CHEVRONS SHOW SOME SPIRIT, BUT FALL SHORT IN BIG CHASE

Blessing Malinganiza

ZIMBABWE’S resolute batting effort, led by Dion Myers’ unbeaten 65 from 49 balls, came short as the hosts succumbed to a 23-run defeat against World Champions India in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club yesterday.

India, who have taken a 2-1 lead in the series, made four changes to their line-up, bringing in the T20 World Cup-winning trio of Shivan Dube, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson to add more depth to their squad.

Winning the toss, the Indian skipper Shubman Gill opted to bat first and went on to open with Jaiswal.

The pair got off to a flyer, racing to 50 runs in just 4.1 overs.

Their 67-run partnership was finally broken by Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who dismissed Jaiswal for 31 runs off 35 balls.

Abhishek Sharma could not replicate his heroics from the last match, falling to Raza for 10 (9).

Ruturaj Gaikwad then joined his captain Gill and the duo stitched together a brisk 74-run stand off just 44 balls.

Gill scored 66 (49), while Gaikwad contributed 36 (27) before both were dismissed by Blessing Muzarabani, who finished with two wickets for 25 runs.

Samson and Deepak Hooda then provided the late flourish, taking India to a good total of 182/4 in their 20 overs.

Zimbabwe, who made two changes to their line-up, bringing in Tadiwanashe Marumani and Richard Ngarava, lost their top-order cheaply, with Wessly Madhevere, Marumani and Brian Bennett departing early, leaving them struggling at 37/3 in the power-play.

Raza and Jonathan Campbell were also dismissed cheaply but Myers and Clive Madande put up a valiant 71-run partnership off just 48 balls to raise Zimbabwe’s hopes.

However, Washington Sundar’s three-wicket haul, including the dismissal of Madande for 37, dashed Zimbabwe’s chances, and the hosts eventually fell short, finishing at 159/6.

“It’s surreal, honestly. It’s something you dream about as a young boy. And I really thank my teammates, and I thank my family for the support,” said Myers.

“And above all, I thank God. Lots of times were tough in the past few years, but I managed to find a way through.

“It’s a huge honour. Like I said before, I’ve been dreaming about playing for my country since I was a young boy. And, to hopefully, contribute in some way means the world as well.

“And, just being back in the team, it’s such a nice vibe. Wonderful coaching staff as well, and they’re there to support us.”