Gill stars as India takes 2-1 lead in T20 Series with win against Zimbabwe in Harare

India's captain, Shubman Gill, led his team to a vital 23-run victory in the third T20 international against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. This win gave India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Gill scored 66 off 49 balls, contributing significantly to India's total of 182 for four after opting to bat first. Zimbabwe's response was 159 for six.

"This win was crucial for us," Gill remarked during the post-match presentation, expressing his satisfaction with India's performance in both batting and bowling. This victory marked a comeback for India following their loss in the low-scoring first match on Saturday. "Everyone is contributing, which is a positive sign," he added.

India had a strong start, reaching 49 without loss in just four overs, thanks to a 67-run opening partnership between Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Zimbabwe struggled early in their innings, reduced to 39 for five within the first seven overs. Opening bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan took three wickets during the powerplay, and off-spinner Washington Sundar claimed two wickets in his first over. Sundar ended with figures of three for 15 in four overs and was named man of the match.

India's lineup was strengthened by the inclusion of World Cup squad members Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube, who had missed the first two matches due to the World Cup victory celebrations in Mumbai. Jaiswal scored 36, Samson contributed 12 not out off seven balls towards the end, and although Dube did not bat, he bowled two overs, conceding 27 runs. Abhishek Sharma, who scored a century in India’s 100-run win in the second match, batted at number three but managed only 10 runs.

Zimbabwe's captain, Sikander Raza, was disappointed with his team's fielding performance, saying, "We are proud of our fielding, but the wheels came off today. We gave away 20 extra runs."

Despite their poor start, Dion Myers made a spirited 65 not out off 49 balls, and along with Clive Madonde (37), added 77 for the sixth wicket to lift Zimbabwe's innings.