ODI: India beats Zimbabwe


India beat Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 series sweep here on Monday. Shubman Gill (130) struck a stroke-filled century to power India to 289 for eight.In reply, Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 276 in 49.3 overs thanks to Sikandar Raza’s brilliant 95-ball 115. Earlier, coming in to bat at number three, Gill smashed 130 off 97 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and one six, after India opted to bat. Besides Gill, Ishan Kishan made 50 while Shikhar Dhawan scored 40. Brad Evans (5/54) picked up his maiden five-wicket haul for the home team.

KL Rahul said, Feels good, we came here with a good ideas. We wanted to be out in the middle and use this time. They have been very professional, very happy with the result. They took the game deep, we would have liked to finish the game earlier. The bowers were tested and they held their nerves. Fielded about 120 overs, got some time out in the middle with the bat. I am tired coming back after a couple of months. But this is what we all want to do, playing for India. (On Gill) He’s been batting well since the IPL. Very pleasing to the eye. Not seen him over-confident. That requires composure, to show that kind of temperament is good. On his part, Gill, who won Man ofvthe Match and Man of the Series awards, said, ‘I was just trying to minimise my dot ball percentage. I tried to hit the gaps as much as possible. When I went in, there were a couple of bowlers bowling good. It was crucial to get through that. Once we were settled, we knew we could attack. The bat was pretty good. That’s why I changed it after my 50, I wanted to save it. Definitely special (on hitting his maiden international ton). (Playing in this team) It feels great, great bunch of players. Feels good when you are with the same bunch. My father has been my primary coach. I got a schooling after I got out in the second ODI, so I dedicate this to him.’