Follow UsIndia outclassed Zimbabwe in the third T20I in Harare to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, and Avesh Khan was among those responsible for setting up victory for the side.
Batting first, India set 183 for Zimbabwe to chase and Avesh got the visitors in front right away in the second innings, picking two wickets in his first two overs — with the new ball — to jolt the hosts.
The two strikes got Avesh’s tally in the series to six — the joint-highest among all bowlers. The right-armer, who had a fantastic IPL 2024 and was part of the reserves of T20 World Cup 2024, has impressed big time so far, averaging 13.83 with the ball to grab his opportunity with both hands.
In the aftermath of India’s win in the third T20I, the 27-year-old was full of praise for skipper Shubman Gill.
“Shubman is a bowler's captain. He listens to the bowlers and sticks to the plan,” Avesh said.
In IPL 2024, Avesh found success predominantly bowling in the middle-overs and at the death. But here against Zimbabwe, the 27-year-old has taken four of his six wickets in the powerplay, serving as a disruptor up front.
The versatile right-armer insisted that he does not have any preference when it comes to the phase he bowls in.
“Very happy, have been wanting to improve every match. Just want to perform well for my team in very game. I don't have any preference while bowling. But I just want to bowl with a mindset of taking wickets.”
A pleased Gill, meanwhile, was full of praise for the professional and clinical showing of the entire side.
“Definitely it feels very good, it was a crucial game for us, the way we started with the bat and ball was good. The wicket was a bit double-paced, the odd ball was gripping and it was not easy to hit the length balls, that's what we discussed with our bowlers.
“We know that if there is something in the wicket, it will be more with the new ball, and as the ball gets old it's a bit easier to score. Everyone is contributing and that's a good sign.”
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