NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal's dynamic batting and Shubman Gill's steady leadership propelled India to a dominating 10-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fourth T20 International in Harare on Saturday, clinching an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Opting to bowl first, India effectively limited Zimbabwe to 152 for seven. Part-time bowlers Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma played crucial roles in the middle overs. Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with a brisk 46 off 28 balls, including three sixes and two fours. However, the Indian bowlers managed to keep the overall scoring in check.
As it happened: India vs Zimbabwe, 4th T20I
Sharma, with figures of 1/20 in three overs, and Dube, with 1/11 in two overs, dismantled Zimbabwe's dangerous opening partnership. Wesley Madhevere managed 25 off 24 balls while Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 32 off 31 balls. Tushar Deshpande, making his debut, had a mixed outing but managed to dismiss Raza in the slog overs, preventing Zimbabwe from setting a more challenging target.
Zimbabwe's best opening stand of the series, a 63-run partnership between Madhevere and Marumani, was disrupted by Sharma. Sharma forced Marumani to mistime a pull-shot into the hands of Rinku Singh. Dube then dismissed Madhevere with a short ball, maintaining India's dominance.
In reply, Jaiswal and Gill easily chased down the 153-run target in just 15.2 overs. Jaiswal, who was sidelined during the T20 World Cup, showcased his skills with an unbeaten 93. His innings included a stylish back-drive off Raza and a six off Richard Ngarava. Gill played the supporting role perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 58.
Jaiswal's aggressive approach contrasted with Gill's composed batting. Jaiswal reached his half-century with nine boundaries while Gill was on 15. Their partnership ensured Zimbabwe had no chance to halt the run-chase.
India's dominant performance in this match highlighted effective contributions from part-time bowlers and commanding batting displays from Jaiswal and Gill, securing the series win with one match remaining.
