Deepak Chahar makes winning comeback as India overpower Zimbabwe in first ODI

18.08.2022 - 21:21 thenationalnews.com

Seamer Deepak Chahar returned to the Indian team with a bang as he picked up three early wickets to help set up victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI in Harare on Thursday.

The right arm pacer was sidelined for most of the year after first picking up a quadriceps injury before hurting his back. He missed the IPL and saw other bowlers moved ahead of him in white-ball cricket, reducing his chances of impressing the selectors ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia - a tournament he was earlier expected to be a guaranteed selection for.

Despite the setback, Chahar showed that he has not lost any of his edge as he delivered a fine new-ball spell of 3-27 to dismiss the hosts for 189.

In reply, India openers Shikhar Dhawan (81 not out) and Shubman Gill (82 not out) survived a testing spell early on before completing a 10-wicket win with almost 20 overs to spare. “Every time you come back it’s always important to score runs and take wickets if you can,” Chahar said after his player-of-the-match performance. “I’m so glad that I made a good contribution today.” Opener Dhawan, who was set to lead the side before KL Rahul was declared fit for the series and named captain, said he enjoyed opening the innings with Gill. "I am enjoying batting with young Shubman and today I feel like a youngster too," said Dhawan. "Once I was set, I went after the bowlers.

cricket bowling comeback as Shikhar Dhawan Australia Zimbabwe India Harare

Indian opener Shubman Gill has jumped a whopping 45 places to be ranked 38th in the ICC ODI rankings released on Wednesday. The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

ICC ODI Rankings: Shubman Gill jumps 45 places to 38th; Virat Kohli remains static at fifth

The 22-year-old youngster had a memorable outing in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe that also saw him scoring his maiden ton (130 off 97 balls) in the last game in Harare. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who did not feature in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, held on to his fifth position with a rating points of 744.

"...Is the Biggest Positive": Axar Patel After Series Win vs Zimbabwe

It is a "little tough" to cool his heels after a couple of games but Axar Patel wants to put his best foot forward in his bid to use every opportunity that comes along his way. A like-for-like replacement of Ravindra Jadeja, the left-arm spinner and useful lower-middle-order batter is still not an India regular although he he has 50 plus wickets in ODIs since 2014. "It is a little tough when you play two matches and suddenly you've to sit out," Axar said at the post-match press conference after India's 13-run win over Zimbabwe in the third ODI.

Watch: Fan Asks Shikhar Dhawan For His "Shirt" During Zimbabwe ODI. Here's His Hilarious Reaction

Shikhar Dhawan is a fun character both on and off the cricket field. He often posts hilarious stuff on social media while his on-field antics are sometimes quite funny too. In the final ODI of the three-match series against Zimbabwe, where Dhawan is the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, a similar incident happened. In a video posted on social media, Dhawan could be seen wearing a jersey without his name at the back. Instead, at the place where the name of the player is usually printed, it was taped.

Watch: Shikhar Dhawan And Co. Dance Like Crazy On 'Kala Chashma' Song Post Series Win vs Zimbabwe

It was memorable evening for the KL Rahul-led Indian cricket team as it defeated Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Sikandar Raza scored a heroic ton to give India a mighty scare in Harare, but ultimately the visitors prevailed. With most of the senior players being rested, the series was all the more special for the lot. Earlier, Shubman Gill made his first international century. Gill not only wreaked havoc with the bat, he also caught Zimbabwe centurion Sikandar Raza, who was threatening to give the home side a shock victory.

Watch: Shubman Gill's Epic Reaction After Reaching First International Ton In 3rd India vs Zimbabwe ODI

Shubman Gill finally ended a long wait for his first international ton when he reached the triple figure mark off just 82 balls against Zimbabwe in the third ODI in Harare on Monday. The talented opener, who will turn 23 next week, had scored seven 50-plus scores in the 11 Tests and eight ODIs since making his international debut in January, 2019. However, despite reaching the 90s on a couple of occasions the century eluded Gill. But, on Monday, Gill ensured that he gets to raise his bat for the first international ton.