Zimbabwe fell 13 runs short of upsetting powerhouse India after Sikandar Raza struck a century in a run chase, with Shubman Gill's maiden ODI ton lifting India
Match Report:
ScorecardIn-form Raza falls short as Zimbabwe give India a fright
Shubman Gill has struck a maiden ODI century to steer India to a target that proved too much for hosts Zimbabwe in a nervy 13-run victory to complete a sweep of their three-match series at the Harare Sports Club.
Gill hammered 130 off 97 balls as India, opting to bat first, recovered from a slow start to score an imposing 8-289 in Monday's third match.
Zimbabwe were in the hunt all the way thanks to Sikandar Raza's sixth ODI century as he scored 115 from 95 balls.
Image Id: D3B5CE1E7B2146659AA58C9C1EF128E3 Image Caption: Sikandar Raza has three centuries in his past six ODIs // AFP
But when Raza, a BBL Draft nominee who has been in hot form in white-ball matches in 2022, fell in the penultimate over the home side's chances of a first victory over India since 2010 disappeared.
Raza's superb innings was applauded by the Indian players, who congratulated the disconsolate batter as he left the field (main picture). Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 276 in the last over of the match.
It was the closest outcome of the series after India won by 10 wickets in the opening clash on Thursday, followed by a five-wicket triumph with 146 balls remaining in Saturday's second game.
Gill showed expert timing as he drove the home attack to all corners and quickly lifted the run rate after India were 2-84 in the 21st over.
Image Id: F9764D7D929E4AEE84B89519BA9B0201 Image Caption: Shubman Gill struck 15 fours and a six in his 130 from No.3 // AFP
He put on a 140-run partnership for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan, who scored 50, but after that watched a succession of partners depart cheaply as Brad Evans completed his first five-wicket haul in international cricket with figures of 5-54 in his 10 overs.
Zimbabwe's Sean Williams showed aggressive intent in the home's team reply, scoring 45 off 46 balls, but at 7-169 they looked out of the contest.
Image Id: 524581DF7FB44A52B0B9F3F578B7B1B4 Image Caption: 25-year-old fast bowler Brad Evans claimed 5-54 in his fifth ODI // AFP
That was until Raza and Evans (28) put on 104 for the eighth wicket to drag them back into it, but when they were out within five balls of each other with the victory line in sight, India were able to grab the win.
Seamer Avesh Khan, playing his second ODI, took the last wicket and was the pick of the visitors' attack with 3-66.
Zimbabwe now head to Australia, where they will meet Aaron Finch's side for three ODIs in Townsville, starting on Sunday in an emotional event with tributes to the late Andrew Symonds planned.
The inaugural BBL Draft will follow the ODI match, broadcast on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports.
Men's Dettol ODI Series v Zimbabwe
Sunday Aug 28: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am
Wednesday Aug 31: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am
Saturday Sep 3: Riverway Stadium, Townsville, 9:40am
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