Into the final ODI of the series, it was a match for Zimbabwe where they had one last chance to salvage their pride. Played at Harare Sports Club in Harare, India opting to bat first posted a total of 289/8 in 50 overs. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul gave a solid start putting on 63 runs in the 14.3 overs.
Dhawan once again looked silky smooth for his 68 ball stay at the crease while it was good to see KL Rahul hitting some of his signature drives and pulls hinting a return of form with the bat. However, the star of the day was none other than Youngster Shubman Gill who not only changed gears for India improving the run rate but also taking the team towards a defendable total. Coming at no.3, Shubman went on to score a brilliant 130 off 97 balls smashing 15 fours and a six almost batting till the very end getting dismissed in the 50th over. Some of his straight drives and cuts simply were a treat to the eyes while he also started to attack brilliantly scoring 70 runs in his last 45 balls.
Gill got his much deserved century while he was also ably supported by Ishan Kishan who scored 50 off 61 balls. Samson even though scored 13 runs but looked very dangerous smashing 2 massive sixes in his short stay at the crease.
While most of the pundits would have given up on Zimbabwe to chase such a steep total but Zimbabwe almost pulled off a thriller giving a tough fight till the very last over of the match. The in-form Sikandar Raza almost pulled off a dream come true innings scoring a brilliant 115 off 95 balls which included 9 fours and 3 sixes. Sikandar despite lacking support from the other hand gave a hard time to the Indian bowlers however Raza’s wicket in the 49th over ended the hopes of Zimbabwe’s win. Shubman Gill grabbed a brilliant catch which almost proved to be a game changing moment as Raza was looking well settled to finish the game.
Zimbabwe eventually got all out for 276 runs in 49.3 overs while Shubman Gill was declared ‘man of the match’
