I recently watched the India vs Zimbabwe 4th T20I, and I have to say, it was nothing short of spectacular. Jaiswal and Gill Seal the Series in Style for India, effortlessly chasing down a target of 153 runs. It was a thrilling performance that left no doubt about India’s dominance in the series, securing a 3-1 lead with one game still to play. India have the unassailable lead of 3-1 in the 5 matches T20I series.
Zimbabwe’s Strong Start
Zimbabwe came into this game with a point to prove. They had been struggling in the powerplays throughout the series, losing at least two wickets in each of the first three T20Is. However, this time, Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani managed to give their team a solid foundation, adding 63 runs in just 8.4 overs. It was a much-needed performance, especially with Marumani getting a lucky break early on. He was dropped by Shivam Dube while on just 3 and then benefited from an overthrow that went to the boundary in the same over.
Turning the Tide
Tushar Deshpande Bowling in his first International Outing
Despite their strong start, Zimbabwe couldn’t capitalize on their momentum. India’s bowlers, particularly the part-timers who had to fill the fifth-bowler quota, managed to rein in the scoring. Marumani’s dismissal came off Abhishek Sharma’s fourth ball when he tried to pull and ended up hitting it towards the longest part of the boundary, where Rinku Singh was waiting. This wicket allowed Gill to bring on Dube from the other end, and he struck immediately, removing the other set batter, Madhevere.
Abhishek Sharma could have had another wicket if Ruturaj Gaikwad hadn’t dropped a simple catch at extra cover, letting Brian Bennett off the hook. Fortunately for India, this missed opportunity didn’t cost them much.
Raza’s Efforts to Rescue Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza was the key player for Zimbabwe, especially after they lost 4 wickets for just 33 runs. He had already been involved in a run-out, but his determination kept the scoreboard ticking. With five overs to go, Raza was on 21 off 17 balls. He then decided to switch gears, launching Washington Sundar for a massive six and following it up with some aggressive strokes against Khaleel Ahmed. Thanks to his efforts, overs 16 and 17 produced 31 runs, pushing Zimbabwe towards a total of 160. They eventually fell short, ending at 152, but it was a competitive score.
The Indian Chase
India’s response was nothing short of breathtaking. Jaiswal started aggressively, hitting three boundaries off left-arm seamer Richard Ngavara in the very first over.
He continued his onslaught against Tendai Chatara, smashing four more boundaries in the third over of the innings. The seamers kept offering him width, and he made the most of it, repeatedly finding the boundary through point with some exquisite cuts and drives.
Jaiswal raced to his half-century off just 29 balls, and he wasn’t done yet. One of the highlights was his inside-out lofted shot over extra cover off Raza. Despite being beaten in flight, he quickly adjusted to send the ball sailing between deep cover and wide long-off.
Gill, meanwhile, played a more measured but equally effective innings. He took over after Jaiswal’s initial burst, elegantly hitting Faraz Akram’s gentle seam-ups. Gill’s second consecutive half-century came off 35 balls, and it perfectly complemented Jaiswal’s explosive batting.
The Finish Line
As the game neared its conclusion, the only suspense left was whether Jaiswal could reach his century. He needed 17 of the 18 remaining runs but fell just short, ending up on 93 not out. Despite missing out on a hundred, his performance was an exhilarating display of the kind of intent and skill that helped India win the T20 World Cup last month after 17 years.
Overall it is a tremendous comeback by the T20 World Champions India after that humiliating defeat in the First T20I. They have proved that they are the best team in the World right now.
You can also read about the previous T2oI match between India and Zimbabwe here,
India Vs. Zimbabwe 3rd T20I: Changes India Should Make
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