two more deliveries in the 16th over to seal the win.
Brief Scores:
Zimbabwe: 152/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 46; Khaleel Ahmed 2/32)
India: 156/0 in 15.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 93*, Shubman Gill 58*)
India won by 10 wickets.