“We Were Rusty And Not Upto Standards”: Shubman Gill Admits After India’s First Loss in Zimbabwe T20I Series

July 7, 2024 0 862

A young Indian team led by Shubman Gill suffered a surprising 13-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and the skipper opened up after the loss.

In a surprising turn of events, an inexperienced Zimbabwean team defeated a young Indian side by 13 runs in the first T20I of the five-match series played in Harare on Saturday.

India, expected to dominate the series opener, restricted Zimbabwe to a modest total of 115 runs after nine wickets. However, the visitors faltered in their chase, collapsing to 28 for 4 within the powerplay. Despite a fightback, India were eventually bowled out for 102 runs in 19.5 overs.

Indian captain Shubman Gill acknowledged his shortcomings in the post-match presentation. “We should have batted better. We bowled well, but our fielding let us down. We were rusty, and it showed,” admitted Shubman Gill.

Gill, who top-scored for India with a knock of 31 runs, expressed regret for his dismissal. “We spoke about taking time and building partnerships, but it didn’t work out. Losing my wicket at a crucial stage hurt our momentum. There was a glimmer of hope, but losing wickets consistently made it difficult,” Gill concluded.

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While partnerships like the 23-run stand between Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar offered some hope, India’s chase ultimately fell short. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s sharp bowling and a crucial catch at long-off ensured victory for the home team.

This unexpected win gives Zimbabwe a crucial lead in the five-match series. India will look to bounce back and level the series in the second T20I scheduled for July 7th at Harare.