3rd ODI: India beat Zimbabwe by 13 runs

India defeated Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the in the third and final ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Monday to win the series 3-0. 

After winning the toss and opting to bat first for the first time in the series, India put up a total of 289 for eight. 

Both the seasoned openers — skipper K L Rahul (30 off 46) and Shikhar Dhawan (40 off 68) — got India off to a slow and steady start.

Also Read: Watch: Deepak Chahar mankads Zimbabwe opener Innocent Kaia

The skipper’s dismissal brought Shubman Gill (130 off 97 balls) to the crease. He scored his maiden international hundred comprising 15 fours and a six.

The 22-year-old shared a 140-run partnership with Ishan Kishan (50 off 61) for the third wicket. Barring the stand between the two, not much stood out from the Indian innings.

The game was heading India’s way until Sikandar Raza (115 off 95 balls) brought Zimbabwe back into the contest with the support of Brad Evans (28 off 36). The duo shared a 104-run partnership off 77 balls for the eighth wicket to raise hopes of a memorable result against their mighty opponents. However, Raza fell to a brilliant catch by Gill in the 19th over. Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 276 in 49.3 overs.

Shubman Gill was given the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. 

“I was just trying to minimise my dot ball percentage. I tried to hit the gaps as much as possible. When I went in, there were a couple of bowlers bowling good. It was crucial to get through that. Once we were settled, we knew we could attack. The bat was pretty good. That’s why I changed it after my 50, I wanted to save it. Definitely special (on hitting his maiden international ton). (Playing in this team) It feels great, great bunch of players. Feels good when you are with the same bunch. My father has been my primary coach. I got a schooling after I got out in the second ODI, so I dedicate this to him,” Gill said at the post-match presentation.