Sikander Raza's century saw Zimbabwe put up a string fight after seemigly being down at out when they were at 169-7 at one stage
KL Rahul plays a shot as Ryan Burl looks on during the third ODI match between Zimbabwe and India. Pic/ AFP
Stand-in captain KL Rahul was appreciative of Zimbabwe's fightback and taking the game deep in the third and final ODI at Harare Sports Club on Monday. He then admitted that he would have liked to seal the victory a little earlier in the match.
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After Shubman Gill's top-class maiden ODI century, 130 off 97 balls, laced with 15 fours and a six took India to 289-8, Zimbabwe were down and out in the run chase at 169-7. In came Sikandar Raza and he slammed 115 off 95 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, to bring Zimbabwe on the verge of a huge victory.
Raza also shared a 104-run stand off 79 balls with Brad Evans (28), who had earlier taken his maiden five-for in ODI cricket, 5-54 in ten overs, as a boisterous home crowd cheered them on.
With 33 needed off last three overs, India took out last three wickets, including Evans and Raza in successive overs to complete a narrow victory as Zimbabwe just fell short of crossing the line.
"Feels good (on winning series). We came here with a few ideas and wanted to use these games. A few of us haven't got a game for some time and wanted to use the time. We were very professional with how we played. Very happy with the result."
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"They took the game deep, we would have liked to finish the game earlier. I wouldn't say nervous but Raza and Evans took it deep. But it is good that we were challenged and the bowlers were tested and they held their nerves," said Rahul in post-match presentation ceremony.
The ODI series against Zimbabwe marked Rahul's comeback in international cricket after being out of action due to injuries, sports hernia surgery and Covid-19 positive result. Opting to bat first for a change after winning the toss for third straight time, Rahul was understandably cautious in the first ten overs.
Post powerplay, he brought out the backfoot punch and pulling over backward square leg for collecting a four and six respectively off Brad Evans. Just when it looked that Rahul was set to go big, he chopped on to his stumps off Evans, falling for 30 off 46 balls.
"I have fielded for about 150 overs and the body feels good. 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. Will use this confidence for the next series (T20 Asia Cup)."
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