Jadhav celebrates after scoring his maiden ODI century
Image courtesy of: NDTV
India batsman Kedar Jadhav scored his maiden ODI century to not only lead his side to a comfortable 83-run win over Zimbabwe in the third ODI in Harare, but also help them complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
Jadhav was well supported by debutant Manish Pandey, who scored a career-high 71.
However, Zimbabwe opener Chamu Chibhabha deserves some credit as he fought bravely with his knock of 82.
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura would have been pleased with his decision to bowl first early on as India were reduced to 82/4 in the 22nd over before Jadhav and Pandey amassed a 144-run stand, during which both batsmen surpassed their half-centuries.
The partnership was eventually brought to an end when Pandey was caught by Sikandar Raza at long-on off the bowling of Chibhabha.
Pandey’s fantastic knock of 71 came off 86 balls and included four boundaries and a six.
Pandey hit four boundaries and a six during his knock of 71
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Jadhav and Stuart Binny ended the innings on a high as they put together an unbeaten 50-run partnership, during which Jadhav registered his first ODI century.
As a result of Jadhav’s career-best knock of 105, which came off 87 deliveries and included 12 boundaries and a six, India finished on 276/5 off their 50 overs.
Neville Madziva was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Chibhabha, Prosper Utseya and Hamilton Masakadza chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 277 to win, Chibhabha was the only Zimbabwe batsman to make a valuable contribution as he scored 82 off 109 balls, which included seven boundaries.
Chibhabha made a gutsy 82
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After Chibhabha, the next highest scorer was Regis Chakabva, who made 27. As a result, it was no surprise when Zimbabwe fell well short of their target.
Binny was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Axar Patel, Harbhajan Singh and Mohit Sharma snapped up two wickets apiece and Murali Vijay claimed one.
Chigumbura was disappointed to have lost, and said: “It is disappointing again, especially with the bat. Other than the first game, we have failed with the bat. It is frustrating and we need to make use of situations and start winning games. We have to play our best cricket and be positive in the T20s.”
India captain Ajinkya Rahane was delighted to have whitewashed Zimbabwe 3-0, and said: “The partnership between Manish and Jadhav was crucial for us. I am very happy for the boys. They were hungry and up for the series. Rayudu got his hundred in the first game, Vijay in the second and Kedar here. The bowlers chipped in as well. Rayudu will be okay and will be back in action. He has been doing well for us and is a crucial member of the team.”
Jadhav was named Man of the Match, and said: “It is a great feeling and I just want to thank my family. Ajinkya and the support staff have been backing me. The wicket was seaming a bit and I took my time to settle.”
India batsman Ambati Rayudu was named Man of the Series.