Despite incredible opposition from Zimbabwe, Team India clinched the third ODI by 13 runs on Monday (August 22) to complete the series 3-0. The hosts were given a tough target of 290 to win the match and looked set for another comprehensive loss.
But an incredible third ODI hundred in just six matches for Sikandar Raza kept Zimbabwe in with a real chance. Indian pacers were expensive but held their nerve to the death to get over the line.
Fans on Twitter were disappointed with the execution of the Indian bowlers, especially as the opposition moved to 169/7. Avesh Khan, who will go to the Asia Cup as the third pacer, was particularly successful.
Some also praised Zimbabwe and Raza in particular for their brave batting display. Here are some of the responses:
Tiered of repeating again and again that Kl Rahul is not a captaincy material not even a vice-captaincy material. Don't know why management isn't ready to understand this. #CricketTwitter
— ARYAN_OP™ (@ARYAN__OP) August 22, 2022
We are not making it past Group stage if Avesh starts for us in the asia cup pic.twitter.com/OUNK2kFhAJ
— Vighnesh17 (@VighneshMenon) August 22, 2022
India make clean sweep in the series, but Zimbabwe win honours in today’s match with a spirited chase to overhaul 289.This performance highlights why major teams needs to engage more regularly with the minnows to help cricket grow
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 22, 2022
Thanks Raza boss pic.twitter.com/YkUElm3T9F
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) August 22, 2022
Now understood why Kl choose to field first in first 2 ODI matches
— poojasalve (@pooja_2012) August 22, 2022
😂😂😂#ZIMvIND
This is the kind of fight Zimbabwe were expected to come up with in the first two games. Didn't happen but glad to see them fighting hard in the final game of the series at least. Sikandar Raza at the forefront of the resurrection once again!#ZIMvIND
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) August 22, 2022
India were under the pump as long as Sikandar Raza was at the crease
Zimbabwe's run began in a similar fashion to their previous batting performances, losing wickets at regular intervals. The likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel spun the net and it looked like the hosts would once again surrender meekly.
But Raza walked out to bat and changed the pace of the chase. The right-hander played some beautiful shots and although the required run rate was steep, he kept the home side in the game. The all-rounder received able support from youngster Brad Evans as the duo added 104 runs for the eighth wicket to bring the hosts to the brink of a famous victory.
But Avesh trapped Evans in front and Raza's brilliant knock ended with an arguably convincing catch from Shubman Gill. Although the Men in Blue won the game, Deepak Chahar (2/75), Avesh Khan (3/66) and Thakur (1/55) were all expensive. That is definitely something they need to think about if they want to make it to the starting eleven and make the T20 World Cup squad for India.
