India's batting depth once again came to the fore as an uncapped youngster smashed a 19-ball half-century in the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday. The innings, which included five sixes and four fours, helped India post a mammoth total of 234/4.
Chopra's High Praise
Former India opener Aakash Chopra was effusive in his praise for the 21-year-old from Uttar Pradesh. "To come out and play with such fearlessness on your first international tour is remarkable. He didn't just attack; he dominated the Zimbabwean bowlers from ball one," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
The Innings in Detail
The youngster walked in at No. 4 after the early dismissal of Shubman Gill and took just 19 balls to reach fifty – the fastest by an Indian on debut. He ended with 67 off 28 balls, with the final over of the innings yielding 24 runs.
According to official scorecards, his strike rate of 239.28 is the second-best for an Indian batter against Zimbabwe in T20Is. The knock included a 17-run over off Blessing Muzarabani, where he hit three consecutive sixes.
Impact on the Series
India's total proved too much for Zimbabwe, who were restricted to 162/7 in 20 overs. The win gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Chopra added, "This is what makes Indian cricket so exciting. The bench strength is phenomenal. This young man has announced his arrival in style."
The selectors will now have a pleasant headache with several young batters knocking on the door ahead of the next T20 World Cup.
