India's second-string team secured an emphatic 10-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I at Harare Sports Club. However, what should have been a moment of celebration has been masked by a controversy surrounding skipper Shubman Gill's actions in the final moments of the chase.
India has had a dominant performance in the series, having a lead of 3-1. The match witnessed the explosive opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who easily chased Zimbabwe's target of 153.
Jaiswal, in particular, was in brilliant form, making a strong statement after not playing in the recent T20 World Cup and joining the team from the third T20I.
Jaiswal's innings (93* off 63) balls was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He set the tone early, smashing 15 runs in the first over and maintaining that momentum throughout. Gill played a supporting role, contributing a solid 58 runs off 39 balls. Their unbroken 156-run partnership decimated the Zimbabwe bowling attack, wrapping up the chase in just 15.2 overs.
Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill shatter Zimbabwe, India seal series in Harare
The controversy arose in the latter stages of the match. With India needing 21 runs to win and Jaiswal on 83, fans expected Gill to play conservatively, allowing his partner a shot at a well-deserved century. Instead, Gill accelerated his scoring, hitting a boundary and a six to reach his half-century and seal the win.
This decision sparked outrage on social media, with fans labelling Gill selfish for allegedly denying Jaiswal the opportunity to reach the three-figure mark. The incident drew comparisons to Pakistani skipper Babar Azam, who has faced similar criticism in the past for selfish play.
You are a worst leader. This is not surprised me, you played your IPL match under Hardik Pandiya. You intentionally stopped the century of Yashasvi jaiswal. Shame on you, you betrayed the game and I wish you should get punishment for this act.
— ps manoranjan jena (@manoranjanjena1) July 14, 2024
Why do we need selfish players like Shubman Gill who can't play for the team.
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) July 13, 2024
I had a doubt on him since he made Rohit Sharma runout against Afghanistan.
Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal deserve a good captain.#IndvsZim pic.twitter.com/CNYABwqp1i
Pic-1 :Selfish Shubman Gill Eat Jaiswal 's Well Deserve Century for his Fifty when he is on his 40s.
— Sanju Samson(Parody) (@SanjuSamson_RR) July 13, 2024
Pic-2 : Sanju Defended the ball for Jaiswal so that he can complete his century.
choose your leader wisely.#SanjuSamson #ShubmanGill #YashasviJaiswal #ZIMvsIND pic.twitter.com/GOLdtPk4bL
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill today 💀 pic.twitter.com/8AZ3Inkxsf
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)
Also Read: Captain Sikandar Raza analyses Zimbabwe’s 10-wicket defeat to India
Jaiswal's aggressive approach and Gill's steady presence have made them a strong case for the opening pair for future series. Their performance has likely secured their positions for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka later this month. India will play the final T20I against Sikandar Raza-led side on 14 July in Harare.
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