Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal begin India’s innings for 2018. Mukesh Kumar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed and Washington Sundar complete India’s bowling attack.
Bishnoi strikes early to rattle Madhevere. After going for review but failing, Madhevere makes 29 off 25 balls and Bishnoi’s bowler goes home without outright dismissal.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard.
Player of the Match
Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad led India’s charge as they amassed a record total in Harare. Their efforts were supported by solid performances from all their batsmen; Zimbabwe’s poor fielding cost them dearly in this match; Mukesh Kumar bowling was outstanding as he claimed four wickets; Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar also helped India claim victory over Zimbabwe.
Clive Madande and Dion Myers put up an admirable fight, yet were ultimately unable to chase down Zimbabwe’s target of 326 runs. Although they shared an outstanding 25-run partnership for the last wicket, dropped catches and poor shot selection prevented them from coming close.
India made an explosive start with excellent batting performances from skipper Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Ruturaj Gaikwad providing further boost. Together they amassed 182/4 from 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowling performance was below par. Although Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza both took two wickets each, this could not stop Indian batsmen from scoring an enormous total on an unpredictable pitch.
The hosts began poorly in their reply. They lost three wickets quickly in the Powerplay and found themselves struggling for runs on the board. Dion Myers attempted to fight back but soon after was gone before Sikandar Raza played a strong knock towards the end to keep them competitive.
Rinku enters the attack, hitting two FOURs from wide full-tosses for his first four in an over. Muzarabani then returns into the attack for more Dot Balls – making this over 13 runs long!
Bowler of the Match
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first, yet struggled early with their top order batting performance. Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad both fell early, leaving only Clive Madande’s energetic cameo as one way back for some momentum – taking them from 25 for 3 at one stage to 30 for 3.
But the bowlers kept up pressure throughout, especially from spinners like Ravi Bishnoi who took four wickets with his spell and Washington Sundar who proved himself an effective bowler throughout.
Bishnoi scored his first wicket early when he deceived Sikandar Raza with a slower ball that beat his edge and deceived Sikandar Raza with another slower ball from Mukesh Kumar, trapping Tadiwanashe Marumani leg before wicket in just the fourth over.
By then, the lower order had capitulated under pressure, with Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag all making single-digit scores to allow spinners to control the final overs.
Spinners continued their devastating run, with Ravi Bishnoi taking three more wickets and Washington Sundar claiming two. Clive Madande attempted a late comeback but Zimbabwe could not overturn their deficit.
Skipper Sundar was pleased with how his team performed, noting they have shown improvement since their previous match and will strive to continue this success. He noted the “something in the wicket” which allowed his bowlers to put pressure on batsmen more effectively and also expressed his appreciation for playing for India as it is always an honor and privilege to represent his nation. He paid his thanks and extended thanks to all his senior team-mates while noting it is always an honour playing cricket for India.
Man of the Match
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant 93 run knock was key in helping India wrest control of the match from Zimbabwe. Jaiswal looked in sublime form throughout his innings and exerted pressure on Zimbabwe opening bowlers with each delivery he delivered – truly deserving his Man of the Match award.
Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad both played an instrumental role in India amassing such an impressive total, both remaining unbeaten as part of an effort by young Indian batsmen to establish themselves within the national side. Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel and Mukesh Kumar will all aim to shine during future outings as well.
Men in Blue established an early lead with Jaiswal and Gill looking in strong form, reaching 50 runs in under four overs with Jaiswal coming close to reaching his half century. Gill will likely play more conventionally to maintain momentum on the scoreboard.
Khaleel bowls with aim at Madhevere from the get-go and immediately targets Madhevere for four. After missing his first ball, Madhevere makes amends with two fours off two consecutive deliveries! His left-handed batsman misses his first strike but hits both second-ball fours for FOURS before pulling the third one for yet another FOUR!
Jaiswal and Gill made an explosive start, putting on an amazing partnership of 95 runs in only 11 balls. Both batsmen were deserving of half-centuries while setting up an enormous total for the Men in Blue.
Abhishek Sharma struck again with a short of length ball delivered angled in, Madhevere attempted to reverse-sweep it but missed, sending it tumbling to short third man for another wicket.
Zimbabwe struggle to score in their final over, as Dube strikes Ngarava for four during his 12-ball cameo but they can only manage 13 runs off it.
Ngarava attempts to hit an early six off the first ball but fails to clear the rope. He attempts another six but couldn’t manage it before being caught at deep midwicket for one run in each over of play – an urgent requirement in Zimbabwe’s final over.
Player of the Series
Washington Sundar was named Player of the Series due to his outstanding bowling performance in three matches for India, taking eight wickets across three of them and consistently providing breakthroughs with his left-arm spinner. Furthermore, his bowling averaged less than 12 runs per over! Mukesh Kumar made an impactful addition to India’s squad taking six wickets while consistently providing spin and pace bowling threats with his delivery.
Zimbabwe were made to struggle on an unpredictable surface as their batsmen struggled to find their rhythm. After losing three wickets early, Zimbabwe struggled until Jaiswal reached his fifty in 54 deliveries while Gaikwad completed 28 balls for 49 to post an impressive total.
Zimbabwe were slow in their pursuit, and struggled to penetrate India’s formidable defence. Clive Madande and Dion Myers provided some spark with their bat, yet ultimately could not help the hosts reach their target.
Poor fielding from the home side didn’t help their cause either. After years of struggles in their batting department, several players moved abroad in 2007 in order to increase their chances of regular cricket – opener Anthony Ireland signed with Gloucestershire while opener Vusi Sibanda has also expressed interest in doing the same thing.
Zimbabwe began their innings after an initially slow start and quickly built an innings. They soon were reduced to 76/2 after Mukesh Kumar claimed Myers wicket with a short ball which hit his stumps; Clive Madande then misjudged Ravi Bishnoi’s delivery and was caught at third man for an innings-ending duck in his next over.
