Twitter Reactions: Captain Gill leads by example, another impressive outing for bowlers

Ahead of the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare, there were a lot of talks regarding India’s composition, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube coming to the set-up. Either Ruturaj Gaikwad or Abhishek Sharma was expected to sit out to make room for Jaiswal but interestingly, the team management backed all four openers. Shubman Gill opened alongside Jaiswal while Abhishek was sent at three and Gaikwad at four.

Gill was criticised for the same as he backed himself over in-form Abhishek as an opener. However, the captain led from the front and had an excellent outing against the Chevrons. He stitched a partnership of 67 runs and after Jaiswal’s dismissal, he took care of the business, hitting 66 runs off 49 deliveries. Batting at number three, Abhishek failed as he made 10 runs off nine balls.

Ruturaj, despite batting in a new position, looked impressive. The Pune-born cricketer smashed 49 runs off 28 balls as India posted 182 runs in the first innings. Towards the end, Sanju Samson looked in good touch but he didn’t get enough balls to make a significant impact.

Also Read: Top 10 Funniest Memes from 3rd T20I

When it came to the chase, Zimbabwe tried to play an aggressive brand of cricket but it didn’t go in their favour. Avesh Khan once again had a sensational time with the new ball, picking up two wickets in the powerplay. He sent Wessly Madhevere and Brian Bennett for one and four runs respectively while the returning Khaleel Ahmed picked up the wicket of Tadiwanashe Marumani. 

Zimbabwe were reduced to 19/3 and there was no comeback for them. After the powerplay, Gill introduced Washington Sundar, who picked up the wickets of Sikandar Raza and Johnathan Campbell in his first over. After that, Dion Myers and Clive Mandande looked in good touch as the prior scored a half-century but they couldn't take the team close to the target. They eventually lost the match by 23 runs, helping India take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Here's how X reacted:

🔙 to 🔙 wins in Harare 🙌

A 23-run victory in the 3rd T20I as #TeamIndia now lead the series 2⃣-1⃣ 👏👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/FiBMpdYQbc#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/ZXUBq414bI

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2024

And the medal goes to... 😉#AavaDe | #ZIMvINDpic.twitter.com/FHqSCq3FuJ

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) July 10, 2024

India won by 23 runs#INDvsZIM #ZIMvIND #IndvZim #ZIMvIND #TeamIndia #IndianCricketTeam #RuturajGaikwad #ShubhmanGill #AbhishekSharma #SanjuSamson #Cricket #CricketTwitter          #Zimbabwe #ICC #BCCI#INDvsZIM

— Sudhesh Lakwar (@Sudhesh_Khandip) July 10, 2024

IND won by 23 runs 👈
T20 3 of 5 (Tied 2 to 1)
.#ZIMvIND

— ડꪊ𝕣ꪖ𝕛 ડꪖ𝕣ꪑꪖꫝ 🇮🇳 (@surajsarmah06) July 10, 2024

In spite of 34 runs from the final two overs, India win easily in Harare by 23 runs and take a 2-1 lead in the five match series!#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/VHV79mVwIM

— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) July 10, 2024

The Chevrons lose to India by 23 runs.

🇿🇼 159/6
🇮🇳 182/4

#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/LGw85F80g5

— 263Chat.com 🇿🇼 (@263Chat) July 10, 2024

INDIA WINS THE 3RD T20I AGAINST ZIMBABWE AND LEADS THE SERIES 2-1.#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/1QMoxtDZk7

— Cricket Capital (@CricketCapital7) July 10, 2024