Team India, under the stewardship of KL Rahul, put on a comprehensive display to thrash Zimbabwe 3-0 in the ODI series. Unlike the first two games, which were largely a one-sided affair, the final ODI turned out to be a thrilling clash, thanks to a revival knock from Sikandar Raza.

Raza’s brilliant century stretched the game to the end, but a lack of support from the other end hurt his cause. With 15 needed off 1.3 overs, the game was titled slightly into Zimbabwe’s favour. But Shardul Thakur then got the better of Raza on 115 to reduce the hosts to 275/9. They could add only run before Avesh Khan bowled out Victor Nyauchi to wrap up the series.

Earlier in the game, India rode on a stunning century from Shubman Gill to post a stiff target of 276. Gill slammed 130 off just 97 balls with the help of fifteen fours and a six. Other than him, only Ishan Kishan managed to score something substantial. For Zimbabwe, their fast bowler

Brad Evans registered his maiden five-for in international cricket. His most notable victims were Gill, Shikhar Dhawan, and KL Rahul.

After the game, Evans arrived at the post-match conference with Gill’s jersey and narrated how much he adore the Indian star. “Going into the series, I was one of his biggest fans, that’s why I got his shirt and now I’m playing against him. He is a world-class player,” he said.

Evans watched Gill’s batting in the IPL this season, and also in Australia where his 92 helped India clinch the iconic series. “That’s a skill and it comes after years of practice. I just sometimes watch him in awe ‘this guy is so good.’ That’s a reason I’m a fan. I watched him on TV in the IPL and in Australia when they won that Test series.”

Gill will now have to wait for some time to play another international game, as he is not in the T20I squad. In the ODIs, the team management has already identified him as the backup opener for ICC World Cup in 2023.

Lead Image: Shubman Gill/Twitter