Sikander Raza’s Valiant Ton Goes In Vain As India Complete 3-0 Sweep Against Zimbabwe

Harare: Sikander Raza’s valiant hundred went in vain as India edged past Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the third and final ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Monday to clean sweep the series 3-0.

Having won the toss, captain KL Rahul decided to bat first and the decision turned out to be a good one. Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan got the visitors off to a good start.

Shubman Gill led from the front with his 130-run knock as India posted 289 for 8 in 50 overs.

Gill carried on and scored his maiden hundred off just 82 balls and then continued his onslaught on the Zimbabwean bowling.

The match went down to the wire, courtesy Raza’s splendid knock but India held their nerves well to end up on the winning side.

In response, Zimbabwe didn’t get off to the best of starts as they lost Innocent Kaia with just seven runs on the board. They also lost Kaitano to an injury during the innings, but Sean Williams stayed strong.

However, Sikander Raza took up the responsibility on himself and delivered a fine show for the fans in attendance and smashed a spectacular hundred to push the game down to the wire.

He received good support from Evans as the Indian bowlers started to feel the pressure.

When Evans finally departed, the momentum was firmly with the hosts. Avesh Khan then bowled Nyauchi to secure the win for India.