Cricket

India's dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe continued as they secured an unassailable 3-1 lead with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in the fourth match in Harare on Saturday.Opting to bowl first, India's bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 152 for seven. Part-time bowlers Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma played pivotal roles in the middle overs, dismantling Zimbabwe's dangerous opening partnership.Wesley Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani had provided Zimbabwe with their best opening stand of the series, putting on 63 runs. However, Sharma broke the partnership by inducing Marumani into a mistimed pull-shot, while Dube dismissed Madhevere with a short ball.Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with a brisk 46 off 28 balls, but the Indian bowlers kept the overall scoring in check. 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.In reply, India's openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 15.2 overs without losing a wicket. Jaiswal, who missed out on the T20 World Cup, showcased his skills with an unbeaten 93, including nine boundaries and a six. Gill played the supporting role perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 58.Jaiswal's aggressive approach contrasted with Gill's composed batting, as they ensured Zimbabwe had no chance to halt the run-chase. India's dominant performance in this match highlighted the effective contributions from part-time bowlers and commanding batting displays from Jaiswal and Gill, securing the series win with one match remaining.

Ravi Bishnoi's Direct Hit Run-Out Highlights India's Disciplined Bowling and Fielding in Zimbabwe T20IIn the fourth T20I between India and Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, Ravi Bishnoi showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a stunning direct hit that dismissed Zimbabwean batsman Johnathan Campbell. The moment occurred in the 15th over when Bishnoi, bowling to Sikandar Raza, noticed Campbell attempting a quick single. Raza played a hurried shot to the off-side, prompting Campbell to set off but then change his mind halfway down the pitch.Bishnoi, with his agility and alertness, swiftly moved across to the ball, gathered it quickly, and despite being off-balance, unleashed a throw that found its mark at the non-striker's end. Campbell was caught short by a considerable distance, and the third umpire's intervention was unnecessary as Bishnoi's accuracy was spot-on.India's decision to bowl first proved fruitful as they restricted Zimbabwe to 152/7. Khaleel Ahmed led the bowling attack with figures of 2-32, well-supported by Tushar Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dube, each contributing with a wicket apiece.Zimbabwe started well with a solid 63-run opening partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wesley Madhevere, but they struggled after losing their openers in quick succession. Captain Sikandar Raza provided impetus to the innings with a brisk 46 off 28 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes, before his dismissal dented Zimbabwe's hopes of a bigger total.Despite Raza's efforts, Zimbabwe couldn't capitalize as India's bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Bishnoi's fielding gem encapsulated India's sharpness on the field, exemplifying their commitment to tight bowling and excellent fielding standards that restricted Zimbabwe effectively.India's disciplined performance in both bowling and fielding ensured they maintained control, limiting Zimbabwe to a manageable total. Bishnoi's run-out of Campbell stood out as a pivotal moment, showcasing his athleticism and contributing to India's comprehensive display in the field.

Indian bowlers, led by Khaleel Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi, put up a commendable performance, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest 152/7 in the fourth T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.Zimbabwe's openers, Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani, provided a solid start, amassing a 63-run partnership. However, Indian spinners Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma chipped in with crucial wickets, bringing India back into the game.Bishnoi bowled an economical spell, conceding only 22 runs in his four overs. Sundar and Sharma also contributed with figures of 1/32 and 1/20, respectively.Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza looked set for a half-century, but India debutant Tushar Deshpande dismissed him for 46 off 28 balls. Raza's innings included two fours and three sixes.In the end, Zimbabwe managed to post a competitive total of 152/7, thanks to contributions from Madhevere (25), Marumani (32), and Raza (46).

India, led by Shubman Gill, opted to bowl first in the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday. The decision was made after Gill won the toss for the fourth time in the series.Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler, made his international debut for India. He replaced Avesh Khan in the only change from the third game. Deshpande's selection is a testament to his impressive performance in the IPL, where he was CSK's highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 13 games.India's XI remained largely unchanged, with four openers batting from positions 1-4 and only four specialist bowlers. Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma will be expected to contribute with the ball.Gill expressed his desire to exploit the early-morning conditions and improve India's performance in the death overs. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza emphasized the importance of leveling the series at 2-2 and outlined his vision for the team's development leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.Zimbabwe made one change, bringing in Faraz Akram, the Saudi Arabia-born allrounder, in place of Wellington Masakadza.

India and Zimbabwe will face off in the fourth T20I in Harare, with both teams seeking a series victory. India has secured two comfortable wins after an initial defeat, but questions remain about their selection strategy.In the third T20I, India fielded four openers, leaving them short on bowling options. Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma conceded 50 runs in their combined four overs, highlighting the need for a stronger bowling lineup.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has struggled with fielding errors, dropping seven catches in the last two games. Captain Sikandar Raza expressed frustration, stating, "It is the fielding again. We are very proud of our fielding but unfortunately the wheels have come off in the last two games."Their top-order batting has also been inconsistent, with Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, and Johnathan Campbell eager to impress ahead of their maiden call-ups for the Test against Ireland.Blessing Muzarabani has been Zimbabwe's standout fast bowler, using his height and bounce to trouble Indian batters. He has an impressive economy rate of 6.00, the best among fast bowlers from both teams.Washington Sundar has been India's go-to bowler after the powerplay, taking five wickets in the middle overs at an economy of 4.60. He will be keen to showcase his all-round abilities with the Sri Lanka series approaching.Zimbabwe is unlikely to make significant changes, while India may rotate their fast bowlers. Mukesh Kumar or Khaleel Ahmed could replace Avesh Khan.The pitch in Harare is expected to be two-paced with variable bounce, similar to previous matches. The weather forecast is favorable, with no rain expected.

India's young guns are on the cusp of securing a series victory against Zimbabwe in the ongoing Twenty20 International series. After a disappointing loss in the opening encounter, the Shubman Gill-led team has bounced back with two convincing wins to take a commanding 2-1 lead.The series triumph may not hold significant weight in the grand scheme of cricket, but it has provided a platform for several promising players to showcase their potential. Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar have emerged as strong contenders to fill the void left by the departure of some of India's veteran stars.Washington has impressed with his all-round abilities, claiming six wickets at an economical rate of 4.5. His performance has put him in contention for the spin-all-rounder role in the Indian team, especially with Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20Is.Abhishek, on the other hand, has underlined his credentials as a future star with a blistering century in the second T20I. His aggressive batting and ability to play a variety of shots have made him a strong candidate for the top-order.With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma no longer part of the T20I setup, India is looking to identify their next generation of leaders. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the frontrunner to fill one of the top-order spots, while Abhishek is vying for the other alongside Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson, who have been on the fringes of the Indian team, also have a chance to stake their claim in the remaining two games of the series. They will be eager to prove their worth and cement their place in the future plans of the Indian team.The performance of the bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, has also been encouraging. Bishnoi's googlies have proved to be a handful for the Zimbabwean batters, and he has picked up six wickets in the series so far.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain their early momentum after winning the first game. They have shown glimpses of brilliance, such as Blessing Muzarabani's fiery spells and Dion Myers' well-paced fifty. However, they need to find a way to consistently challenge this resurgent Indian team.

Ravi Bishnoi's fielding prowess has always been evident, but he elevated it to new heights in the third T20I against Zimbabwe. His breathtaking catch off Avesh Khan to dismiss Brian Bennett left his Indian teammate in awe and became the talk of the dressing room.India's 23-run victory on Wednesday gave them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, but the highlight was Bishnoi's astonishing catch that reduced Zimbabwe to 19 for 3 in the fourth over.Avesh Khan, who took two wickets in India's defense of 182, expressed his shock at the catch. "When he took the catch, I don't think he got the reaction time. I also did not get the reaction time (to see what happened). I was, in fact, shocked how he took that catch," said Khan.Khan emphasized that the wicket should be credited to Bishnoi for his exceptional effort. "He is a good fielder, works a lot on his fielding. The catch that he took, the scoreboard will show that it was taken by me, but it should be credited in his (Bishnoi's) account," added Khan in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).India skipper Shubman Gill praised Bishnoi's remarkable effort, highlighting the importance of enjoying fielding. "Very happy with the team's win to go 2-1 up in the series and the catch that Bishi (Bishnoi) took was absolutely remarkable. It was truly delightful to watch. Cricket is definitely a team sport and it's more so a team sport when you're fielding. So, it's very important to have fun when you are fielding. If you are having fun then you are always in the game," added Gill.Washington Sundar, who had a clear view of the catch from mid-on, described it as a "great opportunity." "It was a great opportunity for me to stand at mid-on and have a clear view of whatever happened throughout the catch... and throughout that particular ball. It (ball) went at rocket speed and Bishnoi... that rocket speed was there (he also displayed rocket speed)," said Sundar.Bishnoi himself remained humble about the catch, attributing it to his increased fielding drills. "Yes, it felt good, We were talking about fielding for the last 2-3 days, how to improve my fielding even more. It's a new normal for me to take the catch off Avesh's bowling. As long as we don't make that effort to take the catch we won't know if it is near or far. So, I push myself to be as close to the catch as possible," added Bishnoi.Rinku Singh acknowledged that this was not the first time Bishnoi had taken an outstanding catch. "It was an outstanding catch, (but) it's not that he has taken such a catch for the first time; he has taken several good catches in international cricket and IPL," said Singh.Bishnoi's fielding brilliance has become a key asset for India, showcasing his athleticism and dedication to the game.

India's young guns, led by skipper Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad, put on a batting masterclass before the bowlers stepped up to secure a comfortable 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I in Harare.Gill, who has been in scintillating form throughout the series, once again led the charge with a fluent 66 off 49 deliveries. The right-hander struck seven boundaries and two sixes, setting the tone for India's innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, making his T20I debut, also impressed with a brisk 36 off 27 balls, while Gaikwad chipped in with a valuable 49 off 28 deliveries.Zimbabwe's bowlers struggled to contain India's aggressive batting, with Blessing Muzarabani being the only exception. The tall pacer extracted extra bounce from the pitch and finished with figures of 2/25.In response, Zimbabwe's chase got off to a shaky start as Avesh Khan removed opener Wessly Madhevere in the second over. The home team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan sharing five wickets between them.Dion Myers provided some resistance with a gritty 65* off 49 balls, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Zimbabwe from falling short of the target. Clive Madande also contributed with a useful 37 off 26 deliveries, but the Indian bowlers maintained their discipline to restrict the hosts to 159/6.The victory gives India a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the next game scheduled for Saturday, July 13. The young Indian team has shown great resilience and adaptability throughout the series, and they will be confident of sealing the series in the upcoming matches.

Zimbabwe's chase of 183 got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets within the first five overs. After a promising start, Wessly Madhevere was dismissed for a duck, caught at short covers off Avesh Khan's bowling. Tadiwanashe Marumani, who had hit a few lusty blows, was also dismissed by Khan, caught at mid-on. Brian Bennett, who came in at number four, was the third wicket to fall, caught by Ravi Bishnoi at point off Khaleel Ahmed's bowling.Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe's captain, came to the crease at number five and tried to steady the innings. He hit two boundaries off Avesh Khan's bowling, but was unable to prevent the fall of Dion Myers, who was caught at point off Ahmed's bowling.Zimbabwe are now in a spot of bother, with three wickets down and only 32 runs on the board. They will need a big partnership from Raza and the middle order if they are to have any chance of chasing down India's total.